Celebrate Galway’s Festival Season

It’s not as though you need any encouragement to enjoy a break in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities or its bewitchingly beautiful hinterland, but if you’re planning a visit to Galway, why not choose to enjoy one of the back-to-back summer festivals taking place this July as part of the Galway Festival Season.

The ever-vibrant city of Galway becomes a hive of activity with the launch of the Galway Festival Season, which started with a bang this weekend with the best of Irish and international film at the Galway Film Fleadh. The famous Galway Arts Festival, Irelands biggest international arts festival is now underway until the 24th July, and the celebrations will be rounded off by the Galway Races summer meeting, a seven day marathon of good craic, super socialising and great racing.

With something for everyone this July, round up all the family and head west for a city break with a difference.

The famous Galway Arts Festival starts on Monday, 11th July and runs for two weeks. Programme highlights include the world premiere of Enda Walsh's 'Mistermen’ featuring renowned Irish actor Cillian Murphy, plus a new interpretation of Shakespeare's 'Comedy of Errors' and 'Richard III' and a comic tour de force in 'Love, Love, Love'.

A wide visual arts strand includes an exhibition 'The Road' by Hughie O'Donoghue, 'Posession' by Aideen Barry and an exhibition featuring the works of three artists; Stephen Brandes, Andrew Dodds and Sonia Sheils entitled 'We are Playing at Being Explorers'.

Free street spectacle includes the famous Macnas parade titled 'This Fierce Beauty' on the 17th July, plus spectacular French acrobats and circus artists Les Philébulistes perform in Eyre Square on the 13th and 14th July , where two giant moving wheels used as a structure for daring and jaw dropping acrobatic feats.

Or for a rockin night out head to the iconic Big Top to see Blondie, Afrocubism, De La Soull, Bell X1, The Walls and Jack L.

Ireland has much to celebrate in the world of sport in 2011 and in the horse racing world, there are few events bigger than the Galway Summer Races (25th July – 31st July).

The atmosphere created by a mix of horseracing, fashion and fun is a great recipe for an unforgettable weekend. Ladies will be found dressed in their very best on the 25th as they compete to be crowned Best Dressed Lady.

Other themed days include the Mad Hatter Family Day and Singles Party at the Galway Races. Indulge in serious socialising as locals and visitors let loose to in the city's pubs and clubs with wall to wall music, entertainment and craic all week long.

For more information visit visit www.discoverireland.ie/galway