Ye Vagabonds & Mario Rosenstock hit Galway

This week in Galway, Town Hall Theatre is earning its keep with Imelda May on Thursday, the Luke Kelly Story on Saturday, and a flamenco production on Sunday. Over at the Black Box, Ye Vagabonds kick off a strong run of Music for Galway events, while Connacht Rugby host Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground on Saturday. Whether you're looking for live music in Galway city, cultural events across the county, or a Sunday afternoon of traditional sessions, there's a full week of it here. This is your guide to what's on in Galway this week.

Here's what's in store:

⚫️ Imelda May, Ye Vagabonds & The Dubliner - The Luke Kelly Story

⚫️ Connacht vs Glasgow Warriors, Galway United & indoor artisan markets

⚫️ Trad sessions, swing dancing, and a comedy grand final at The Kings Head

Let's dive in 👇

Imelda May - Raised on Songs & Stories Thursday, 26 February Town Hall Theatre, Galway

An intimate evening with one of Ireland's most distinctive voices - stripped-back versions of her songs woven through with poetry and storytelling. Imelda May live in a theatre is something else entirely; the intimacy of the format suits her better than any arena setting. If you can still get a ticket, go. Book tickets

Ye Vagabonds Friday, 27 February, 20:30 Black Box Theatre, Galway

Two-time RTÉ Folk Award winners Bríd and Diarmuid Murphy bring their hushed, beautifully crafted sound to the Black Box as part of Music for Galway's "Breath" season. The kind of concert that asks you to pay attention - and rewards every second of it. Book tickets

The Dubliner - The Luke Kelly Story Saturday, 28 February, 20:00 Town Hall Theatre, Galway

A stage celebration of Luke Kelly - the voice, the songs, the uncompromising spirit of one of Dublin's most beloved folk artists. If you grew up with "Raglan Road" or "On Raglan Road" in the house, this one's going to land. Book tickets

When Ireland Rocked Friday, 27 February Monroe's Live, Galway

A night at Monroe's celebrating the music that rocked Ireland - the songs, the bands, the era. More info

Rated R - A Tribute to Queens of the Stone Age Thursday, 26 February Sally Longs, Galway

Ireland's only QOTSA tribute band brings the high desert riffs and heavy grooves of Queens of the Stone Age to Sally Longs. For anyone who's been waiting for a room full of people who feel exactly the same way about "No One Knows." More info

MDR Thursday, 26 February Róisín Dubh, Galway

Cork indie/alternative act MDR make the trip north to Róisín Dubh on Thursday - a tight band with a sound that suits this room perfectly. More info

Open Deck Night Thursday, 26 February Róisín Dubh, Galway

Local DJ talent takes the decks at Róisín Dubh on Thursday - an open format that often turns up something worth staying late for. More info

K-POP Forever! Thursday, 26 February Leisureland, Salthill, Galway

Live K-Pop performances featuring hits from Blackpink, BTS, and the wider K-Pop universe at Leisureland in Salthill. An afternoon/evening show that works for younger audiences too. More info

A Vintage Gig - Swing Band & Dancing Friday, 27 February Club De Burgos, Augustine Court, Galway

A speakeasy-style evening with feel-good jazz and swing, plus free beginner swing dancing taster classes at the start of the night. Bring someone who'll dance with you - or come alone and find someone who will. More info

John Colleary: Wildlife Friday, 27 February Róisín Dubh, Galway

Comedian John Colleary brings his show "Wildlife" to Róisín Dubh - sharp observational comedy from a performer who's been quietly building a loyal audience. More info

Weekend Lineup at The Quays Friday-Saturday, 27-28 February The Quays, Galway

The Quays has a weekend lineup of local bands and live music across both nights - the reliable heartbeat of Quay Street. More info

Paddy Casey Saturday, 28 February Monroe's Live, Galway

Paddy Casey brings his soulful, intelligent songwriting to Monroe's on Saturday - a singer-songwriter who's quietly one of the most consistent live performers in Irish music. Book tickets

Ria Rua - SCAPEGOAT Tour Saturday, 28 February Róisín Dubh, Galway

Ria Rua plays the Róisín Dubh on her SCAPEGOAT tour - a compelling Irish artist in a room that suits explosive live performances. Book tickets

National Symphony Orchestra Ireland Saturday, 28 February Leisureland, Salthill, Galway

The NSO brings a programme celebrating adventure to Leisureland - featuring Dvořák's New World Symphony among other works. An orchestra in Salthill is always a memorable occasion, and Leisureland handles the scale well. More info

Peaceline Perspectives: Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble Saturday, 28 February, 15:00 Galway Community College

Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble presents contemporary classical works by Irish composers as part of Music for Galway's "Breath" season - themes of peace and division explored through music. €12, under 18s free. More info

Lunchtime with ConTempo Tuesday, 3 March, 13:10 St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Galway

