The award-winning Climate Inspirations Festival 2026, a landmark celebration of creativity, innovation, and community action in response to the climate crisis, will take place from 24-28 June 2026 in various venues throughout Galway City. It brings together artists, scientists, council staff, and local communities to explore how storytelling and culture can accelerate climate solutions.
The five‑day festival will feature more than thirty events, including interactive exhibitions, climate art installations, live music, a community fair, a melting potluck, sustainability workshops, and keynote talks and panels from sustainability leaders. The programme is designed to spark public imagination and empower communities to take meaningful climate action.
It will centre on Fr. Burke Park and confirmed speakers so far include presenter of RTE’s “Build Your Own Home,” Harrison Gardner, Professor John Sweeney, architect Roisin Murphy, author John Gibbons, and acts Sharon Shannon, Jiggy, and DJ Sally Cinnamon.
Speaking about the festival Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said:
‘’This festival brings together what is best about Galway-our creative, community and academic cultures. I attended last year and was heartened by the community engagement and innovation, and I am looking forward to the excellent lineup in 2026.’’
Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr. Leonard Cleary added:
‘The Galway Climate festival is an opportunity for engagement with the public on climate action. It also highlights both Galway City and County climate actions and promotes the excellent work in the community as concerns sustainability.’’
This year’s festival will include the Climate Cocktail Club on Friday 26 June in Fr. Burke Park with its theme ‘Wild Atlantic Impact’, bringing together the cutting edge in sustainability and positive climate action in the West. There will also be many talks including ‘Communication as a climate action solution’ with Professor John Sweeney and Roisin Murphy; the Walking and Cycling Index, Active Travel and Behaviour Change with national and local experts and RTE’s Harrison Gardner will give a talk on 'The Great Unbuilding: Using What We Have to Build What We Need', which challenges conventional ideas of progress and construction, arguing for a more restorative and resourceful approach to our built environment.
The Climate Inspirations Festival has been recognised nationally, winning Festival of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards in 2025.
The festival is supported by Galway City and County Councils, LCDC, the City Bin Company, Galway City Community Network and Galway Tidy Towns.
To view the full line up visit: www.GalwayClimateFestival.ie
