This October, Galway City along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way will once again reclaim Samhain’s ancient Celtic origins with Gaillimh Ah‑Boo! — a vibrant, city‑wide celebration of food, folklore, feasting, fire, mischief and myth.
For 2026, Galway City Council is inviting partners, creators, collectives, and community groups to help shape this year’s Samhain season. We welcome proposals under the following two strands:
1. Festival Partnerships
For established festivals and organisations presenting significant programme elements.
We are seeking proposals from established festivals who wish to contribute major events or signature programme strands to Gaillimh Ah‑Boo! 2026. These events must take place within an already established festival that occurs in the autumn (October/November). Successful partners will receive funding to tailor aspects of their programme to suit the themes of Gaillimh Ah‑Boo!
Funding support of up to €20,000 is available.
2. New Events & Pop‑Up Projects
For new ideas, trials, pilots, experiments, and community‑driven events.
We invite artists, companies, producers, community groups, local businesses and collectives to submit imaginative proposals for standalone events, installations, or short series.
Funding support of up to €2,500 is available.
Potential themes might include, but are not limited to:
• Ancient Celtic Traditions
• Magic & Mischief
• Folklore & Storytelling
• Myth & the Otherworld
• Fire, Flame & Light
• Food, Feasting & Harvest Traditions
• Ancestry, Memory & Remembrance
• Spirits, Hauntings & Dark Histories
• The Natural World & Seasonal Change
• Community Celebration & Collective Ritual
• Cross-Cultural Halloween Traditions
How to Apply:
Please include the following information in your proposal:
• Short Description of Your Event or Project
A concise overview outlining what the event is, what will happen, where it will take place and why it fits within the Gaillimh Ah‑Boo! programme.
• Audience Details
Who the event is aimed at and your estimated audience numbers or capacity.
• Aims & Objectives
What you hope to achieve — e.g., community engagement, showcasing local culture, testing a new artistic idea, activating a specific area, contributing to the Samhain themes, etc.
• Budget Outline
A simple breakdown of the expected costs, how much funding you are requesting, and what the funding will be used for.
• Links to Past Work or Relevant Experience
Examples of previous projects, events, performances, or community initiatives that demonstrate your ability to deliver the proposed activity.
Send proposals to: events@galwaycity.ie
Deadline: April 28th 2026