Galway has been named fourth-best city in the world to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet. The Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture festival is just one of the reasons helping to make Galway extra special this year. This event takes place across the city and county throughout the year and is the largest cultural event held on the island of Ireland. With events planned across the City & County, Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture is a great reason to come and visit this beautiful part of the world.
There are so many wonderful events planned throughout the county this year we have listed a number of our highlights, but a full list of events is available on the Galway 2020 website:
- Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture Opening Ceremony
Celebrations will begin in towns and villages across the county of Galway.
Dates: 1st - 8th February 2020
Location: Galway City and County
Following a ceremonial turf cutting on the 1st of February to mark St Brigid’s Day, the Fire Tour Ceremony will travel across the county.
Galway 2020 Fire Tour:
An Spidéal - 3rd February
Tuam - 4th February
Ballinasloe - 5th February
Portumna - 6th February
Athenry - 7th February
Galway’s Opening Ceremony as European Capital of Culture 2020 will be a unique celebration of this place, its traditions as well as its future.
By Kari Kola Commissioned by Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture
Date: 14 - 17 March
Location: Galway County
Venue: Lough na Fooey, Connemara
The mountainous landscape of Lough na Fooey will be illuminated as an epic spectacle by Finnish light artist Kari Kola.
Ballynahinhch Castle Hotel in association with Music for Galway and Galway 2020 welcome artist Adrian Mantu on the cello as he preforms ‘Dances, songs & poems’ a 45 minute concert including JS BAch, Philip Glass, Hamza El Din & Giovanni Sollima.
Date: Tuesday 28th April 2020
Location: Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway
Venue: Ballynahinch Castle
Time: 2.00pm
By John Gerrard
Date: Straw Work April – July / Leaf Work September – October
Location: Claddagh Quay, Galway City /
Derrigimlagh Bog, Connemara, Galway County
John Gerrard’s works – Straw Work and Leaf Work – will be located outdoors in Galway City and Connemara on major LED walls set within a large stunning Mirror Pavilion which will reflect the environment around it.
Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture is just one of the reasons to visit Galway this year, come and see why Galway is in the top 5 of Lonely Planet's best places to visit in the world in 2020.
Full list of events available on the Galway 2020 website here: