A festival dedicated to love in all its forms - romantic, platonic, familial, self-love, and love for community, humanity, and the environment. Inspired by the legendary Nora Barnacle.
19th - 22nd of March 2026 | 📍 Galway, Ireland
In 2025, Grá declared March 21st Nora’s Birthday, as…
International Nora Barnacle Day!
This year will mark the 2nd International Nora Barnacle Day, and Grá will have a dedicated day of programming in honor of the Galway Cultural Icon on what would be her 142nd birthday.
Music
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Theatre
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Poetry
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Food
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Comedy
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Walking Tours
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Film
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Music 〰️ Theatre 〰️ Poetry 〰️ Food 〰️ Comedy 〰️ Walking Tours 〰️ Film 〰️
The highly-anticipated Grá Festival 2026 Programme was officially launched on February 15th, with a speech from Cllr Níall McNelis at a launch party in Tigh Nora.
Announced at the launch was a Match-Making Service for festival-goers! Singles can sign up with the Match-Making Book, which will be present at all the festival’s events. Festival organisers will use the book to find and introduce possible matches.
The majority of our events are free! But to avoid disappointment we recommend booking these 2 paid events in advance:
Cheesy Laughs - A comedy event that sold out in 2025 so early booking is advised!
Mask Making with Festival Director Margaret Nolan - Sure to be a popular event added to this year’s programme
What is ‘Grá’?
The Irish word for love, ‘Grá’ transcends cultures and generations. This festival reflects the many expressions of love and belonging.
Why Nora Barnacle?
As the muse and wife of James Joyce, Nora was a free-spirited, passionate woman from Galway.
This year Grá festival is announcing the 21st of March as International Nora Barnacle Day. We invite you to celebrate her memory on her 141st birthday.
And if you’d like to dress up as her (or James Joyce!), you just might win so fantastic prizes!
Special Grá Discounts: Visiting Galway? Mention #GráFest2026 while booking with Radisson Red to get a special Discounted Rate of €190 for a room with B&B. 20% Discount with Kinlay Hostels.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
FLAGSHIP EVENT: Nuala O’Connor Launches "Nora Spills The Milk" Exhibition
The Town Hall Theatre March 21st 5.00 pm
An art Exhibition inspired by Nora Barnacle, in the Town Hall Theatre Gallery curated by Margaret Nolan. Launch speech by award-winning novelist Nuala O'Connor
More Festival Highlights
Historical Walking Tours tracing the steps of Nora Barnacle with Jonathan Hannon.
“Nora Spills The Milk”” Fireside Sessions: an evening of storytelling, music and loveletters, with Nicole Rourke, Jackie Roantree and SailHymn.
Cheesy Laughs Stand-up comedy in Sheridan’s wine bar with John Moynes, Nicole Rourke, Mars Duigan and Cheese!
The Book Lover’s Bloc in Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop;
Readings from Alan McMonagle, Tom Mathews, Caoimhe Lavelle and Rickie O’Neill, followed by an Open Mic and Disco In The Bookshop in Charlie Byrne’s with DJ Manniooooo (Aran Mannion).
Spoken Word, Storytelling, Live Music, Film Screenings, Workshops, Food Tours, and much more!
Get the very best of culture, food, drink, entertainment at Grá Festival 2026 ! Whether it’s self-love, romance, or love of place and culture you’ll be celebrating this year, Grá fest will have you falling in love with Galway all over again.
Special Thanks to….
Galway City Council, The Latin Quarter, Tigh Neachtain, The Town Hall Theatre, The Quays Bar, Cava Bodega, Radisson Red, Kinlay Hostel, Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery, Sheridans Cheesemongers, Tigh Nora, Seven Bridgestreet, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s, Bombay Sapphire, Galway Cider Co, Liv Vintage, Silent Cinema Galway, TJ Clarke's, Thomas Dillon.
Requests can be made to our team…
Festival Director Margaret Nolan margaretnolangraffiti@gmail.com
Festival Co-Director Caoimhe Lavelle cnimhao@tcd.ie
Previous festival Highlights
