County set to celebrate Culture Night
Exhibitions, books, dance and music
WITH dozens of free events, Culture Night 2026 returns to Galway County to celebrate the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland.
Events including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, poetry, zine-making, photography and crafts for all ages will be happening throughout the day and late into the evening on Friday, September 18.
Galway County Arts Officer, Sharon O’Grady noted that Culture Night is a chance for people of all ages to experience the creativity happening across Galway County.
“This year’s programme reflects the energy of local artists, communities and cultural organisations, and we are delighted to support a night that is free, welcoming and open to all,” she remarked.
A plethora of events will be taking place in the local communities in North and East Galway. The Tuam Herald has provided an overview of some of these events here, while a full list is available at www.culturenight.ie. • Please check our Local Notes section too.
ATHENRY
Acoustic Originals with Sinead Murphy
This in-person event offers an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beautiful songs written and composed by local musician Sinead Murphy. She has recently released her first single titled ‘Waiting Game’ from her upcoming album ‘Family Friendly’.
Where: West of the River Gallery, H65CH79, from 6pm to 8pm.
Athenry in Colour
This relaxed drop-in art session is inviting participants to creatively reinterpret Athenry’s heritage and historic landmarks through expressive colour and drawing.
Participants will be encouraged to experiment with bold, imaginative colour choices to create their own unique interpretation of local sites such as Athenry Castle, the Abbey etc.
The workshop will be led by artist Tanya McGarry, whose Athenry-inspired artworks will be on display throughout the event.
Participants will also have the opportunity to gain insight into her creative practice as she demonstrates her artistic process and approach to colour, composition, and interpretation.
Where: Athenry Library, from 5pm to 8pm.
Wire Tree Workshop with John Cloonan
The session led by artist John Cloonan of ‘Wire Trees & More’ will offer a unique insight into wire tree sculpture making. Based in the wild hawthorn trees of Connemara, the workshop will teach how to make the sculpture which the participants can take home. No prior experience is required.
Where: West of the River Gallery, Athenry, from 5pm to 7pm.
BALLINASLOE
‘This is Me’ Junk Journaling Workshop
The workshop will showcase how to create unique journal pages using recycled papers, found materials, photographs, words, and personal mementoes. The journals will reflect it’s creators memories, interests, identity and experiences. No artistic experience is required to participate in the session.
An email needs to be sent to ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie to secure your free place.
Where: Ballinasloe Library from 4pm to 5.30pm
Eight Tonnes
An after-dark Culture Night event transforming Ballinasloe Square into a unique celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage.
Inspired by the tradition of tractor parades, the event brings together tractors, artists and performers from various counties for a unique night-time spectacle. Supported by Macra Galway, the event will also be joined by the dancers from In-Step Stage School Ballinasloe, working alongside dancer Linda Schirmer. The event invites the public to see an every day essential like a tractor, through an entirely new artistic lens, blending comedy, music, dance and digital art.
The event is free and family-friendly, and audiences from all walks of life are welcome.
Where: St. Michael’s Square, Ballinasloe, from 9pm to 11pm.
Misleór
Organised in partnership with Ballinasloe Traveller Women’s Group, the Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures will present a vibrant community celebration.
The free, family-friendly outdoor event celebrates Traveller culture through music, storytelling, craft, food and shared cultural experiences creating opportunities for participation, cultural exchange and community connection.
Visitors can explore traditional Traveller life through displays of traditional wagons and a handmade wattle tent, alongside demonstrations of tinsmithing, griddle bread baking, paper flower making and traditional tent-building skills.
Where: Basketball Court, Hymany Park, Ballinasloe, From: 4pm to 7pm
BELCLARE
Evening of Traditional Music
Belclare Comhaltas will host an evening of traditional music and song. Local talents along with some special guest musicians will offer a wonderful evening of entertainment for audiences above 13 years of age.
