Galway City Council is inviting feedback on the Galway Buskers Community Code of Conduct, after a trial period of the code in Galway City over summer 2025. Feedback is invited by Tuesday 7 October, from buskers, local businesses and the general public through online surveys, available at www.GalwayCity.ie
The Code of Conduct was developed by the Galway Buskers Community, to consider the needs, wellbeing, responsibilities, and contributions of Galway City Buskers (Street Performers, Entertainers, Musicians, and Artists) regarding busking and its wider impact on the community as a whole.
Galway City Council recognises the vital role buskers play in enriching the cultural vibrancy and unique atmosphere of Galway City. The trial period over summer 2025 was proposed to monitor the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct, and to gather feedback from both the busking community and local businesses, to ensure that Galway continues to be a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural enjoyment – in a system that benefits buskers, businesses, and residents alike.
Galway City Council is now inviting feedback on the trial period of the Galway Buskers Community Code of Conduct – with individual surveys open for:
Feedback is invited by Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Following the public consultation period, a report will be prepared for the Strategic Policy Committee on Tourism on the trial period of the Galway Buskers Community Code of Conduct. The report may propose amendments to the Galway City Busking Byelaws, for consideration by the Elected Members of Galway City Council. Amendments to the byelaws are a reserved function of the Elected Members.
For more information on the Galway Buskers Community Code of Conduct and to access the survey please see www.GalwayCity.ie
Buskers’ Code of Conduct 2025 Trial
This code aims to consider the needs, wellbeing, responsibilities, and contributions of Galway City Buskers (Street Performers, Entertainers, Musicians, and Artists) regarding busking and its wider impact on the community as a whole. It is widely recognised that busking is a vibrant and valuable cultural contribution to the public realm. The Galway Buskers Community wishes to continue the positive and historically established tradition of busking in our city, for the benefit and enjoyment of all. To this end, we have agreed upon and adopted the following code of conduct:
1. Street Performers will be reasonable and respectful, remembering that they share the street with residents, shoppers, and businesses, and behave accordingly. Street performances will begin no earlier than 10am and finish no later than pub closing times all year round, with attention and respect paid to quieter or noisier times and areas.
2. The maximum performance time in any one spot shall be two hours, after which performers must move to another available pitch if they wish to continue performing.
3. Street Performers shall adhere to a queuing system for spots/pitches, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If a busker wishes to play at an occupied pitch, they must approach the current performer and ask when they will finish (maximum time being two hours). If a spot has already been booked, they may reserve the next available slot. Performers needing to leave early should inform the next performer. Any spot left empty is considered free, regardless of prior arrangements. No other queuing system is permitted in Galway City.
4. Street Performers shall ensure entrances and emergency exits for businesses and residences remain clear and accessible, shall keep their performing area tidy, and clear away any rubbish when they finish performing. Remember, we all reflect our community through our behaviour.
5. Street Performers shall manage any crowd or audience that gathers to watch their performance, ensuring that the street remains passable and shops accessible during performances. Consideration should be given to those with mobility impairments who may find it difficult to move through crowds.
6. For audio acts (i.e., music and vocals, whether acoustic, amplified, or acts with backing tracks), sound shall be kept at an average level no greater than 80 dB (measured from across the street), with additional consideration given to the specific location and time of day (i.e., quieter on smaller or less populated streets and during quieter times of day).
7. Street Performers shall be considerate of other performers, setting up no closer than 40 metres (approximately 130 feet) away from another performer, considering points 4, 5, and 6. Generally, if you can clearly hear or see another busker, you are too close.
8. Street Performers shall be considerate of local businesses and residents, fostering positive relationships between all parties, and welcoming feedback and open communication regarding the shared public space.
In addition to the Code of Conduct, Galway City Council would like to emphasise the following:
1. Maintaining Pedestrian Access: To ensure safe and accessible pedestrian flow, Galway City Council requests that large bands or groups refrain from playing at Cross Street in a manner that blocks access to Middle Street. The roadway must remain clear at all times.
2. Casual Trading Regulations: Casual trading on the streets of Galway requires a valid casual trading licence. Selling merchandise without a licence is an offence. For more information, please contact environment@galwaycity.ie. (Note: Street performances/busking are not considered casual trading.)
3. Cooperation with Authorities: We ask for full cooperation with the Gardaí and Community Wardens.
For further information: www.facebook.com/GalwayBuskersCommunity/