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Galway

Galway is a medieval city on the Wild Atlantic Way. Find all you need to Xplore Galway right here. Food, Bars, Shopping, Hikes and Trails.

Galway, City of the Tribes, Xplore Galway, Ireland. 

A captivating selection of Italian films are coming to Galway's EYE Cinema from April 4th-6th as part of the New Italian Cinema Events (N.I.C.E.) film festival.  It features some of Italy’s best contemporary directors, including Paolo Sorrentino, Ferzan Özpetek, and Pilar Fogliati.

This year’s selection features 10 films and 22 screenings, and is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal.

This 4th edition of the N.I.C.E Italian Film Festival takes place across four cities - Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick -  and is organised by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture,  in collaboration with UCC, University of Galway, Galway Film Society and the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD).

“Romantiche” (Romantic girls), Pilar Fogliati's directorial debut, delves into the lives of four women navigating personal challenges and aspirations, highlighting their unique journeys toward self-discovery and belonging. 

“Diamanti” (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges.

Margherita Vicario's directorial debut, “Gloria!”, is set in the late 18th-century female institution of Sant Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the eras conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern.

The festival also brings Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, “Parthenope”, to Ireland for the first time.  The film is a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of the young girl, Parthenope.

Also set in Naples, “Il treno dei bambini” (The children’s Train) by Cristina Comencini tells the story of poverty and pride in a divided Italy at the end of World War II. 

Staying in the historical genre, “L’abbaglio” (The Illusion) is set in 19th-century Sicily and follows a group of unlikely fighters who, under Garibaldi's command, are tasked with deceiving the enemies of the Bourbon army. 

The film skillfully blends historical elements with an intense narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into crucial events that shaped Italy's unification. 

A very different theme is explored in the documentary “Real”, directed by Adele Tulli, which reflects on what it means to be human in the digital age. Through a series of thought-provoking interviews and visual storytelling, the film examines how technology, social media, and virtual realities are reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and others.

“Familia”, by Francesco Costabile, is a story about domestic violence and the attempt to rise above it. Winner of several international awards, the film blends genres, ranging from thriller to social drama.

Finally, “Una storia nera” (A Dark Story), directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, is a thriller where, after a bitter divorce, a man disappears without a trace, leaving his ex-wife and children to unravel the mystery.

All films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles. The dates and venues are:

• Limerick 27-29 March | TUS Millennium Theatre

• Dublin 3-6 April | Opening Night Gala at Odeon Cinema, Regular Screening at Light House Cinema

A captivating selection of Italian films are coming to Galway's EYE Cinema from April 4th-6th as part of the New Italian Cinema Events (N.I.C.E.) film festival. It features some of Italy’s best contemporary directors, including Paolo Sorrentino, Ferzan Özpetek, and Pilar Fogliati.
This year’s selection features 10 films and 22 screenings, and is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal.
This 4th edition of the N.I.C.E Italian Film Festival takes place across four cities - Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick - and is organised by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture, in collaboration with UCC, University of Galway, Galway Film Society and the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD).
<h4>Films</h4>
“Romantiche” (Romantic girls), Pilar Fogliati's directorial debut, delves into the lives of four women navigating personal challenges and aspirations, highlighting their unique journeys toward self-discovery and belonging.&nbsp;
“Diamanti” (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/e35441ca-a645-4362-b230-217dae71f35d.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Margherita Vicario's directorial debut, “Gloria!”, is set in the late 18th-century female institution of Sant Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the eras conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/ee4a5dc6-072d-4cc9-84bb-4cb87b458932.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The festival also brings Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, “Parthenope”, to Ireland for the first time. The film is a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of the young girl, Parthenope.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/070550c1-762f-421f-bbbe-91956e364cdf.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Also set in Naples, “Il treno dei bambini” (The children’s Train) by Cristina Comencini tells the story of poverty and pride in a divided Italy at the end of World War II.&nbsp;
Staying in the historical genre, “L’abbaglio” (The Illusion) is set in 19th-century Sicily and follows a group of unlikely fighters who, under Garibaldi's command, are tasked with deceiving the enemies of the Bourbon army.&nbsp;
The film skillfully blends historical elements with an intense narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into crucial events that shaped Italy's unification.&nbsp;
A very different theme is explored in the documentary “Real”, directed by Adele Tulli, which reflects on what it means to be human in the digital age. Through a series of thought-provoking interviews and visual storytelling, the film examines how technology, social media, and virtual realities are reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and others.
“Familia”, by Francesco Costabile, is a story about domestic violence and the attempt to rise above it. Winner of several international awards, the film blends genres, ranging from thriller to social drama.
Finally, “Una storia nera” (A Dark Story), directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, is a thriller where, after a bitter divorce, a man disappears without a trace, leaving his ex-wife and children to unravel the mystery.
All films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles. The dates and venues are:
<h4>Dates 2025:</h4>
• Limerick 27-29 March | TUS Millennium Theatre
• Dublin 3-6 April | Opening Night Gala at Odeon Cinema, Regular Screening at Light House Cinema
• Cork 4-6 April | The Arc Cinema
• Galway 4-6 April | EYE Cinema

