Vodafone Comedy Carnival is back in Galway this year takes place every year in October. Some of the best acts from Ireland, UK and the United States last year performed in Galway for a week of laughs to remember. Big names such as Al Porter, Patton Oswalt and Reginald D Hunter, all performed spectacularly well last year! Acts are hosted in the Black Box Theatre and Town Hall Theatre as well as the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent which will be set up in Eyre Square.

This bejewelled spectacular venue is the iconic centre of the event and really lends a carnival atmosphere. The full line up of acts performing throughout the week will be available from August so make sure to keep an eye on their website in the run-up to the carnival. Tickets for this tend to go quickly so visit the website to grab yours in time!

The Galway Races is the sparkling highlight of the social and sporting calendar here in Galway The races are taking place at Ballybrit Racecourse, just 10 minutes from Maldron Hotel Oranmore Galway, making us the ideal location to stay on your next trip to the races. Three times a year racing fans from all over Ireland and abroad visit to be a part of the extraordinary occasion. Racing takes place across 7 days in July and August, September and October Bank Holiday weekend.

We take the Halloween season very seriously here in Galway! There is a whole festival dedicated to the spookiest time of the year, the Galway Abooo Halloween Festival.

There’s a whole host of different events organised for the whole family. Here’s just a few examples of what to expect:

Macnas Halloween Parade

Macnas, the world famous street theatre group, will be celebrating the Halloween season in style with a spectacular parade through the streets of Galway. This promises to be a feast for the eyes going by previous years! From witches to giants, goblins and ghouls, it’s difficult to say what this year’s parade will feature. The theme of the parade will be announced shortly.

Carnevil

The Connacht Tribune printing press on Market Street will be the home of the spookiest scare factory in the west for the few weeks leading up to Halloween night. If you feel up to it, head over to Market Street to prove your bravery!

Galway Ghost Ship

A haunted fishing trawler will be docked on the Claddagh Quay in the lead up to Halloween night. The bravest trick or treaters will be called upon to come along and here the ghost stories from seanchaí onboard. Halloween costumes are encouraged and entry is free.

We will be hosting our own special Halloween themed Crafty Kids Club during the midterm break too so that the little ones can dress up and celebrate Halloween while they’re away.

Galway is the place to be on St Patrick’s weekend! The city is bursting with culture and on St Patrick’s Day, the Irish culture is celebrated in a most spectacular way. All of Galway’s most famous arts and theatre groups will be showcasing their talents during the festival and it will also provide a platform for the many international groups that will be exhibiting Galway’s rich and diverse cultural fabric.

After the parade, there will be street performances and live entertainment all over the city as the festival kicks into full swing! Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and breathe in the festival atmosphere. If weather permits, a walk along the Salthill prom is sure to blow the cobwebs off.

Galway really comes alive with a magical atmosphere throughout the city. It’s the perfect time to visit the City of the Tribes for a winter break, a romantic getaway or just a last minute Christmas shopping break!

Christmas Markets

The famous Christmas markets bring with them the traditional smells and sounds of Christmas. With festive treats and handmade gifts, this is the perfect place to soak up some atmosphere during your break in Galway.

Elf Town

Elf Town Galway has become enormously popular as a destination for families during Christmas time. Located in the middle of the city, this visit to Santa will be one to remember!

Shopping in Galway

Galway is known as an excellent shopping destination where you’ll find all the high street stores you expect as well as original boutiques and charming market stalls. It’s the perfect place to pick up some last minute gifts as well as treats for yourself!

Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Caves

Just over an hour’s drive from the Maldron Oranmore, visit Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Caves. The caves will host Santa and his elves over the Christmas season offering a magical experience for all the boys and girls who visit.

TedFest is a festival celebrating the legendary series Father Ted as well as the life of Dermot Morgan who played the title character. Take to the largest of the Aran Islands just off the west coast and enjoy the fun and Father Ted themed entertainment during the festival!

The festival is now running over ten years and going from strength to strength every year. It has gained almost cult status with many of its attendees coming to the festival religiously (pardon the pun) since it began. Some of Ireland’s biggest comedy stars appear during the weekend such as Tommy Tiernan and Joe Rooney, who played roles in the original show.

Several events are planned for the festival including the Craggy Island Hayride and BBQ, Matchmaking with Nellie and the Craggy Island Ceili. Many competitions are also held such as the Lovely Girls, Nun’s Beach Volleyball and Loveliest Horse. The All Priests and Nuns Five A Side Craggy Cup is a particular highlight of the weekend so make sure you come prepared!

Joe Watty’s Bar is the place to be every night with quizzes and live entertainment during the festival. It is encouraged to come to the festival dressed as your favourite character to really get into the swing of Craggy Island life. You’re sure to bump into several Mrs Doyles and Father Jacks during your time there! You never know, if you make enough priest and nuns friends during your time there, it might even become an annual pilgrimage!