Galway City Council is inviting applications from festival organisers for the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund and the newly established Regional Food Festival Fund.
These funds are kindly supported by Fáilte Ireland.
1. Purpose of the Funds
These supports aim to:
• Strengthen regional and seasonal spread
• Enhance visitor experience quality
• Support festivals showcasing culture, food, heritage, music, storytelling, and community identity
• Encourage sustainable tourism and economic activity
2. Funding Streams Available
A. Regional Festivals Fund
Supports festivals that demonstrate tourism potential, visitor engagement, and reflect Galway’s cultural identity.
B. Regional Food Festival Fund
Supports food-focused events with tourism and economic development potential..
3. Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
• Host the festival within Galway City
• Provide insurance and governance details
• Commit to reporting and accurately crediting GCC & Failte Ireland where appropriate
• Comply with safety and sustainability standards
Please note that festivals or events already in receipt of funding through other Galway City Council grants or partnerships are not eligible for this funding.
4. Assessment Criteria
• Demonstrate Tourism impact
• Demonstrate Cultural/culinary value
• Demonstrate Economic benefit
• Marketing and digital presence
• Feasibility and organisational capacity
• Sustainability
• Value for money
5. Funding Levels
Funding levels depend on scale, ambition, tourism impact, and alignment with programme objectives.
6. How to Apply
Submit the following:
• Festival overview
• Organisation details
• Detailed budget
• Marketing plan
• Programme details for 2026
• Demonstrate how the festival meets criteria above
7. Deadline & Submission
Submit to: events@galwaycity.ie
Subject: Regional Festivals Fund 2026 Application or Food Festival Fund 2026 Application by April 21st 2026
8. Further Information
Contact:
Louise Osborne, Festival & Events Officer
Email: events@galwaycity.ie