April’s Unmissable Arts and Culture in Galway
Flit
Marking four decades this year, Cúirt is in a reflective mood, but as ever, is looking forward too. Sally Rooney is the hottest ticket in town — both events are sold out — but tickets to other heavy hitters like Donal Ryan, Anne Enright, Roddy Doyle, and Kevin Barry and Eimear McBride in conversation are still available.
And yet, often the beauty of Cúirt is catching a more emerging writer, or getting stuck into a workshop, so do look beyond the headlines before making your selections. Events run April 8th to 13th.
See
Through a mix of video, sculpture, and installation, Alice Rekab's exhibition "Clann Miotlantach / Mythlantics" at Galway Arts Centre explores themes of identity, heritage, and imagination. Always important themes but especially pertinent at the moment, this multidisciplinary show combines photography, film, and archival materials of personal histories and migration experiences.
As an Irish Sierra Leonean artist based in Dublin, Rekab takes their identity as a starting point. Free to entry, the exhibition runs until May 10th.
Listen
As the world’s largest e-commerce company has begun shipping within Ireland, supporting independent bookshops is more crucial than ever. And it’s not a one-way street either. As well as providing a uniquely curated selection of books, Kennys also contributes to the vibrancy of Galway’s literary community with its busy calendar of events.
On Friday, April 4th, join Gráinne O'Brien, Kennys bookseller and author, who will be interviewed by Donal Ryan about her debut novel, Solo. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so do book ahead.
Pre-order
Jess Murphy and the anticipated Kai cookbook. Photo: Nathalie Marquez Courtney
Secure your copy of the highly-anticipated Kai cookbook, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a €150 voucher to dine at the award-winning restaurant. As if you need an excuse… The Murphys cite their winning formula as being “high-quality produce, sourced locally and cooked intelligently”, and this is evident in every dish and dessert served, and across the 100 much-loved recipes featured in the book.
Fawn
Oranmore's dining scene is getting two for one with the opening of Fawn restaurant and Fawn wine bar very soon. The space will feature an open-kitchen design, with the restaurant on right, and the wine bar on the left. In the restaurant, you can expect smokey flavours from fire cooking, whole roasted fish, locally-sourced meats, game, and lots of seafood, paired with classic cocktails, and wines from small producers and family-run wineries.
While the wine bar will offer a curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle, local cheese and charcuterie platters, along with small plates showcasing local produce. Opening date to be announced soon, but follow @fawn.galway for the latest updates.
Shop local
From left: Una Heaney with one of her Prints, Nota Poca Deskpad and Rudaí Olla Tote Bag
On Sunday, April 13th, Galway Gnó brings together 15 female artists, makers and crafters for a vibrant market at The Aviary in The Connacht Hotel. Browse unique, handcrafted goods in a welcoming space that celebrates creativity and women in business.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Connacht Hotel to create an opportunity for local female makers to connect with the community and showcase their work in such a beautiful setting,” says Una Heaney “It’s more than just a market – it’s a celebration of creativity, skill, and women in business.”
The event runs from 9am-6pm, with free entry. Follow @galwaygno for more details.
Look ahead
An Evening with Wee Daniel Aoife Sweeney O’Connor and JUMP!? by Pauline O'Driscoll
April is time to make plans for the Galway Theatre Festival, running from May 2nd to 10th. With a bold, provocative lineup exploring themes of climate change, identity, and social issues, some of this year’s highlights include: TABÚ, a Queer Culture project that places FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, trans and asexual) artists and audiences front and centre, an ode to Donegal’s finest in An Evening with Wee Daniel, and JUMP!?, a middle-aged coming-of-age comedy/drama covering every hormonal taboo from puberty and menopause. Book online at galwaytheatrefestival.com.
And keep an eye out for Galway Food Festival’s lineup of events, launching on the 14th of April.
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