June 2026
07 Jul
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
Galway Film Fleadh
12:00p.m. 7th July - 12:00a.m. 12th July 2026
Galway City
Gathering together talent from both Ireland and all four corners of the world, the Film Fleadh in Galway provides a wide range of films for all ages and all tastes! As of writing, the Fleadh will be bringing around 80 features to Galway over the course of six days, with about 20 of those features being world premiers! Be sure to check out their website for more info!
13 Jul
Galway International Arts Festival 2026
12:00p.m. 13th July - 12:00a.m. 26th July 2026
Galway City and County
The Galway International Arts Festival is one of the main highlights of the year and involves events throughout Galway City. The 49th Galway International Arts Festival will take place for 2 weeks from 13 to 26 July 2026 and will feature a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events from artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course Ireland and Galway. The 2026 Galway International Arts Festival will feature an incredible lineup of music at the Heineken® Big Top. On July 16, The Flaming Lips will make a triumphant return for their only Irish gig next year, bringing their signature kaleidoscopic spectacle, with support from the dreamy indie rock of Mercury Rev. On July 18, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison will share the stage in a powerful double-bill, blending soulful passion, soaring vocals, and emotionally charged hits. On July 22, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will bring her distinctive pop glamour to the Big Top, joined by special guest Kate Nash for an energetic, dance-filled performance. The following day, July 23, James will celebrate 40 years of iconic anthems like Sit Down and Laid, delivering an unforgettable euphoric experience for their first-ever Big Top show in Galway. On July 24, The Saw Doctors will return to their roots with their signature Irish rock-folk sound, leading riotous singalongs to classics such as I Useta Lover and N17. Finally, Bell X1 will close out the week on July 25 with their experimental indie range — from synth-pop to folk — performing tracks like Rocky Took a Lover and The Great Defector. It’s set to be an unforgettable two weeks of music, spectacle, and soul-stirring performances at the heart of Galway’s arts celebration.
19 Jul
Galway vs Limerick All Ireland FINAL
3:30p.m. - 5:15p.m. 19th July 2026
Croke Park, Dublin - Watch live on TV
GAA Hurling All Ireland Final - a great match to watch! Come on Galway!
19 Jul
World Cup Final Day!
8:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. 19th July 2026
Galway City
If you're looking for the best atmosphere in Galway for the World Cup final, these are your strongest options: 1. An Púcán (Eyre Square) – Probably the top choice if you want a true sports-bar atmosphere. 2. The Skeff Bar (Eyre Square)– Another excellent venue with lots of HD screens and a reputation for showing major football matches. 3. Taylor's Bar & Beer Garden (West End)– A good option if the weather cooperates, thanks to its beer garden and screens. 4. O'Connell's Bar (Eyre Square)– Excellent Guinness, a lively crowd, and usually a reliable choice for big sporting events.
20 Jul
Rusheen Bay Water Sports
3:52p.m. 20th July 2026
Located just 5km from Galway city center,they offer windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding lessons and rental.
24 Jul
Corrib Princess River Tours
4:00p.m. 24th July 2026
Waterside, Woodquay, Galway
Scenic 90 minute cruises with live commentary on all the points of interest along the way. Full bar service, serving Award winning Irish Coffee. Upper deck and fully heated saloon area suitable for all weather cruising.
27 Jul
Galway Races 2026
3:37p.m. 27th July - 3:37p.m. 2nd August 2026
Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Galway
Bring your glad-rags and your hat to the biggest racing event of the year! The Galway races brings the best trainers and jockeys to the west of Ireland to take part in a week long festival of racing, entertainment and good craic! Tickets for Tuesday at the races will be available at the school!
28 Jul
Galway Races Student Event
6:00p.m. - 12:00a.m. 28th July 2026
Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Galway
The Galway Races is Ireland's biggest and most famous horse racing event, held every year during the last week of July. Over 100,000 people attend the Galway Races each year, making it a major highlight of the summer. The town comes alive during the festival, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of excitement, but expect a few sore heads the next morning! Our annual day at the races will be on Tuesday - so don't forget to get your tickets at school! The festival is a fun-filled seven days where visitors might leave with fewer euros than they started with, but they will certainly take home unforgettable memories, new friendships, and great experiences. Whether you’re a racing fan or simply in for the celebration, the Galway Races offers something special for everyone.
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