Events and festivals pepper every month of the year in the West and many of them are free of charge. They focus on everything from kids to over 55’s, from traditional music, contemporary music, dance and literature. Whatever your interest is, there’s a festival to match.

Internationally famous festivals include the Galway Arts Festival which celebrated its 30th festival in 2008, the Earagail Arts Festival which celebrated its 21st festival in 2009 and the Boyle Arts Festival which had been successfully staged for the past 20 years.  Top creative theatres including Druid, Arcana and Macnas. 

8 of the 20 finalists in Hot Press’s 2009 IMRO Live Music Venue reader’s choice shortlist are in the West.  The shortlisted venues are

• Campbell’s Tavern, Headford
• Crane Bar, Galway
• Roisin Dubh, Galway
• Royal Theatre & Event Centre, Castlebar
• Town Hall Theatre, Galway
• Balor Arts Centre; Ballybofey
• An Grianan, Letterkenny
• McGrory’s, Culduff

The West has been a magnet for artists of all types for many years, creative people are drawn by the amazing clarity of light, and the welcoming environment which fosters inspiration. The West offers a lifestyle that creative people crave, combined with the advantages their businesses need.

The creative sector is a major economic contributor to the economy of the Western Region as there are almost 5,000 creative businesses operating there.  Many of them are small businesses and others are internationally renowned such as the Druid Theatre from Galway, to the cluster of audio-visual companies that has emerged in Connemara to a wealth of writers, musicians and playwrights.

2009 was a highlight for Galway and the Western Region when Galway played host to the Volvo Ocean Race, and stages a two-week festival which attracted over 650,000 people to Galway to enjoy air shows, concerts, art trails, photo competitions competitions and the warmth, fun and hospitality of the West of Ireland.

The Association of Irish Festival Events (AOIFE) lists upcoming events and festivals.