Italian Film Festival at Galway's Eye Cinema Features Debut Irish Screening

Galway's Grá Festival has declared March 21st as the inaugural International Nora Barnacle Day, commemorating the 141st birthday of one of the city's most iconic figures. 

Muse and wife of literary giant James Joyce, Nora Barnacle, was renowned for her free-spirited and passionate nature and this year's festival explores her story, her love, and her impact on Galway.

"We are declaring it Nora Barnacle Day," explains co-founder Caoimhe Lavelle. 

"She is such an icon. It is her birthday on March 21st, so we're dressing up, and we've got a whole programme of events."

The festival, which runs until March 23rd, is dedicated to love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, familial, self-love, and love for community, humanity, and the environment. 

Grá Fest is not just a celebration but also a playful and inclusive experience. 

"It's a very sex-positive festival; it's also a very playful festival. Since the very beginning, myself and Fr. Trendy have been operating as chaperones—a playful, nostalgic, romance kind of vibe; having a little bit of craic with the people."

Fr Trendy explains his role in the festival.

"Well, I'm the priest!" he says with a wink, "I'm a chaperone and as the day progresses, I get less 'chaperoney' and more involved!"

As co-director with founder Margaret Nolan, Caoimhe reflects on its origins:

"Grá Fest was founded a couple of years ago after lockdown out of a need to create a sense of community and togetherness."

Nora's life will be celebrated through music and song with readings, performances and a pop-up bookshop. An exhibition honouring Nora at the Town Hall Theatre, features works by Joe Boske, Tom Mathews, Rosie Grau and more, and is curated by Margaret Nolan. 

Other events include comedy, poetry and spoken word, history and walking tours, film, dance and workshops. 

For more information on Grá Fest and the full programme of events, visit the official website: grafestival.com 

Galway's Grá Festival has declared March 21st as the inaugural International Nora Barnacle Day, commemorating the 141st birthday of one of the city's most iconic figures.&nbsp;
Muse and wife of literary giant James Joyce, Nora Barnacle, was renowned for her free-spirited and passionate nature and this year's festival explores her story, her love, and her impact on Galway.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/3eea5ccc-63ee-4de3-a2a8-e5af8f11aee8.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Caoimhe Lavelle and Fr Trendy
"We are declaring it Nora Barnacle Day," explains co-founder Caoimhe Lavelle.&nbsp;
"She is such an icon. It is her birthday on March 21st, so we're dressing up, and we've got a whole programme of events."
The festival, which runs until March 23rd, is dedicated to love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, familial, self-love, and love for community, humanity, and the environment.&nbsp;
Grá Fest is not just a celebration but also a playful and inclusive experience.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/67dee2ae-7e9c-486f-bfcb-f2b6ae5b54a0.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As Caoimhe notes;
"It's a very sex-positive festival; it's also a very playful festival. Since the very beginning, myself and Fr. Trendy have been operating as chaperones—a playful, nostalgic, romance kind of vibe; having a little bit of craic with the people."
Fr Trendy explains his role in the festival.
"Well, I'm the priest!" he says with a wink, "I'm a chaperone and as the day progresses, I get less 'chaperoney' and more involved!"
As co-director with founder Margaret Nolan, Caoimhe reflects on its origins:
"Grá Fest was founded a couple of years ago after lockdown out of a need to create a sense of community and togetherness."
Nora's life will be celebrated through music and song with readings, performances and a pop-up bookshop. An exhibition honouring Nora at the Town Hall Theatre, features works by Joe Boske, Tom Mathews, Rosie Grau and more, and is curated by Margaret Nolan.&nbsp;
Other events include comedy, poetry and spoken word, history and walking tours, film, dance and workshops.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/191db20a-a85d-44e5-8bc0-d901c80ced6a.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
For more information on Grá Fest and the full programme of events, visit the official website: <a href="https://grafestival.com/" target="_blank">grafestival.com</a>&nbsp;

