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MAC Galway - Art & Entertainment
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It's very hard to avoid being entertained in Galway. Even popping into the pub for a quiet pint may find you inadvertently tapping your feet at an impromptu traditional music session. Galway's deserved reputation as a magnet for the arts has resulted in a culturally rich atmosphere fielding a wide range of creative expression. Every facet of the arts is represented in Galway, from painting and photography exhibitions to internationally acclaimed theatre to a vibrant and varied music scene. A considerable percentage of the population work in the arts in some capacity, resulting in a dynamic cultural environment. Although the amount of events on offer reaches a peak in the summertime, the winter months also yield a wealth of performances, gigs and exhibitions.

Festivals

The Cuirt Literary Festival kicks off the festival season in April. Cuirt delivers a week of literary happenings, featuring a range of Irish and international writers giving lectures or reading from their work. Assorted debates and a multitude of book launches are also on offer over the seven days, with discussions often continuing into the wee hours. The Galway Arts Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh both take place in July, when the festival season is in full swing and culture vultures from all over flood into the city. The Galway Arts Festival is the biggest arts festival in Ireland, and features an eclectic programme of theatre events over the space of two weeks, including Macnas's celebrated nighttime parade. The Festival also incorporates open air music gigs, which have included the Beastie Boys and David Gray in past summers. The Galway Film Fleadh boasts an impressive range of new Irish and international cinema screened over six days, as well as a series of workshops and masterclasses for aspiring filmmakers. Booking well in advance for all events is highly recommended, as seasoned Galway residents shrewdly snap up tickets early.

Theatre

The winter months in Galway sees a very slight abatement in cultural production as well as a welcome respite from the crowds of the summer events. Galway has three theatre spaces in the City Centre and more venues dotted around its periphery, all of which host productions throughout the year. The Town Hall Theatre hosts larger productions, from drama to musicals to opera, and also showcases festival events. An Taibhdhearc theatre presents both English and Irish language plays and the intimate space of the Druid theatre hosts a range of impressive drama. Myriad theatre companies have made Galway their home, including Druid and Macnas, whose productions are internationally praised. Druid won a prestigious Tony award two years ago in New York for their production of Martin McDonagh's "The Beauty Queen of Leenane".

Music

Galway is also home to some of the finest traditional music (and musicians) in the country. "Trad", as it's called locally, can be heard in various pubs around the city, but the best for live seisúns are the Crane on Sea Road and the Lisheen on Mainguard Street. Again, these sessions can be better in the winter, when the fires are lit and the tourist hordes are gone. The Roisin Dubh, five minutes from the Crane on Dominick Street, is one of the best music venues in Ireland, hosting an eclectic mixture of bands and solo singer/songwriters. Everyone from the Handsome Family to The The to the Frames has played at this canalside venue.

Arts & Comedy

Other evening alternatives include the Film Season at the Town Hall Theatre, which screens international arthouse and independent cinema on Sunday nights. The Season runs from October to April, and yet again advance booking is strongly recommended. The Comedy Club at the Drum on Sunday nights offers the best comedy standups in town. MCs change regularly, but local legend Tommy Tiernan at the mic usually indicates a good night ahead. If you prefer your arts in the form of quiet contemplation, both the newly refurbished Galway Arts Centre on Dominick Street and Kenny's Gallery on Middle Street feature exhibitions of painting, photography and sculpture. These incorporate Irish and international artists and change regularly.







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City Centre


Galway
Ireland
The city centre is that of a small, coastal town with roots in the 13th century. The streets are narrow, and buildings cluster cosily together. In this area of the city, many of the buildings and architectural artefacts testify to Galway's long history. The focal point is John F. Kennedy Park, or as the locals still call it, Eyre Square. Re-named in the 1970s, JFK Park is a picture-postcard scene of greenery and trees, which contrasts with the narrow streets at its corners. Home to the old city gates and its defending cannon, the vista gives a glimpse into the Galway's less-than-peaceful past. One of the more placid residents is the statue of the renowned writer and carouser Padraig O Conaire, but it is also home to a more modern sculpture, the 'Galway Hooker', which despite its suggestive name, is none other than a type of fishing boat used in the waters around Galway Bay for over 100 years.

Review © 2007, Wcities
City Centre photo by Stacy LinDell
Photo: Stacy LinDell
City Centre photo by Alexandre Passant
Photo: Alexandre Passant
City Centre photo by Alberto Botton
Photo: Alberto Botton
City Centre photo by Nancy Johnson
Photo: Nancy Johnson
City Centre photo by Gemma O'Connor
Photo: Gemma O'Connor
City Centre photo by Courtney R. Davis
Photo: Courtney R. Davis
City Centre photo by steven79
Photo: steven79
City Centre photo by liloview
Photo: liloview
 

 
Crane


Irish traditional music by talented locals
2 Sea Road
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 58 7419
The Crane is one of Galway's leading venues for traditional Irish music; many well known Irish bands and singers have played here. On a summer's evening the sound of live music carries down the street and visitors and locals alike enjoy the atmosphere. However, parking near the premises is a bit of an ordeal. Consequently, it's usually better to park at a distance or walk.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Crane photo by Ross Martens
Photo: Ross Martens
Crane photo by Liyamu
Photo: Liyamu
Crane photo by Matt Van Brink
Photo: Matt Van Brink
Crane photo by Ryan McCabe
Photo: Ryan McCabe
Crane photo by Denis Mullane Sydney
Photo: Denis Mullane Sydney
Crane photo by Mary Longstreth
Photo: Mary Longstreth
 

