Galway 2020 - European Capital of Culture 2020

Galway 2020’s programme will begin in February 2020 and run until January 2021, structuring itself around the old Celtic calendar of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain. With 1,900 events set to take place throughout villages and towns, the city and the islands, many of which will be free, Galway 2020 has set out to encapsulate Galway to those at home and abroad.

The key themes that will run through Galway 2020 are Migration, Landscape and Language.

Migration will celebrate Irish history as well as the diversity of cultures within Europe against the backdrop of County Galway and Galway City where 24% of the population in Galway City were born outside of Ireland.

Landscape will reflect Galway’s position on the edge of Europe as it joins European partners to delight, challenge and engage citizens across its rural and marine landscape.

Language will promote the variety of languages spoken in Galway and across Europe, with a special emphasis on the Irish language. Galway is home to the only bi-lingual city in Ireland and this emphasises Galway as the capital of the Gaeltacht.

Galway 2020 will have something for everyone and people of all ages. From family days out to night time events it aims to celebrate the art, music, dance, food, sea, landscape and people of Galway City & County.

Galway 2020 will kick off in February with a fiery opening ceremony organised by Wonder Works, who previously organised London Olympics opening ceremony.

To view Galway’s 2020 programme, please click here.

Tickets available from November 2019

Book Lough Rea Hotel & Spa and visit all Galway 2020 has to offer