If County Galway is your destination of choice in 2010, then take out your diary and note some of the leading festivals and events taking place. We pick some of the top events, which you really should not miss. Galway Arts Festival, The International Rally, Tedfest… you really will be spoiled for choice.
Safety Direct Galway International Rally 2010; 05 Feb-07 Feb (provisional)
Billed to be as successful as the 2009 event, the Galway International Rally 2010 will feature some of Irish motor sport’s leading personalities. Also attracting entrants from as far as Gambia and USA, the event is one of the most popular in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. As with last year, the event is expected to be based at Galway’s Clayton Hotel. Please check the Galway International Rally website for more information and confirmation of dates. Anther useful resource for information is the Galway motor club website.
Tedfest (Friends of Father Ted Festival)2010 25-28 Feb / 4-7 Mar
This annual festival which brings together fans of the comedy TV series takes place in Galway City and on two of the Aran islands, Inis Mór and Inis Oirr. Highlights of the festival include Lovely Girls Competition, Breakfast Without Dermot Morgan and much more
· Inis Mór - Thursday, 25th February to Sunday, 28th February
· Galway City - Monday, 1st March to Wednesday, 3rd March
· Inis Oirr - Thursday, 4th March to Sunday, 7th March
Check out boat times to the Aran Islands and for further details on the festival, please consult http://www.roisindubh.net
Cúirt International Festival of Literature 20-25 Apr
The 25th Cúirt Festival will take place in Galway from 20-25th April 2010. The 2009 festival achieved record attendances and received great reviews from writers and lovers of literature alike. Featuring a wide range of Irish and international writers , the festival has also attracted well known guests such as J.M Coetzee, Seamus Heaney, Van Morrison and Germaine Greer. The event features readings, book signings, workshops and much more.
Galway Early Music Festival 28th May-30th May
The Galway Early Music Festival features medieval, renaissance and baroque music and dance. Visitors are treated to concerts by Irish and international musicians with many street performances by costume-clad artists. You will marvel at the concerts which feature many historical instruments. Come to Galway and experience this unique event, sure to stir your senses.
Galway Film Fleadh 2010 6th Jul-11thJul
The 22nd Galway Film Fleadh takes place from the 6-11th Jul 2010. A six day event, the festival invites filmmakers, directors and producers from all over the world to display their work. The festival is also a magnet for budding filmmakers and students of film and has attracted well known names in the field of acting and directing including Sir Richard Attenborough, Neil Jordan, Peter O Toole and Jeremy Irons.
Galway Arts Festival 12-25 July
The Galway Arts Festival is well known across the globe as one of the leading events in the cultural calendar. Many artists, writers, musicians and performers flock to Galway for an event that attracts over 100,000 people. For more information and confirmation of date, please consult the website.
Galway Races Summer Festival 26th Jul- 1st Aug
Over 150,000 people attended last year’s festival and 2010 should prove to be an even bigger success. Starting on the last Monday of July each year, the festival runs for a consecutive seven days. Known for its party atmosphere, the festival attracts punters from all corners of the globe with many celebrities from the world of business and entertainment amongst the revellers. Highlights of the festival include Ladies Day and Family Day which includes the popular Mad Hatters competition.
IF you are visiting Galway and would like to reserve some accommodation, please check out our discount hotels Galway page for low rates.