 
Cuirt International Festival of Literature


Featuring Irish and international writers
47 Dominick Street
Galway Arts Centre
Galway
Ireland
+353 (0)91 56 5886
http://www.galwayartscentre.ie...
This significant literary festival incorporates a wide range of Irish and international writers, poets and artists, who converge on Galway for six days of readings and discussion. The festival also features writing workshops and the Irish Times debate. Many events at this popular festival will sell out quickly, and booking in advance is recommended. The Festival Club at the Brennan's Yard Hotel always provides a lively atmosphere in the evenings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Galway Arts Centre Gallery


Gallery hosting Irish and international exhibitions
47 Dominick Street
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 56 5886
http://www.galwayartscentre.ie
Two spacious rooms located in the Galway Arts Centre provide space for several major exhibitions throughout the year. Past exhibitions have featured work by Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Jack B. Yeats, Rembrandt, Renoir and Robert Doisneau, amongst others. The gallery is also committed to showing the work of both young and established Irish artists. Details of current exhibitions can be obtained from the Galway Arts Centre, or by checking local listings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Galway Arts Centre Gallery photo by Paula Henihan
Photo: Paula Henihan
Galway Arts Centre Gallery photo by heidi.ruesswick
Photo: heidi.ruesswick
 

 
Galway Arts Festival


Prestigious festival with eclectic entertainment
Dyke Road
Black Box Theatre
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 50 9700 / +353 91 56 6577 (Box Office)
http://www.galwayartsfestival....
The Galway Arts Festival is the largest and most diverse arts festival in Ireland, running every summer for two weeks in July. Highlights each year include an extensive theatere program and a colourful night-time parade which lights up the streets. The Festival features major Irish and international theater events, as well as an eclectic mixture of visual art, music, comedy and dance. Shows generally run daily from 11a until the early hours of the morning. Booking events early is highly recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Galway Arts Festival photo by feilimb
Photo: feilimb
Galway Arts Festival photo by Mr Marc
Photo: Mr Marc
Galway Arts Festival photo by John Warde
Photo: John Warde
Galway Arts Festival photo by Donal Boyle
Photo: Donal Boyle
Galway Arts Festival photo by Adam Fitzsimons
Photo: Adam Fitzsimons
Galway Arts Festival photo by Christian Andersen
Photo: Christian Andersen
Galway Arts Festival photo by Rebecca Gamsby
Photo: Rebecca Gamsby
Galway Arts Festival photo by David M Smith
Photo: David M Smith
Galway Arts Festival photo by sk weatherford
Photo: sk weatherford
Galway Arts Festival photo by Amy Hill23
Photo: Amy Hill23
Galway Arts Festival photo by Jorge Macias
Photo: Jorge Macias
Galway Arts Festival photo by caroline butler
Photo: caroline butler
Galway Arts Festival photo by John McDermott
Photo: John McDermott
Galway Arts Festival photo by Helena Conlon
Photo: Helena Conlon
 

 
Kennys Art Gallery


Airy space featuring contemporary Irish art
High St
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 53 4760
http://www.kennys.ie
Kennys Art Gallery, located at the back of the bookshop of the same name, hosts about fifteen exhibitions each year. Their focus is on contemporary Irish art, although they also exhibit the work of 19th and early 29th century artists. Kennys is probably the most prominent gallery in Galway and its bright, airy space forms an ideal background for both paintings and sculpture.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kennys Art Gallery photo by kennysbookshop
Photo: kennysbookshop
 

 
Lisheen


Cozy pub with impromptu music sessions
Bridge Street
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 563804
The Lisheen is a comfortable pub which exudes warmth. The snug's wood-panelled interior provides a great atmosphere for the sinking of a really good pint. Traditional musicians have been known to start spontaneous sessions at the weekends. It encouraged a younger crowd with a series of gigs from emerging rock musicians. Good bar food is served in the bar and in the adjoining cafe, every day.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Róisin Dubh's


The best live music venue in Galway
8 Lower Dominick Street
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 58 6540
http://www.roisindubh.net/
The Roisin Dubh is internationally renowned as a live music venue.The Frames, the Handsome Family and The have all played acoustic sets here, as have various emerging singer/songwriters. The venue is intimate and atmospheric with good acoustics, and people crowd cozily into the wooden tables and booths. The outer bar is cosy and warm, ideal on a wet winter night. A fire usually blazes just inside the door, and the barstaff are quirky but usually friendly.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Róisin Dubh's photo by radiofc
Photo: radiofc
Róisin Dubh's photo by Chris Haines
Photo: Chris Haines
 

 
Town Hall Theatre


Galway's leading theatre venue
Courthouse Square
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 56 9777
http://homepage.eircom.net/~tht
The recently refurbished Town Hall Theatre stands across from the Galway courthouse.Once the old Town Hall cinema, it is now an elegant but welcoming building with a plush, comfortable interior.The theatre hosts an extensive range of events, including amateur and professional theatrical productions, film screenings, concerts and opera. In the summertime, the venue houses the Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway Arts Festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Town Hall Theatre photo by Jenny Miller
Photo: Jenny Miller
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Galway - Art & Entertainment"
Galway
Galway - Historical Background
Galway - Neighborhood Guide
Galway - Where to Stay
Galway - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
Killarney (137 miles)
Cork (157 miles)
Dublin (181 miles)
Belfast (254 miles)
Liverpool (404 miles)
Glasgow (409 miles)
Cardiff (441 miles)
Manchester (452 miles)
Plymouth (466 miles)
Edinburgh (481 miles)

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