Bealtaine Festival is a truly significant artistic experience, fostering creativity among older people through intergenerational collaboration, showcasing the talents of older artists, and promoting the sharing of skills and experiences that contribute to a rich and creative life.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the hugely popular arts festival, which is an initiative of Age & Opportunity, proudly funded by the Arts Council and the HSE, and supported by communities nationwide and a diverse network of local and national bodies.
Galway City Council are offering a programme of events and activities through the Age Friendly Initiative, Creative Ireland Programme and Night-Time Economy Action Plan.
This year’s Bealtaine programme in Galway features everything from storytelling in nursing homes to artist talks, jazz nights, creative workshops, dance events, and more. The events are hosted in partnership with local venues, organisations, and artists, all working together to celebrate the wealth of experience and creativity that older people bring to our communities.
Join us this May and take part in Galway City’s celebration of creativity, community, and connection! For further information, contact candc@galwaycity.ie or visit https://bealtaine.ie/arts-events-listings/ to view Arts Events listings happening near you.
Bealtaine 2025 Highlights in Galway City include:
Café Lates; Jazz Night at Dangan House Café: Friday, 2 May @ 8.30pm. Immerse yourself in an evening of soulful live jazz, complemented by delicious light bites and refreshing beverages, all while enjoying the picturesque views of the Georgian walled garden. Galway City Council Night-Time Economy is sponsoring a limited number of free tickets for those aged 50+ encouraging accessibility and participation in the city’s night-time cultural offerings.
Social Steps Dance workshops: Mondays: 12, 19 and 26 May, various times. Come along and join the free dance workshops taking place in Westside Community Centre (9.30am – 11am), Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre (1pm – 2.30 pm) and Ballybane Community Resource Centre (3.30 pm – 5pm). This Healthy Galway City and Age Friendly initiative, in partnership with Galway Dance, is all about moving more and having fun.
Café Lates: Creative Connections at Dangan House Café: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 @ 6.30pm. Engage in an evening of tranquil creativity. Let the garden's timeless beauty inspire your artistic spirit as you translate your vision onto plant pots! This event provides the opportunity to connect with your creative side, within a relaxed and welcoming night-time environment. Galway City Council Night-Time Economy is sponsoring a limited number of free tickets for those aged 50+ encouraging accessibility and participation in the city’s night-time cultural offerings.
Silver Screen Film Screenings at the Eye Cinema: Every Friday in May, at 12pm, the Eye Cinema will host a special screening for older adults as part of the Bealtaine Festival. Films including ‘The Penguin Lessons’, ‘The Salt Path’ and ‘Parthenope’ have been selected for their unique perspectives of ageing. Galway City Age Friendly and Creative Ireland Programmes are sponsoring a limited number of free tickets, with the first 40 tickets of each screening free for older adults. Free teas and coffees, doors open @ 11.30am.