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

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January 2026

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Ice Skating in Salthill and Galway CIty icon

01 Jan

Ice Skating in Salthill and Galway CIty

Get your skates on this Winter!

01 Jan

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Ice Skating in Salthill and Galway CIty

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!!

Barista Starter – School Edition icon

12 Jan

Barista Starter – School Edition

Barista Starter – School Edition

12 Jan

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Barista Starter – School Edition

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.

Music for Galway Festival icon

23 Jan

Music for Galway Festival

Music for Galway – Midwinter Festival

23 Jan

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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.

Connacht Rugby icon

24 Jan

Connacht Rugby

Watch live rugby in Galway!

24 Jan

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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.

Galway Tattoo Show icon

31 Jan

Galway Tattoo Show

Annual Galway Tattoo Show

31 Jan

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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.

LIVE DO NOT EDIT! GCI Activity Plan by Cristina Apavaloae

Study in the heart of Galway, Ireland

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.

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