International Nora Barnacle Day Declared by Galway's Grá Fest

Galway’s Marion Bächlin-Cunningham is a vibrant force in the Irish community in Switzerland. Hailing from Fr. Burke Road, the 71-year-old is Vice President of the Basel Irish Club and founder of the Ciorcal Comhrá Irish language group in the city.

As Ireland Week Switzerland is underway in cities such as Zurich and Basel, it is an opportunity to celebrate the people who keep Irish traditions alive abroad. Marion is one such person, fostering connections between the countries through language, dance, literature, and community.

She is passionate about Irish dancing, attending classes in Basel and is an active runner, hiker and continues to enjoy travel.

Marion pictured at the Irish Embassy in Berne, Switzerland with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy on St Patrick's Day, 2025. 

Born and raised in Galway, Marion attended Claddagh Primary School and the Mercy Secondary School, both Irish-speaking. She went on to study English, French, and Mathematics at University of Galway, before undertaking her teaching qualification.

The desire to teach and explore took her far beyond the familiar shores of home. In the early 1980s, as a young mother, she took a leap of faith and moved to Algeria to teach. It was a challenging time, adjusting to life in a new country with a small child.

Despite these challenges, she adapted, and it was to become formative for her future self. It was in Algeria that she met her now husband, Michael, a Swiss national working as a project leader.

Marion and Michael love to attend the trad session every Wednesday at Wards Hotel in Lower Salthill when they are back in Ireland.

"He had spotted me before we officially met and was really curious as to who I was," she recalls with a laugh.

"We started going on little outings into the desert, and before we knew it, that was that."

Her international journey continued, taking her from Algeria to Greifensee, Zurich, then Indonesia, and eventually back to Switzerland, where she settled in Basel. She and Michael built a life together across continents, raising their three children: Saoirse, Aonghus, and Órla.

Along the way, the couple faced unimaginable tragedy in Indonesia—losing Aonghus to viral pneumonia. It was a devastating loss, but the support of friends and the expat community helped them to navigate their grief.

“There was always somebody there during the night,” she explains, “if I couldn't sleep, there was always somebody sitting there waiting for me, someone to talk to me every night.

“I was in a cloud for about two years after he died. I lost so much weight I became skeletal. But the support from our expat friends was incredible—people would take me out just to help me get through the days."

Upon their return to Switzerland, Marion would go on to teach English at FMS Basel for over two decades.

Marion and her husband Michael pictured outside their lakeside home near Moycullen, Co Galway. 

In her role with the Basel Irish Club, Marion helps to organise literature readings, dance performances, concerts, and major celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day. One of her most personal contributions has been the Ciorcal Comhrá, as she hosts the fortnightly informal Irish conversation group.

The group provides a space for Irish speakers—whether fluent or just starting out—to gather and use their ‘cúpla focal’. While attendance varies, the group has grown to 43 members on WhatsApp, with people joining from all over Switzerland.

“The interest in the Irish language is there,” Marion says.

“I set up the circle about three and a half years ago. I had asked a few Irish people if they would like to meet regularly to speak Irish, and there was a great interest there, so I started it off. We meet every two weeks.

“Not everyone can make it in person every time, but people want to stay connected.”

Ireland Week Switzerland: A Celebration of Irish Heritage

As Ireland Week Switzerland 2025 unfolds, Marion is at the heart of the festivities in Basel.

- St. Patrick’s Day Lunch at Radisson Blu, featuring live music and a fundraiser for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

- Ciorcal Comhrá Irish Language Meet-Up (March 18) at The Bibliothek Bar.

