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Festival: Accessible Events at Galway International Arts Festival 2025

14 - 27 Jul 2025

Various locations in Galway City.

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Audio Description for live performance is a live verbal commentary providing information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds, from sets, props and costumes to actors’ facial expressions and movements across the stage.
Irish Sign Language (ISL) is the sign language used in the republic of Ireland. The language makes use of space and involves movement of hands, body, face and head. A sign language interpreter interprets what a person says or signs simultaneously, or immediately afterwards.
Relaxed Performances are specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.

Galway is the City of the Tribes, and Galway International Arts Festival looks to embrace all its tribes, old and new.

Galway International Arts Festival strive to provide a warm welcome and to deliver a positive Festival experience for all. Look for access icons throughout the programme available at giaf.ie or below for ISL interpreted performances, touch tours, captioning, audio tours and relaxed gallery hours. While we aim to ensure all venues are accessible, some partner venues have limited access. Visit the Accessibility section of the website for full details on venue access, sensory backpacks, accessible facilities, and more. GIAF is proud to be part of the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities initiative.

In the sections below, you can find out about their ticketing policy, venue access and accessibility services for those with access requirements. Should you have any questions, or if you have any specific requests, please email info@giaf.ie.

Accessible Performances

Tactile Tunes by Arts Alive, a collective of artists with an intellectual disability and artist Jane Cassidy Aul Maxima, University of Galway

Arts Alive Galway aims to make the joy of music accessible to everyone, transforming how we engage with sound through inclusive creativity. Running from 14 to 27 July, 1pm-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 6pm

Group bookings for services and schools supporting groups with disabilities are available via giaf.ie

Scorched Earth Luke Murphy at the Black Box Theatre, Dyke Road
Captioned Performance 17 July at 7pm

Crime-drama meets dance theatre in a gripping exploration of ambition, land and legacy.

The Cave Kevin Barry at Town Hall Theatre
ISL interpreted performance Thursday 24 July at 2pm

An unforgettable black comedy from the pen of one of Ireland’s most beloved writers. Please note there is also a performance at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, with an ISL interpreted performance Thursday 26 June at 7.30pm, an audio described and captioned performance Saturday 28 June at 2pm, and
touch tour of stage and set Saturday 28 June at 12 noon. For more information, please visit abbeytheatre.ie

Why the Moon Travels Moonfish Theatre at the Bank of Ireland Theatre, University of Galway
Captioned performance Friday 18 July at 6pm
ISL interpreted performance Saturday 19 July at 1pm

Step into a space where modern Ireland meets an older Éire in a haunting and magical retelling of Irish Traveller folktales.

Story of a Day – Scéal Lae The Cube, University of Galway
ISL interpreted performance and relaxed performance Saturday 19 July at 3.30pm

A music-filled story of one child’s day that turns the ordinary into extraordinary with live music, vibrant storytelling and vivid animation.

Touch Tours

Touch tours are free but need to be booked by emailing Elena by emailing etoniato@giaf.ie or calling 087 7688 206

Burning Down the House David Mach at the Festival Gallery, An Post, William Street
Touch Tour Thursday 17 July at 10am

Galway International Arts Festival has commissioned the Turner Prize-nominated artist, David Mach, to create a new site-specific installation Burning Down the House.

The Baby Room Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
Touch Tour Friday 18 July at 10am

From a wedding outlet in Dublin’s northside — a young woman is pulled back through the minor tragedies of her insignificant life.

Sensory Backpacks

Sensory Backpacks are designed for adults and children who may find the festival environment overwhelming and who may have particular sensory needs. The backpacks contain ear defenders, a stress ball and fidget toys. A limited number of sensory backpacks will be available to borrow during the Festival, visit giaf.ie or view the programme below for more details.

Venue Accessibility and Assistance

You can find a list of detailed information on accessible entrance, seats, toilets and nearby accessible parking spots by visiting giaf.ie/info/about/venues. Please let the Galway International Arts Festival Team know of any needs or requirements at the time of booking. If you require spaces for mobility devices, such as a wheelchair or scooter, or spaces for a support person please advise the box office when booking.

Concession Prices, Discounted Tickets, Companions, and Guide Dogs

Concessions on selected shows are available for senior citizens (65 +), unwaged, persons in receipt of disability allowance, asylum seekers and refugees and full-time students with appropriate ID. Concession tickets are for theatre, dance and circus shows only and can be bought online or at the box office where available.  Companions are entitled to a free ticket, please contact our Box Office to book this by emailing boxoffice@giaf.ie or calling 091 566 577. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted to performances at each GIAF venue however some shows/concerts in Monroe’s live venue may not allow the accompaniment of guide and assistance dogs in the interest of the animals’ own safety. If you plan to attend with a guide dog or an assistance dog, please contact the box office in advance.

Programme Notes:

GIAF 2025 Programme FINAL

Story of a Day- Scéal an Lae at The Cube, University of Galway as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2025.

Why The Moon Travels by Moonfish Theatre, Oein DeBhairduin and Galway International Arts Festival

Atomic by Hazel O'Sullivan at the Outset Gallery as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2025.

Categories:: Audiences

Tags:: access; accessible performances; Audio Description; Captioned Performances; Captioning; Festivals; Galway International Arts Festival; GIAF; Irish Sign Language Interpretation; ISL; Relaxed Performances; Touch Tours

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