With the Galway Arts Festival, the most popular holiday in destination in Ireland lays claim to the country’s biggest annual arts festival. Now 34 years old, the festival has established an impressive reputation with artists and companies worldwide in the fields of theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature, and comedy. Galway Arts Festival 2012 will take place from July 16th to 29th and feature more than 500 writers, artists, and performers, staging some incredible projects. Look forward to a world premiere of new Irish theatre, site-specific visual arts commissions, and the launch of the Festival Big Top by the banks of Galway’s magical River Corrib.
Theatre may be the standout in this year’s festival, with distinguished American stage actor John Mahoney starring in Bruce Graham’s The Outgoing Tide, the English all-male Shakespearean company Propeller returning with performances of Henry V and The Winter’s Tale, and the world premiere of Toasted Heretic front-man Julian Gough’s new comedy play, The Great Goat Bubble.
The Big Top will play host to Christy Moore’s only Galway gig this year, as well as performances by New York disco pioneers Chic, Irish favourites The Coronas, and singer-songwriters James Vincent McMorrow and Lisa Hannigan. Irish music lovers can look forward to Trad Lunchtimes in Kelly’s and Monroe’s. Highlights for country, roots, and folk fans include Grammy winner Dave Alvin and singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters, while classical enthusiasts will appreciate the Brodsky Quartet’s performance in St. Augustin’s and a concert of Bach, Mozart, and Schubert in Tuam Cathedral.
In the area of visual arts, “Precious Light” is an exhibition by Turner-nominated artist David Mach inspired by the King James Bible. The Galway City Museum will also show work by leading 20th-century artist George Grosz. Summer laughs are provided by the likes of Terry Alderton, Reginald D Hunter, and Jason Byrne
And you couldn’t have a Galway festival without Macnas: Their night parade is titled This Thunderous Heart. Fabulous beasts and theatrical creations will take to the streets of Galway during the festival, so be sure to bring the kids.
Book your Galway accommodation through GoIreland this July and ensure that your accommodation reaches the same high standard as the entertainment. Our range of hotels in Galway city will ensure you are ready for whatever spectacle the Galway Arts Festival has in store.
