Galway Comedy Festival Returns With a Jam-Packed Week of Entertainment
By Jean Daly
Galway Comedy Festival is returning to Galway from October 21-27, for a celebration of famous comics from Ireland and beyond.
The week-long festival will provide non-stop laughter and will feature an incredible 69 shows and 70 artists, with performances spread across 16 venues throughout Galway city and county.
Organisers are gearing up for a record-breaking turnout with more than 15,000 attendees expected- a testament to Galway’s growing reputation as Ireland’s home of comedy.
Festival head of marketing, Niall Horisk, said the event’s growth reflects a broader ambition to expand and strengthen the comedy scene across Ireland.
“Each year our attendance has been getting bigger,” he said. “Galway Comedy Festival is now—thanks to Brexit—the largest comedy festival in the EU.”
The Galway Comedy Festival began as a small but ambitious gathering of Irish comedians performing in local pubs and venues around the city. Today, it stands as one of Europe’s most respected comedy festivals, attracting major international acts.
This year’s line-up is stacked with both household names and rising stars, with acts tailored to every comedy taste. Among the most anticipated is Paul Smith, whose show, Pablo, sold out almost instantly. Due to huge demand, Smith will now perform two nights at Leisureland.
Comedy festival fans have consistently praised Phil Jupitus for his engaging performances, sharp wit, and expert storytelling. A regular favourite at the Galway Comedy Festival, Jupitus returns this year with multiple shows, including his improvisation collaborations, Porky the Poet set, and Sketch Comic performance.
Irish comedy legend Dylan Moran has also sold out his headline show at the Black Box Theatre, while UK comedy icons Jack Dee and Omid Djalili bring their brand-new tours to Galway, performing at both the Town Hall Theatre and the Black Box.
“We’ve got over 70 artists to choose from—there’s something for everybody,” Niall said. “We’re also offering great discounted deals for NUIG and ATU students to make comedy more accessible to our student population.”
For fans of classic Irish comedy, there’s a real treat in store. Father Ted favourites Patrick McDonnell, Joe Rooney, and Kevin Gildea will reunite for a show in Regan’s of Clonboo. McDonnell—known for his parody of country singer Daniel O’Donnell—will join Rooney (the rebellious Fr. Damo) and Gildea (Father Cave) for a night of nostalgia and sharp satire sure to delight longtime fans of the beloved series.
Niall said, “as part of our Festival, we plan to turn Pálás Cinema into one of the finest comedy venues in Ireland. We are very excited & grateful that Galway City Council are giving us a chance to breathe new life into the space. We’re there for a good time, not a long time!”
For those looking to try their hand at comedy, All-Star Steve Steen will host an improv masterclass at Pálás Cinema at noon on Saturday, October 24. Best known for his role as Lord Byron in Blackadder the Third, Steen will guide participants through the secrets of improvisation and comedic performance. The class is open to everyone—not just aspiring comedians.
However, this year’s line-up goes well beyond stand-up. This year, audiences can catch Ireland’s favourite podcasts in live spectacles throughout the week. Among these, the popular Creep Dive Live Podcast, hosted by Sophie White, Jen O’Dwyer, and Cassie Delaney, will explore the weird and wonderful with tales of “scams that spiralled, cults you’ve never heard of, baffling mysteries, medical curiosities, and undead urban legends,” according to the festival programme.
Adding to the fun, a festival favourite also returns this year with the internationally acclaimed Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience, running from 22nd – 25th in The Hardiman Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel.
Based on the legendary BBC sitcom, the immersive dinner show invites audiences to become part of the fun as Basil, Sybil, and Manuel serve up a three-course meal alongside two hours of improvised mayhem. With over 70% of each performance unscripted, no two shows are ever the same.
As Galway gears up for another unforgettable week of laughter, this year’s packed programme proves once again why both audiences and comedians return year after year to Ireland’s capital of comedy.
From improvisation and live podcasts to small gigs and full theatres, it’s the home of Ireland’s humour and comedic spirit.