- Finnegans Wake Reading Group (March 19) at Basel University, led by renowned scholars.

Beyond these events, Irish culture is thriving across Switzerland, with strong GAA clubs in both Zurich and Basel and an increasing number of Irish professionals working in industries like pharmaceuticals and finance.

Marion notes that while not all Irish people in Basel are formal members of the Irish Club, many turn up for big events like St. Patrick’s Day, drawn to the warmth of Irish gatherings.

Marion and Michael pictured at the Irish Embassy in Berne on St Patrick's Day 2025

Reflecting on her life, Marion sees a clear thread of connection—whether through teaching, language, or community-building, she has always sought to bring people together. She continues to do so at her beautiful lakeside home in Moycullen, where the couple spend some of their time during the year.

For the Irish in Switzerland, she is a key figure in keeping their heritage alive, ensuring that Irish culture is celebrated.

<h4>Keeping Irish Culture Alive in Basel</h4>
Galway’s Marion Bächlin-Cunningham is a vibrant force in the Irish community in Switzerland. Hailing from Fr. Burke Road, the 71-year-old is Vice President of the Basel Irish Club and founder of the Ciorcal Comhrá Irish language group in the city.
As Ireland Week Switzerland is underway in cities such as Zurich and Basel, it is an opportunity to celebrate the people who keep Irish traditions alive abroad. Marion is one such person, fostering connections between the countries through language, dance, literature, and community.
She is passionate about Irish dancing, attending classes in Basel and is an active runner, hiker and continues to enjoy travel.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/9c44aae2-a499-4eb4-a54d-1e5aa4949a74.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Marion pictured at the Irish Embassy in Berne, Switzerland with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy on St Patrick's Day, 2025. 
<h4>A Galway Girl with a Global Story</h4>
Born and raised in Galway, Marion attended Claddagh Primary School and the Mercy Secondary School, both Irish-speaking. She went on to study English, French, and Mathematics at University of Galway, before undertaking her teaching qualification.
The desire to teach and explore took her far beyond the familiar shores of home. In the early 1980s, as a young mother, she took a leap of faith and moved to Algeria to teach. It was a challenging time, adjusting to life in a new country with a small child.
Despite these challenges, she adapted, and it was to become formative for her future self. It was in Algeria that she met her now husband, Michael, a Swiss national working as a project leader.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/3f54f9d2-01f7-47f0-b167-6fa345965067.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Marion and Michael love to attend the trad session every Wednesday at Wards Hotel in Lower Salthill when they are back in Ireland.
"He had spotted me before we officially met and was really curious as to who I was," she recalls with a laugh.
"We started going on little outings into the desert, and before we knew it, that was that."
Her international journey continued, taking her from Algeria to Greifensee, Zurich, then Indonesia, and eventually back to Switzerland, where she settled in Basel. She and Michael built a life together across continents, raising their three children: Saoirse, Aonghus, and Órla.
Along the way, the couple faced unimaginable tragedy in Indonesia—losing Aonghus to viral pneumonia. It was a devastating loss, but the support of friends and the expat community helped them to navigate their grief.
“There was always somebody there during the night,” she explains, “if I couldn't sleep, there was always somebody sitting there waiting for me, someone to talk to me every night.
“I was in a cloud for about two years after he died. I lost so much weight I became skeletal. But the support from our expat friends was incredible—people would take me out just to help me get through the days."
Upon their return to Switzerland, Marion would go on to teach English at FMS Basel for over two decades.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/09fec663-9327-4066-82b6-62b26d176077.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Marion and her husband Michael pictured outside their lakeside home near Moycullen, Co Galway. 
<h4>Keeping Irish Culture Alive in Basel</h4>
In her role with the Basel Irish Club, Marion helps to organise literature readings, dance performances, concerts, and major celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day. One of her most personal contributions has been the Ciorcal Comhrá, as she hosts the fortnightly informal Irish conversation group.
The group provides a space for Irish speakers—whether fluent or just starting out—to gather and use their ‘cúpla focal’. While attendance varies, the group has grown to 43 members on WhatsApp, with people joining from all over Switzerland.
“The interest in the Irish language is there,” Marion says.
“I set up the circle about three and a half years ago. I had asked a few Irish people if they would like to meet regularly to speak Irish, and there was a great interest there, so I started it off. We meet every two weeks.
“Not everyone can make it in person every time, but people want to stay connected.”
<h4>Ireland Week Switzerland: A Celebration of Irish Heritage</h4>
As Ireland Week Switzerland 2025 unfolds, Marion is at the heart of the festivities in Basel.
The Basel Irish Club schedule includes:
<ul>
<li>- St. Patrick’s Day Lunch at Radisson Blu, featuring live music and a fundraiser for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.</li>
<li>- Ciorcal Comhrá Irish Language Meet-Up (March 18) at The Bibliothek Bar.</li>
<li>- Finnegans Wake Reading Group (March 19) at Basel University, led by renowned scholars.</li>
</ul>
Beyond these events, Irish culture is thriving across Switzerland, with strong GAA clubs in both Zurich and Basel and an increasing number of Irish professionals working in industries like pharmaceuticals and finance.
Marion notes that while not all Irish people in Basel are formal members of the Irish Club, many turn up for big events like St. Patrick’s Day, drawn to the warmth of Irish gatherings.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/6b16945a-841c-4ef7-b17a-29087c496a69.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Marion and Michael pictured at the Irish Embassy in Berne on St Patrick's Day 2025
<h4>Connecting Ireland and Switzerland</h4>
Reflecting on her life, Marion sees a clear thread of connection—whether through teaching, language, or community-building, she has always sought to bring people together. She continues to do so at her beautiful lakeside home in Moycullen, where the couple spend some of their time during the year.
For the Irish in Switzerland, she is a key figure in keeping their heritage alive, ensuring that Irish culture is celebrated.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/c8433297-69d7-4900-946f-3dc697889fe3.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Galway's Marion Bächlin-Cunningham Champions Irish Culture in Basel

