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<p><a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_blank">Galway</a> transforms into a cosy haven in January, offering charm, tradition, and warmth. As the festive season fades, the city embraces a slower pace, carving the path to warmer days ahead. January can be a difficult month to navigate. Yet with lots of cultural activities, stunning walks and a clear view to a stretch in the evenings, we can ward away the winter blues.  Read on to find out more.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>A Winter Wonderland Along the Wild Atlantic Way&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>The rugged beauty of Galway Bay and the windswept landscapes of Connemara take on new significance in winter. Wrap up warm and explore the breathtaking coastal walks along the Salthill Promenade, where the crisp Atlantic air invigorates the spirit. We have so many hikes and trails on our xplore pages, take a gander through here and discover the right adventure for you. <a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway/hike" target="_blank">Galway Hikes and Trails</a>&nbsp;</p>
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<h4>Cultural Highlights to Brighten the Soul&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Galway is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, and January is no exception. Enjoy traditional music sessions in snug pubs like Tig Cóilí, An Púcán, Monroe's Tavern and The Crane. Sit beside the crackle of a turf fire and savour the melodies of fiddles and the beat of the bodhrán .&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Exploring Galway’s Vibrant Traditional Music Scene&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Galway is also a hub for preserving and celebrating Ireland’s musical traditions. Walking the streets, it’s not uncommon to hear the uplifting sound of traditional music and song.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>With its renowned pub culture, the city boasts multiple venues showcasing live trad music sessions most nights of the week.</p>
<h4>The Trad Trail</h4>
<p>For early sessions, <strong>Tigh Chóilí and Taaffes</strong> on Shop Street start at 5pm each evening and the music flows until late.  An <strong>Púcán and Murty Rabbittes</strong>, both situated on Forster Street near Eyre Square, offer music from 6pm. Other notable venues include <strong>Monroe’s Tavern</strong> in the Westend, every Friday from 4:30pm, <strong>The Quays Bar </strong>on Quay Street, and <strong>The King’s Head </strong>in the Latin Quarter also have rousing sessions.</p>
<p>Music enthusiasts can find performances at <strong>Barr An Chaladh </strong>in Woodquay, <strong>Carroll’s</strong> on Dominick Street, <strong>Crowe’s</strong> on Bohermore, and <strong>O’Connor’s, Ward’s Hotel, and Killoran’s </strong>in Salthill. For those venturing further afield, <strong>Donnelly’s</strong> in Barna and <strong>Padraicín’s</strong> in Furbo also offer authentic experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>One iconic venue for traditional music is <strong>The Crane Bar </strong>in the Westend hosting regular sessions every evening at 9:15pm.</p>
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<h4>Town Hall Theatre Highlights</h4>
<p>The Town Hall Theatre features performances ranging from contemporary plays to intimate concerts, ensuring there’s something for every cultural enthusiast this month.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On January 15th, the ever-popular '<strong>Reeling In the Showband Years</strong>' returns for its 15th year, hosted by RTÉ's Ronan Collins. From January 17th -19th, Music for Galway's <strong>Midwinter Festival</strong> celebrates the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel's birth with a series of concerts featuring pianist François-Xavier Poizat and other renowned musicians. Comedy enthusiasts can look forward to <strong>David O'Doherty</strong>'s 'Tiny Piano Man' on January 23rd.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, Irish music legends <strong>Bagatelle </strong>will perform on January 22nd in a special concert supporting Croí, and The <strong>Whistlin’ Donkeys </strong>bring their energetic folk sound to the stage on January 31st. For more details and tickets, visit the Town Hall Theatre's official website <a href="https://tht.ie/" target="_blank">tht.ie</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h4>Leisureland Highlights</h4>
<p>Comedy fans are in for a treat as the acclaimed Irish trio <strong>Foil Arms &amp; Hog</strong> present their new show Skittish on January 16th, 18th, and 19th, a mix of sketches, improvisation, and audience interaction.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Music lovers can look forward to <strong>Boyzlife </strong>on January 17th, as Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden perform their greatest hits for a nostalgic evening.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Rounding off the month, the renowned comedian <strong>Tommy Tiernan </strong>brings his show 'tommedian' to the Leisureland stage on January 25th and 26th, promising his trademark wit and energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For tickets and further details, visit Leisureland’s official website. <a href="https://www.leisureland.ie/events/#events" target="_blank">Leisureland.ie</a>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Food and Drink&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Galway’s culinary offerings are a highlight any time of year, and January is an ideal month to indulge. Savour hearty seafood chowder at iconic spots like Ard Bia at Nimmos or feast on farm-to-table fare at Kai. For a sweet treat, pair a hot chocolate from Hazel Mountain Chocolate with a stroll through the city’s quaint streets.</p>
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<h4>Unique Events in January&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>While January is quieter compared to Galway’s summer festivals, it still holds its own with niche events, from celebrating language and culture to exploring space, art and storytelling.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Tonnta Festival</h4>
<p>Among the highlights is Tonnta a festival celebrating the Irish language and Galway’s status as a bilingual city. After its successful debut in 2024, the festival will return from January 30th to February 2nd, organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in collaboration with Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland, and other local partners. Tonnta offers a dynamic programme that enhances the visibility of Irish culture and language in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Galway Astronomy Festival</h4>
<p>Astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to the Galway Astronomy Festival 2025, taking place January 24-25 at the Menlo Park Hotel, Terryland. Hosted by the Galway Astronomy Club, this event includes a special screening of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar on January 24 at the Eye Cinema. The festival continues with discussions, presentations, and stargazing activities that bring the wonders of space exploration closer to home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h4>Galway Tattoo Show</h4>
<p>Tattoo aficionados won’t want to miss the 10th Annual Galway Tattoo Show at The Galmont Hotel, running January 25-26. The event will feature world-class tattoo artists, live music, art galleries, market stalls, and a free tattoo cinema, offering a celebration of tattoo artistry and culture in the heart of Galway City.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Moth and Butterfly</h4>
<p>Looking ahead to early February, Galway hosts the 5th Moth and Butterfly International Festival of Storytelling and Improvisation, combining online and in-person events to celebrate storytelling’s power. Starting January 30, highlights include performances like The Two Truths of Thomas The Rhymer at the University of Galway and the festival launch at The Blue Note on January 30th. Events such as Crocodile Paws at the Blue Teapot Theatre on January 31 offer diverse storytelling experiences for all ages.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Exploring the Aran Islands and Beyond  </strong></p>
<p>January offers a tranquil time to visit the Aran Islands. A short ferry ride from Rossaveal brings you to these timeless outposts of culture. The absence of summer crowds allows for a truly authentic experience, whether cycling through Inis Mór or exploring ancient forts like Dún Aonghasa.</p>
<h4>The Magic of Galway in Winter&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Galway in January has a magic all its own. Whether it’s the warmth of its people, the comfort of its cuisine, or the beauty of its landscapes, this city offers a winter experience that lingers in the heart long after the trip ends.</p>
<p><strong>All photos by Professor Chaosheng Zhang.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Trad Trail information from an original article by Galway Walks historian Brian Nolan. </strong></p>
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Your Guide to Galway in January: A City of Charm and Culture

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