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! 

Readings from Rathgar Odyssey and Joyce County 

Town Hall Theatre - 3.30 - 4.00pm

Take in a literary ramble with Mike Quinn and Ray Burke. Quinn will read from “Rathgar Odyssey”, a reflective, poetic exploration of Rathgar and Galway, produced in collaboration with Joe Boske, and Ray Burke will read from ‘Joyce County’, his fascinating and extensive examination of Joyce and Galway.

Free of charge. Both books will be available for purchase from Charlie Byrne’s Pop-Up.

The Musical Worlds of James Joyce

with Barry McGovern and Benjamin Dwyer 

Main Stage, The Town Hall Theatre 5.00 pm 

 We are delighted to bring you this specially curated event of spoken word, song, and guitar music, which will celebrate songs and music in James Joyce’s Ulysses, Chamber Music, The Dead, and Finnegans Wake, among other texts. Performed by one of Ireland’s greatest actors, the legendary Barry McGovern (who is also a fine singer) and the renowned classical composer and classical guitarist Benjamin Dwyer, this concert promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment. 

Meet and greet the artists in the Town Hall Theatre bar after the show. Admission includes complimentary signature ‘Bloody Nora’ cocktails courtesy of Micil, and canapés from Cava Bodega. 

Tickets are €25 ( concessions €20) and are available through the Town Hall Theatre Box Office.

Literature & Music

• Saturday 22nd

  The Lingerie Queen of Bowling Green

  Charlie Byrne's Bookshop  - 6.30 - 7.15pm

  Written and performed by Nicole Rourke and featuring guitarist-composer Benjamin Dwyer., this hilarious play takes us on a ‘Circean’ odyssey into the underwear world of female intimacy amidst the confessions, dreams and desires of two of the most recognisable and inspiring female figures in modern literature; Nora Barnacle and Molly Bloom. 

  Free of charge. Wine and canapés will be provided by Cava Bodega.

Poetry & Spoken Word

• Friday 21st

  The Poem Line Tigh Neachtains - 12.00 - 2.00 pm (and 4pm on Saturday)

  Caoimhe Lavelle will recite a poem especially for you live over the phone from ‘Nora’s Snug’ in Neachtains. The hotline number will be shared online and in Neachtains.

• Saturday 22nd Readings and Open Mic 

  Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop - 7.15 to 8.00pm

  Readings by poet and playwright  Alan McMonagle and celebrated chef and author JP McMahon followed by an open mic hosted by Caoimhe Lavelle. Sign up on the night for your opportunity to compare thine beloved to a summer’s day, or read an ode to a toad. 

  Free of charge. Wine and canapés will be provided by Cava Bodega.

History & Walking Tours

• Saturday 22nd

  Historical walking tour with Jonathon Hannon 

  Meeting Outside The Nora Barnacle House, Bowling Green - 2.00 - 3.30 pm

  Walk the streets Nora walked with historian Jonathan Hannon on a vivid journey through the time of Nora Barnacle, tracing her footsteps in a highly entertaining walking tour. Dress up like Nora and James is encouraged! Free of charge

Film

• Sunday 23rd

  Silent Cinema Night : Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans Silent Cinema Galway

  A special screening of the darkly romantic 1927 silent film by FW Murnau in Galway’s Silent Cinema. It’s the perfect film, and setting, for time-travelling film lovers! Grá goers are invited to luxuriate in the cinema’s intimate wine bar for a pre-screening drink! Tickets available from Silent Cinema Galway

• After Dark Blue Movie Nights  

  Liv Vintage Studios

  Join us for saucy screenings of steamy flicks for adults only in the chic vintage surrounds of Liv Vintage. Screening details will be announced on our social media. 

Dance & Live Music

• Thursday 20th Launch party 

  The Quays Bar - 6.00 to 8.00pm

  With live music from Mouse and the Traps, a launch speech by Deputy Mayor Niall McNeilis and fabulous prize giveaways, this launch is not to be missed! Fancy dress is highly encouraged. Free of charge

• Saturday 22nd Disco in the Bookshop with the Western Girls

  Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop - 8.30 to 10.00pm

  Gyup! Join The Western Girls, DJs Kwoo and Hag Trader, for a riotous shindig in the bookshop with glowsticks, silly hats, games and hijinx. Free of charge

Pick up a copy of Rathgar Odyssey at Charlie Byrnes Bookshop

“To be a Galwegian is to know the work of Joe Boske intimately. Beloved by anyone who attended this city’s renowned Arts Festival or supped a long pint in Tigh Neachtain, where his work is framed on almost every wall, Boske’s art is a cultural lynchpin both locally and internationally.

In this booklet it is beautifully paired with Michael Quinn’s poem – a lyrical, picaresque companion to the featured pieces. As a showcase of work, this unique blend of visual art and poetry is indeed welcome.”

Ruth Quinlan, Ruth Quinlan, Poet and co-editor of Skylight 47.

FOLLOW US

📘 Facebook

📷 Instagram

📱 Tiktok

Micil Distillery will be providing a signature cocktail called ‘Bloody Nora‘ made with their special Poitín on selected events Friday 21 and Sunday 23.