Where: Canavan’s Pub, Belclare, from 7pm to 10pm
CLAREGALWAY
The dancers of Youth Ballet West bring an enchanting fairytale to life through dance. They transform an ordinary playroom into a world of imagination, wonder and fairy magic.
The story portrays what happens when a group of fairies venture beyond the woods and discover a magical playroom filled with beautiful dolls, cuddly teddy bears and joyful children. How they wait for children to go to sleep and seize their chance to explore, play and create a little mischief.
Where: Claregalway Castle, From 6pm to 8pm.
COROFIN
Corofin Comhaltas will host a celebration in Raftery’s, Corofin, showcasing music and songs with national school children and teens. The session will be followed by an adults’ session with some special guests on the night.
Where: Raftery’s Corofin, from 7pm.
KILCONLY
Art Exhibition
Friends of Kilconly Wetlands host a free exhibition of art which shows the bog from a perspective you may not have seen before. The exhibition titled ‘Through Our Eyes’, is inviting everyone to come along and experience both the bog and the Community Centre in a whole new way.
Where: Squash Court, Kilconly Community Centre, from 7pm to 10pm
Storytelling in Kilconly
The Culture continues on Saturday with an event where master storyteller and musician Aindrias de Staic brings his celebrated storytelling show ‘By the Light of the Silvery Moon’ to Kilconly. The special event will be ticketed at €25 each and tickets can be booked on www.onlinetickets.ie.
Where: Kilconly Community Centre, on Saturday, September 19.
NEWBRIDGE
Newbridge Tidy Towns Committee will host another Rambling House event, featuring music and dancing for all age groups to leave behind their phones and connect with each other.
The event takes you back in time, when young and old people meet beside the fireside for an evening of set dancing, storytelling, music, ukulele playing and song.
Where: Newbridge Social Centre, from: 8pm to 11.30pm
SKEHANA
The Skehana and District Heritage Group will play tribute to two local men who had a lasting impact on the local area. The event will offer an insight into the legacy of Tom Costello and playwright Fr. Pat O’Brien.
Tom Costello was a former publican of Cotello's Pub in Skehana and the first president of the Skehana and District Heritage Group, who died in March of this year.
Fr Pat O’Brien was an important part of the community in Skehana during his time as parish priest. A native of Mayo, he also served in Tuam and Caherlistrane amongst other places.
Local author Mary J. Murphy will launch a book she has written on Fr Pat O’Brien. The book titled ‘Patrick O’Brien – Pastor, Pet, Pilgrim’ focuses on several aspects of Far Pat’s life, while centred around his love for arts and culture. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Hope House Treatment Centre in Foxford.
Carmel Dempsey and Mike Stewart will entertain patrons on the night, while local musicians will also perform on the night.
Where: Skehana Community Centre, from 8pm to 10.30pm.
TUAM
Make your own Zine
Hosted by Jennifer Cunnigham, the workshop introduces you to zines, the little self-published booklets.
The workshop introduces the basics of zine making, exploring different types of zines and self-published works.Participants will learn to make their own eight page folded zine, bringing their own idea to life.
Each participant will go away with their own zine, a how-to fold worksheet and hopefully a new love for zine making. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring old books/ newspapers/photocopies or other material that you may want to collage.
Pre-booking is required and can be made by sending an email to tuam@galwaylibrary.ie.
Where: Tuam Library, from 4pm to 5.30pm
Songs & Seasons with Wild Atlantic Strings
The event offers a performance by Wild Atlantic Strings who will perform a mix of classical music and folk favourites for the audiences.
The programme also includes highlights from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. It is designed to be relaxed and family friendly, suitable for people of all ages.
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral, from 6pm to 7pm
Tiny Mutiny
Young artists from Tuam will partner with artists from Netherlands to put together an amazing performance.
The production champions young people as artists in their own right, providing them a stage and screen to celebrate their creative talents.
Visitors can expect amazing art, performances, screenings, and plenty of chances to ask questions.
Free tickets for the event can be purchased at www.eventbrite.ie
Where: The Mall Tuam, H54Y773, from 6pm to 8pm