01 Jan
Galway Business & English School Student Experience & Events
Social Activity Programme
GCI offers a weekly activity social programme with many options to choose from. The activity programme is designed monthly, and some highlights may include cultural events across the city and county, practical workshops on various themes and topics from grammar clinics to CV preparation and Irish culture, volunteer opportunities or weekend trips to famous landscapes across Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. We believe that in order to get the most from your time with us, you should be exposed to English not just in the classroom but in a variety of environments and contexts. The social activity programme enables students to enhance their learning experiences by practicing their English skills in the real world and getting to know other English students outside of the classroom.
These activities are a scheduled part of all courses and normally occur after class in the afternoon and evening.
Our main social activities are listed below and a more detailed breakdown of daily activities available in the school is available below. During the summer, students can book activities during the lunch break, Monday to Thursday in Halla Mor.
You can find out what’s happening each week and month by checking your account under Student Portal as well.
Upcoming events calendar
Ice Skating in Salthill and Galway CIty
12:00p.m. 1st January 2026
Galway City and Salthill
Ice skating is back in Galway this winter season in two locations; Salthill and the Docks! The rink will be open in Salthill - next to Leisureland - on the 8th of November until the 5th of January! The rink in the Docks - specifically Bonham Quay - will open on the 14th of November and close on the 5th of January! If you haven't been ice skating before, it's well worth going! Who knows, you might be a natural!!
12 Jan
Barista Starter – School Edition
4:42p.m. 12th January - 4:37p.m. 23rd March 2026
This course has been designed as an entry-level course for students who are curious about coffee and/or interested in entering the café job market. Delivered by Café na Irlanda Course format (Starter – School Edition) Group size: 4–10 students (to ensure everyone gets proper hands-on practice). Course Structure: theory at the start, moving into practical work. Focused on fundamentals and real café context. Ideal for students with little or no prior experience Schedule structure: Mondays 17:30 - 21.30 approx.
23 Jan
Music for Galway Festival
7:30p.m. 23rd January - 7:30p.m. 25th January 2026
Town Hall Theaatre
The Music for Galway Midwinter Festival is back at the Town Hall Theatre from Friday, 23 to Sunday, 25 January 2026, with *The Quartet Extends*, a celebration of the string quartet’s many styles. Galway’s own ConTempo Quartet will lead the event, joined by a range of musicians, including a clarinettist, soprano, pianist, uilleann piper, and another string quartet. Together, they’ll perform quartets, quintets, sextets, and finish with an exciting octet. This year’s festival will also feature a special performance by Margarita Guerrero Martínez, Music for Galway’s young Cellissimo Ambassador.
24 Jan
Connacht Rugby
5:30p.m. 24th January 2026
Dexcom Stadium
Are you a rugby fan? There is a big match taking place at Dexcom Park in January with Connacht Rugby playing host to Leinster on 24th January 2026 (Kick-off 5.30pm) in the United Rugby Championship.
31 Jan
Galway Tattoo Show
11:30a.m. 31st January - 11:30a.m. 1st February 2026
The Galmont Hotel
Experience creativity at the Annual Galway Tattoo Show, taking place from 31 January to 1 February 2026 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa. Featuring top international and Irish tattoo artists, this event is a must-see for tattoo lovers. Alongside stunning tattoo work, enjoy live music, entertainment, and a lively selection of market stalls.
Study in the heart of Galway, Ireland
From €360
Learning a new language, including English, can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour at any age. Consider enrolling in our English for 30+ course. This course can provide structure, guidance, and opportunities for interaction with a teacher and fellow learners.
English Courses for Adults 30 + in Ireland | GBS & English School
From €290
General English Courses are our most popular English language courses. You can choose to study English in Ireland with this popular 20 lessons per week course.
General English 20 lessons AM
From €4200
The Study Abroad Year programme is aimed at students from outside the EEA area who need to improve their General English while taking an international English exam.
Study English Abroad 20 lessons AM
Since 1989, Galway Cultural Institute has provided English language programmes to students from all over the world - in fact, we have welcomed people from more than 30 countries.
Explore more English courses