What’s on in Galway This Weekend
Your Weekend Galway City Gig Guide from Friday Aug 26th to Sunday 28th
It’s the weekend in Galway and it looks as though we are in for a great one! To help you to navigate what’s on in Galway this weekend, welcome to our city gig guide. The Scene (or SiG as we like to call ourselves #notions) will get you from Friday right through to Sunday. This is just a taster of what’s on offer in a city celebrated for it’s dedication to live music, comedy, theatre and so much more.
Cross the bridges to the Westend, become steeped in the history of the Latin Quarter and discover what’s on at Monroes Tavern, Monroes Live, The Róisín Dubh and the Kings Head this weekend.
Friday August 26th
Róisín Dubh:
8pm: Willie Mason: Willie Mason’s quest to delve into the themes of tragedy, deception, loss and freedom come to life in his fourth album entitled Already Dead. Grasping with the concepts of mythology and the hope for reconciliation, with both ourselves and our natural world, Mason bares all though his lyrics. Ultimately it is the spoken word through song. Mason is guaranteed to move and provoke.
Consequently, Already Dead is a call to action. And it’s a chance to make sense of a dramatically changing world. Not only that, but he looks at the impact this has had on our society through melody. Join Willie Mason, with support from Sophie Jameson, on stage at the Róisín Dubh in Galway’s vibrant Westend this Friday.
If you are tempted, you can listen to the album Already Dead here: Already Dead Album by Willie Mason
Monroe’s Tavern:
4:30pm: The West Sessions: The West Sessions at Monroe’s Tavern is a trad session in all it’s glory. At this toe-tapping celebration of Irish music and song, you never know who will pop in to join the mayhem and magic in the corner. Furthermore, the cosy atmosphere at Monroe’s Tavern provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the very best of music and song. With strong connections to world renowned artists, the West Sessions always has that element of surprise. Come for the food and stay for the craic. And it’s absolutely free!
10pm: Feedback: If you haven’t yet been to Monroe’s Tavern, then you are in for a treat. Here, you might pop in for a quiet pint, and end up dancing the night away. Every band is selected by the Monroe’s team to have you on your feet. This is the place to put the worries of the week away and simply enjoy the moment. From Aslan to Tina Turner, you’ll be rollin’ on the river with this talented band. At the end of the day, Feedback will bring the beats to keep you entertained, song after song. And it’s free!
Monroe’s Live:
11pm: The Afters: If the West Sessions and Feedback have you wanting more, then the party continues upstairs at Monroe’s Live. Join The Afters for late night live with their twist on modern, Irish and classic covers. Monroe’s Live continues to champion the music scene in Galway. Ideally located on Dominick Street, the famous black and white exterior holds two venues and multiple stages to make your Friday nights rock. Free entry before midnight and €10 afterwards.
The King’s Head:
11pm: Pyramid: Galway wouldn’t be Galway without Pyramid. Fundamentally, this band is tied in with the city of the tribes. If you ask a local, they will know the name. Such recognition is testament to the loyal following they have established over the years. Now you can catch them this Friday at the historic King’s Head in the city’s Latin Quarter. Here, be prepared for pop and rock with the Pyramid twist. It’s classic and contemporary all night long.
Saturday August 27th
Róisín Dubh:
8pm: The Riptide Movement: From Electric Picnic and Glastonbury to the Róisín Dubh, The Riptide Movement has taken the world by storm. Moreover, this Dublin band has played alongside internationally acclaimed artists such as The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Bon Jovi. Now, we have them right on our doorstep at the amazing Róisín Dubh in Galway’s Westend.
This Saturday, they will set the stage alight with their string of top hits including ‘All Works Out’, ‘You and I’, ‘Elephant in the Room’, ‘Changeling’ and ‘Something Special’. “I know you feel lost, I know you feel scared/but it all works out” with The Riptide Movement. It’s set to be an incredible night. Support by Cynthia Catan.
Monroe’s Tavern:
10pm: The Good Life: It’s Saturday night and what better way to unleash your inner dancing diva than with The Good Life and Monroe’s Tavern. This venue is like the musical gift that keeps on giving. Moreover, you will be inspired to get up out of your comfortable seat and join the dancers on the floor. Monroe’s Tavern is unstoppable. What’s more, it’s totally free! Here at the Scene in Galway, we are always taken aback by the quality of music at this pub. It’s more than traditional. It’s rock, covers and classics, all with the stylings of the band of the evening. This Saturday, it’s the turn of The Good Life at 10pm.
Monroe’s Live:
11pm: The M Fours: After The Good Life, you don’t have far to travel to let the music play out all night long. Take the steps upstairs to hang out with The M Fours at Monroe’s Live venue. While Monroe’s Tavern has it’s own unique vibe, with an intimate atmosphere and surroundings, Monroe’s Live is a different animal. Think nightclub meets concert venue.
With multiple stages serving a feast of live music of different genres, it’s no wonder this award winning place is a hotspot on the Galway scene. Known for it’s dedication to showcasing musicians and artists, you can leave it all on the dancefloor at Monroe’s Live. This Saturday, join The M Fours for their fantastic take on the music of Blondie, Janelle Monae, Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Dusty Springfield, No Doubt, The Pretenders, Roxy Music, Imelda May and Fleetwood Mac. Additionally, there’s free entry before midnight. €10 afterwards.
Sunday August 28th
Monroe’s Tavern:
1pm-3pm: The Galway Bay Jazz Band: And all that jazz! This free live gig at Monroe’s Tavern is the perfect opportunity to while away a Sunday afternoon in style. Jump, jive and wail to this incredible band who will take you right back to the swingin’ era with their fast paced tribute to a bygone age. It’s lively, it’s got rhythm and it’s already attracting a strong following.
Not only that, but be prepared for a packed dance floor as it’s almost impossible to stay away from the rhythm of the day. However, if you fancy sitting back and enjoying the entertainment as it unfolds, this is the perfect spot for afternoon lunch and a beverage while the tunes keep coming. Hold on to that weekend feeling with the Galway Bay Jazz Band at Monroe’s Tavern.
The King’s Head:
9pm: Pyramid: So good they are playing twice this weekend! Join Pyramid this Sunday for the ideal opportunity to say a fond farewell to the weekend. Catch the band as they bring the beat to the best covers, classics, and all-time hits. Ultimately, the King’s Head stage comes alive every night of the week with free live music. This is what make the music scene in the city so vibrant and welcoming. At the end of the weekend, don’t miss your chance to catch these Galway greats in action.
Róisín Dubh:
11pm: John Conneely: He’s back! John Conneely and his band of amazingly talented artists take to the world-famous stage at the Róisín Dubh in Galway’s Westend. For the ultimate treat, enjoy the swing, jazz and modern vibes as he takes you into Monday with ease.
In essence, John’s voice has those distinct deep vocal tones that cannot be matched. Together with the melodic powerhouse that is Barbara Vulso, a night with John Conneely Inc cannot be replicated anywhere else. Always packed to the rafters, even at this late hour, it’s a Sunday night Galway staple that will set your heart alight time and time again. Billed as late-night singing and dancing, it is so much more. Undoubtedly, If you go once, you will want to return. Here at the Scene, we can’t recommend this enough.
What an end to the weekend in the city of the tribes.
