April 2026
01 May
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
GAA Live Gaelic Sports
5:13p.m. 1st May 2026
During May, June and July including key matches of the National GAA Hurling and GAA Football Championships. In 2026, expect high-octane hurling and fierce competition during these iconic matchups.
05 May
Corrib Princess River Tours 2026
3:58p.m. 5th May 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.
06 May
National Biodiversity Week (Galway) 2026
6:03p.m. 6th May 2026
Galway
This year join in with the 14th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, a weekend Bioblitz and Scavenger Hunt, and events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland! Events will be both in person and virtual, so everyone can take part. Over 100 free events happening in Galway and nationally throughout the week! To see a full event listing and learn more visit biodiversityweek.ie
09 May
Watch a Rugby game live!
7:45p.m. 9th May 2026
Connacht Rugby play host to Munster Rugby at Dexcom Stadium in the United Rugby Championship on 9th May 2026. Kick-off 19:45.
10 May
Trad on the Prom Dance & Music Show
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from May to late Sept
10 May
More info
Trad on the Prom Dance & Music Show
8:30p.m. 10th May - 12:00a.m. 24th September 2026
Salthill, Galway
Trad on the Prom takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from May to late September. For more information, please visit www.tradontheprom.com or contact 091 582860. Pre-booking of tickets is advised as the show regularly sells out.
14 May
Galway Brittany Fest 2026
5:56p.m. 14th May 2026
Galway City
Brittany Fest Galway 2026 marks a remarkable 51 years of friendship and cultural exchange between Galway and the Breton city of Lorient. Expected to run in mid-May 2026, this vibrant festival celebrates Celtic connections through music, maritime heritage, dance, and family-friendly fun. The bond between Galway and Brittany is strong; having been formalised over the past half century with the twinning of Galway and Lorient, however it has grown through time as a result of the many characteristics which define our people and our cultures. Galway Brittany Fest showcases and celebrates the strong connections between these two beautiful places.
23 May
An Tóstal Salthill Sailing Festival
3:29p.m. 23rd May - 3:29p.m. 24th May 2026
Salthill, Galway
If you’re looking for something to do in mid-May, why not take up a spot on the Salthill Promenade to watch the wonderful sight of dozens of racing currachs as they take to the water for the An Tóstal Salthill Festival. Following a very successful event last year, the An Tóstal Salthill returns on 23 and 24th May 2026, and promises to be better than ever.
23 May
Galway Africa Festival 2026
3:31p.m. - 3:31p.m. 23rd May 2026
Salthill Park Galway
On Africa Day 2026, Salthill Public Park in Galway, Ireland, will be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and flavours as people from all walks of life gather to celebrate the rich tapestry of African culture. This annual event promises to be a feast for the senses, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the continent through traditional attire, music, dance, and cuisine. As the sun rises over the horizon, the park comes alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the laughter of families and friends. The air is filled with the scent of spices and the sight of intricate beadwork adorning the vibrant fabrics worn by attendees. From bold patterns to elegant robes, each outfit is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Africa. Families come together to partake in a myriad of activities, from traditional games to craft workshops where children and adults alike can unleash their creativity. The park is a hive of activity, with stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious African delicacies, tantalizing the taste buds of visitors.
23 May
Salthill Kite Festival
3:31p.m. 23rd May - 3:31p.m. 24th May 2026
Ladies Beach, Salthill
After a vey successful event last year, the Salthill Kite Festival is expected to return in July 2026, promising vibrant skies and family fun by the sea. Watch some of Ireland’s biggest and most colourful kites soar above Ladies Beach, flown by renowned kite-flyers.
28 May
Irish Dancing Lesson
5:00p.m. 28th May 2026
GCI
Want to learn some basic steps of Irish dancing? Talk to Lucy about the next Irish Dancing Activity at school Enjoy a group dancing activity all while enjoying some traditional Irish music. Irish dancing is famous throughout the world - with many people being familiar with dancing shows such as Riverdance.
30 May
5 a side soccer competition in Galway ⚽
9:00a.m. 30th May - 3:35p.m. 31st May 2026
Salthill Public Park, Galway, Ireland
Salthill Devon’s popular five-a-side festival returns this June Bank Holiday (May 30 – 31st 2026) in Salthill Park. Expect to see a great mix of Galway natives, visitors and friends gather to enjoy this great footballing festival in the scenic location of Salthill Park, overlooking Galway Bay. Along with the mens competition, there is also a competition for under 13’s boys, and for under 13 girls too.
30 May
River rowing event
3:33p.m. - 3:33p.m. 30th May 2026
This year’s Galway Regatta will take place at the NUIG grounds at Dangan. Galway’s oldest rowing regatta celebrates its 142nd anniversary, and once again entries from all four provinces with many of the top rowing clubs in Ireland are expected to compete Viewing the race is possible from the NUIG grounds in Dangan.
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