Galway City is hosting a series of events throughout the rest of the year celebrating the county’s partnership with Estonia as well as its relationship with all EU member states.
This programme is being held to mark Ireland’s six month Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December this year.
The County Pairings Programme is a national initiative developed as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency. Under the programme, each local authority has been partnered with an EU Member State to strengthen connections between local communities and Europe through cultural, educational, civic and economic engagement.
Galway has been paired with Estonia, where links have been developed through a number of EU projects and initiatives such as the Interreg project NITIES, with the aim of uniting public authorities to maximise the benefits and minimise the negative impacts of night-time activities.
During the Presidency period, this partnership will create opportunities to showcase the rich culture, creativity and innovation that both Galway and Estonia share, while encouraging discussion and collaboration on issues of mutual interest through a range of public events and exchanges.
Galway City Council, working in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, has developed a programme that highlights the European aspects of our city while building on Galway’s strong international outlook.
Over the course of the Presidency, residents and visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities, including guided tours, public talks, music, exhibitions and cultural events taking place throughout the city. Themes explored across the programme will include culture and heritage, innovation, language, sustainability, creativity and European cooperation.
| Date | Title | Description | Location |
| 1 July – 31st December | European Object of the Month | Each month, from July to December 2026, Galway City Museum will showcase publicly a different object from its collection that connects to the histories and cultures of mainland Europe. Objects range from a Dominican chasuble with Spanish block printing to medals from the First World War, demonstrating Galway’s enduring links to the continent | Galway City Museum |
| 18th September | Around the EU in Song | As part of Culture Night, Helen Hancock and Ramin Haghjoo celebrate the EU in delightful song, opera and operetta at Galway Museum. A programme of arias and art songs on themes of mythical creatures, travel, death/memory and love will be explored in music from Austria, Germany, Czechia, France, Italy, Ireland and Hungary. | Galway City Museum |
| 29th September | UNESCO Cities of Film – Subnetwork Meeting | As part of the UNSECO City of Film Subnetwork meeting Galway will host delegates from Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, France, Germany, Romania as well as other countries. They will be invited for a celebration of Ireland through the mediums of poetry, music, dance and film. | St. Nicholas’s Church |
| October – December | The Tribes in Hungary: Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn | This exhibition shares the stories of two remarkable men, Bishop Walter Lynch and Ferenc Martyn, ancestors of ‘the Tribes of Galway’ who had a lasting cultural impact in Hungary, centuries apart. Through the story of the ‘Irish Madonna’ of Győr and the Irish influences in Martyn’s artworks, visitors will learn about the long-standing cultural connections to Hungary. In partnership with Diocesan Library and Treasury of Győr. | Galway City Museum |
| October 5 | ECON Culture Programme | As part of the ECON External Meeting and Conference Galway City will host a culture evening welcoming members from across Europe, this event will include traditional Irish Music, a curated photo exhibition and traditional Irish dance as a showcase of Irish heritage and traditions. | Mick Lally Theatre |
| November / December (TBC) | EU Presidency Closing Event | To close the EU Presidency 2026, Galway City will host a closing event celebrating music, culture and community from across the EU. | Location TBC |