Storyteller and musician Andrias De Staic is the MC at an exciting new night of green talks- ‘’Giob Geab’’; on Wednesday, March 26th at 8pm, in the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

‘Giob Geab’ is an Irish interpretation of the Japanese rapid fire presentation format known as ‘Pecha Kucha’.

Community groups, Social Enterprises, Biodiversity groups, Schools, and Residents Associations are invited to present on their sustainability projects or innovative ideas to a receptive audience.

This new format (10 slides, 30 seconds each, with mainly images) is designed to make the evening as engaging and fun as possible and highlight the environmental, biodiversity and climate actions taking place in Galway city.

Galway City Council staff will also present, and the night will provide a great opportunity for networking and learning in an informal and relaxed environment.

The deadline for groups to sign up is midday Friday, March 21st. Email Climate@GalwayCity.ie with the name of your group, contact details, topic, and the name of the speaker.

If you would like to attend as an audience member, please email Climate@GalwayCity.ie by midday Friday, March 21st..

The event is organised in partnership with Galway Tidy Towns, Galway City Community Network, Galway City Partnership and Galway Volunteer Centre.

Storyteller and musician Andrias De Staic is the MC at an exciting new night of green talks- ‘’Giob Geab’’; on Wednesday, March 26th at 8pm, in the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.
‘Giob Geab’ is an Irish interpretation of the Japanese rapid fire presentation format known as ‘Pecha Kucha’.
Community groups, Social Enterprises, Biodiversity groups, Schools, and Residents Associations are invited to present on their sustainability projects or innovative ideas to a receptive audience.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/10d059bc-2903-402c-bc0d-f74e209c6306.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

This new format (10 slides, 30 seconds each, with mainly images) is designed to make the evening as engaging and fun as possible and highlight the environmental, biodiversity and climate actions taking place in Galway city.
Galway City Council staff will also present, and the night will provide a great opportunity for networking and learning in an informal and relaxed environment.
The deadline for groups to sign up is midday Friday, March 21st. Email Climate@GalwayCity.ie with the name of your group, contact details, topic, and the name of the speaker.
If you would like to attend as an audience member, please email Climate@GalwayCity.ie by midday Friday, March 21st..
The event is organised in partnership with Galway Tidy Towns, Galway City Community Network, Galway City Partnership and Galway Volunteer Centre.

&nbsp;

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