ConTempo Quartet presents a lunchtime concert at St Nicholas' Church featuring a world premiere by composer Judith Ring. The most civilised 50 minutes you'll spend this week. More info

Songwriters Open Mic Tuesday, 3 March Monroe's Live, Galway

An open mic for songwriters at Monroe's - original material welcome, supportive crowd guaranteed. More info

Salthouse Jam Sessions Every Wednesday, 20:00 Salthouse, Galway

The jam sessions are back in full swing at the Salthouse every Wednesday at 8pm. One free pint for each performer - an incentive that tends to bring out the good ones. More info

Wigmore Soloists Friday, 6 March St Joseph's Church, Presentation Road, Galway

The Wigmore Soloists - clarinet and strings - bring an evening of classical chamber music to St Joseph's Church. Part of Music for Galway's ongoing programme of intimate, high-quality concerts. More info

Galway Trad Sessions Various nights and venues

Galway's traditional music session scene runs throughout the week across the city. Regular sessions include: Taaffes Bar (Monday 5:30pm, advanced), Tíg Chóilí (Monday 6pm, advanced), Galway Slow Trad Sessions in The Office Bar (Monday 7pm, beginners/intermediate). The full weekly listing of Galway trad sessions is available at the Session City Galway resource. More info

Division - Debut Night Thursday, 26 February The Cellar, Galway

Division make their debut at The Cellar - high-energy electronic music in an intimate setting. A debut night always has something a headline show doesn't. More info

Corofin Traditional Music Festival Wednesday, 25 February Corofin, Co. Clare

Just over the county border, the Corofin Trad Festival is on this week - sessions in the pubs and nightly concerts at Teach Ceoil. Worth the short drive from Galway if you're serious about your trad. More info

Hidden Gems Wines Event Wednesday, 25 February Sheridans Wine Bar, Galway

Sheridans Cheesemongers and Wine Bar hosts a Hidden Gems tasting event - unusual, well-chosen bottles from producers who don't tend to make it onto mainstream lists. The kind of evening that ruins supermarket wine shopping for you permanently. More info

Pop-Up Food & Craft Fair - Seachtain na Gaeilge & Local Enterprise Week Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 March Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway

A pop-up food and craft fair at Galway County Council's offices on Prospect Hill, running across three days to coincide with Seachtain na Gaeilge and Local Enterprise Week. Local producers, crafts, and the general buzz of a well-organised pop-up. More info

TMNT Pre-Release at Dungeons and Donuts Friday, 27 February Dungeons and Donuts, 21 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pre-release event at Dungeons and Donuts - tabletop gaming, nostalgia, and donuts. A solid Friday afternoon or evening for kids (and the adults who never stopped loving the Turtles). More info

Family Fun Bingo Sunday, 1 March Loughrea Hotel & Spa, Galway Road, Loughrea

Family bingo at the Loughrea Hotel - games, prizes, and the particular chaos of bingo with small children involved. More info

Family and Kids Photo Sessions Sunday, 1 March Loughrea Hotel & Spa, Galway Road, Loughrea

Spring/summer mini photo sessions for families and kids at Loughrea Hotel - booking required. More info

Connacht Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors Saturday, 28 February The Sportsground, Galway City

Connacht host Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship at the Sportsground - always a proper occasion in Galway, and Glasgow are genuinely good opposition this season. More info

Galway United vs Sligo Rovers Friday, 27 February Eamonn Deacy Park, Terryland, Galway

A Connacht derby in the League of Ireland Premier Division - Galway United vs Sligo Rovers at Terryland is the kind of Friday night fixture that draws a crowd with genuine edge to it. More info

Galway Indoor Artisan Market Saturday, 28 February Electric Galway, 36 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway

The monthly indoor artisan market at Electric Galway - vintage, retro, and handmade goods from local makers. A good Saturday morning browse. More info

Pop Up Shop - Tuam Stars GAA Saturday, 28 February Tuam Stars GAA, Galway

A fundraiser pop-up shop with all proceeds going to Tuam Cancer Care - worth stopping by if you're in that part of the county. More info

Repair Café Saturday, 28 February Galway City Museum

Bring your broken clothing and textiles to the Repair Café at Galway City Museum - learn the skills, meet the community, leave with something fixed. Booking essential. More info

Discover Your Afterglow with NARS - Makeup Masterclass Wednesday, 25 February Grace's at The Skeff, Galway

A NARS makeup masterclass at Grace's in The Skeff - technique, product knowledge, and the kind of hands-on session that's actually worth going to. More info

Eurovision - Moycullen Musical Society Friday, 27 February Town Hall Theatre, Galway

Moycullen Musical Society presents an electrifying show featuring classic and modern Eurovision hits - the sequins, the drama, the songs you've been humming for years. Book tickets

Little Shop of Horrors Tuesday 24 to Wednesday 25 February Town Hall Theatre, Galway / Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway

