July 2026
02 Aug
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 Pride Festival
3:38p.m. 2nd August - 3:38p.m. 8th August 2026
Galway City
The annual Galway Pride Festival – the longest continual Pride event in Ireland is expected to take place from 2 to 8 August 2026. This new event will encompass everything that makes our city the cultural magnet that it is. The aim is to encourage involvement from the wider community, and to highlight the great variety of people that make Galway such a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit. Events throughout the week will include evenings of information and awareness, arts and performance, music nights and the colourful parade on the final Saturday of the festival.
07 Aug
Galway United vs Drogheda
7:45p.m. - 10:00p.m. 7th August 2026
Eamon Deacy Park, Galway
Sure to be a big game for both sides, this clash of the Uniteds will bring big crowds to Eamon Deacy Park in mid-June! Tickets available here: https://www.galwayunitedfc.ie/tickets
08 Aug
Streets of Galway 8km Run
9:00a.m. 8th August 2026
The Galway Clinic Streets of Galway 8k Road Race event is expected to take place on Saturday 8th August 2026 at 7pm, Galway’s most popular athletic event and the highlight of the athletics calendar in the city since 1986, the event has grown into one of the most prestigious road races in the country. It starts at The Claddagh and winds its way through the city’s streets, following a course out around Salthill, before taking in the delights of the prom on the way to the finish in The Claddagh at South Park.
08 Aug
Cruinniú na mbád in Kinvara
12:00p.m. 8th August - 12:00a.m. 9th August 2026
Kinvara, Galway
2026 marks the 47th anniversary of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara which is expected to take place on the 8 and 9 August 2026. The festival celebrates the living tradition of the sailing of beautiful Galway Hookers, this fabulous regatta hosts the legendary turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers. Up to 100 Galway Hookers boats, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway. Since its revival in 1979, the festival has become one of the most unique and successful weekend festivals in Ireland. The continuity of traditional sailing festivals, and especially Cruinniú na mBád, is very important for the survival of the craftsmanship of traditional boat building, sail making,
08 Aug
Connemara Western Way Walking Marathon
Calling all walkers! Explore the stunning landscapes of
08 Aug
More info
Connemara Western Way Walking Marathon
1:56p.m. 8th August 2026
Connemara
The route is expected to wind its way along sections of the scenic Western Way. Don’t worry about scaling peaks – this is primarily a flat walk, with the highest point being a manageable 259 meters at Maumean. Much of the journey utilises minor roads, most of the path consists of green roads and forest tracks, offering a delightful immersion in nature. Throughout the walk, be mesmerized by spectacular views of Killary Fjord, the Maumturks mountain range, and the Twelve Bens. It’s a truly terrific way to experience the raw beauty of Connemara.
15 Aug
Bádóirí an Chladaigh
3:39p.m. 15th August - 3:39p.m. 16th August 2026
Claddagh, Galway
Traditional boats of all shapes and sizes will gather in Claddagh to take part in the annual regatta with crews showcasing the skill and care required to maneuver these beautiful boats around a challenging race course! Be sure not to miss it!
17 Aug
Corrib Princess River Tours
4:00p.m. 17th August 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. Toilet facilities onboard. Please call us at + 353 87 8065366.
24 Aug
Water Sports in Galway
3:54p.m. 24th August 2026
Rusheen Bay Sports is a vibrant watersports centre located on the shores of Rusheen Bay in Galway, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. With a focus on fun, safety, and adventure, it provides experiences such as kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing, along with summer camps and group events. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Galway Bay, Rusheen Bay Sports is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get active on the water while enjoying the stunning west of Ireland coastline.
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.
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