Transition Year students present the darkly funny musical about a florist, a man-eating plant, and a city in trouble. Little Shop of Horrors is one of those shows that works at every level - funny, strange, and genuinely musical. Tuesday's performance is at Town Hall Theatre; a separate production runs at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Claregalway. More info

Guru It! by Bernard Field Wednesday, 25 February Town Hall Studio, Galway

Bernard Field's comedy show at Town Hall Studio - a night of laughs in the more intimate studio space. More info

One Acts Festival Thursday, 26 February Town Hall Studio, Galway

A series of original one-act plays by emerging Irish writers - a useful snapshot of where new Irish writing is right now, and the format keeps everything moving. More info

East Asia Film Festival: Center Stage - Director's Cut Thursday, 26 February Eye Cinema, Galway

The Irish premiere of the director's cut of Center Stage - a biopic of silent film star Ruan Lingyu, presented as part of the East Asia Film Festival. A rare chance to see this restored version on the big screen. More info

Moments Alone - ABLAZE Theatre Company Saturday, 28 February Town Hall Studio, Galway

MFEST presents ABLAZE Theatre Company's "Moments Alone" - a tragicomic portrayal of chronic pain and the frustrations of living with a healthcare system that doesn't always see you. Thoughtful, honest, and exactly the kind of work that makes studio theatre valuable. More info

Group Show from the National Collection of IMMA From Saturday, 28 February 47 Dominick Street, Galway

A curated group show drawn from the National Collection of IMMA, hosted at 47 Dominick Street - bringing nationally significant contemporary art into a Galway community space. More info

Daniel Martinez: Andalucia Sunday, 1 March, 20:00 Black Box Theatre / Town Hall Theatre, Galway

A stunning production blending classical music and the fire and precision of flamenco, accompanied by chamber orchestra. Daniel Martinez's Andalucia is the kind of performance that makes you understand what flamenco actually is - not just the footwork, but the philosophy. Book tickets

Rosie O'Donnell - Common Knowledge Sunday, 1 March Town Hall Theatre, Galway

Rosie O'Donnell's first stand-up show in nearly a decade arrives at the Town Hall - personal stories, sharp observations, and the kind of comeback show that reminds you why you missed her. Book tickets

GFS: Palestine 36 Sunday, 1 March Nuns Island Theatre, Galway

A Galway Film Society screening at Nuns Island Theatre - a film exploring the Palestinian narrative as part of the GFS Spring 2026 season. More info

Lunchtime Lecture: Solar Observations at Brú na Bóinne Thursday, 26 February Galway City Museum

A free lunchtime lecture exploring passage tomb alignment, art, and architecture at Brú na Bóinne - the kind of topic that sounds specialist and turns out to be completely absorbing. More info

Illustrated Talk: Old Galway in Photographs Tuesday, 3 March Westside Resource Centre, Galway

A photographic history of Galway from the late 19th and early 20th centuries - images of the city before the city you know, which always has a way of making you see both versions differently. More info

Mary Costello in Conversation with Sarah Kenny Tuesday, 3 March Kenny's Bookshop, Galway

Bestselling author Mary Costello discusses her new book "A Beautiful Loan" with Sarah Kenny at Kenny's - one of Ireland's great independent bookshops and a natural home for this kind of evening. More info

Lecture: Community Stewardship and Place-Based Learning Thursday, 5 March Galway City Museum

A lecture at Galway City Museum exploring community stewardship through a case study from the Burren - the intersection of ecology, culture, and community ownership of place. More info

Bressie in Conversation with Edel Coffey Thursday, 5 March Kenny's Bookshop, Galway

Musician, author, and mental health advocate Bressie joins Edel Coffey at Kenny's to discuss his new book - an evening of music, conversation, and the kind of honesty Bressie brings to everything he does. More info

Puipéadóireacht Thursday, 5 March An Taibhdhearc, Galway

A programme at An Taibhdhearc - Ireland's national Irish language theatre - on Thursday evening. More info

An Audience with Steven Gerrard Thursday, 5 March Leisureland, Salthill, Galway

Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard takes questions and shares stories from his career - including the Champions League triumph - in an audience format at Leisureland. For the football obsessives in your life. More info

Show Me The Funny - Grand Final Monday, 2 March, 19:30 The Kings Head, Galway

The grand final of Galway's comedy competition at The Kings Head - €5 gets you a ticket and a pint, which is one of the better value propositions in Irish entertainment right now. The competitive format always lifts the performances. More info

Imelda May - Raised on Songs & Stories (2nd date) Thursday, 26 February Town Hall Theatre, Galway

WAW Festival Galway Friday, 27 February Carroll's on Dominick Street, Galway

A festival bridging the sober and drinking communities - free entrance, and rewards for those attending sober. An unusual and thoughtful concept that Carroll's is bringing to Dominick Street. More info

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