Former President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, will join us at this year’s Galway Climate Inspirations Festival in a special public conversation exploring the intersection of climate action, culture, creativity and hope.
Presented in partnership with IDEA, the Irish Development Education Association, the free event, titled “Climate, Culture & Hope: A Conversation with Michael D. Higgins,” will take place on Sunday, 28 June from 15:30 to 16:45 in the Festival Tent at Father Burke Park.
In this unique festival appearance, Michael D. Higgins will be joined by author and social innovator Ruairí McKiernan, CEO of IDEA, for a wide-ranging conversation on imagination, global citizenship, and the role of creativity and civic partnership in shaping a more sustainable and just world.
The event will also feature a special performance from acclaimed Galway-based musician Áine Tyrell and youth poet Princess Mimi Chukwudi, bringing together music, poetry and public dialogue in a powerful celebration of creativity and community action.
Speaking in advance, Ruairí McKiernan said:
"Michael D. Higgins has been one of Ireland's most consistent and inspiring voices for justice, peace, human dignity and global solidarity. He has long spoken about the need to live in greater harmony with each other and with the natural world, recognising that climate and environmental action is ultimately about relationships, responsibility and care for each other and our planet. At a time when it's easy to feel overwhelmed by global turbulence, this conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on how culture, community, creativity and active citizenship can help us respond with courage, imagination, practical action and hope."
Tiarnan McCusker, Galway City Council’s Community Climate Action Officer, said:
“Galway has long been a city where culture, community and innovation come together. The Climate Inspirations Festival reflects that spirit, bringing people of all ages together to explore climate action in creative and accessible ways. Galway City Council are proud to welcome Michael D. Higgins to what promises to be a standout and inspiring event within a diverse and engaging festival programme.”
The conversation forms part of the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival 2026, taking place 24-28 June at Fr. Burke Park, the Museum and Eyre Square.
Now recognised as one of Ireland’s most innovative public engagement festivals, the five-day programme brings together artists, academics, educators, community groups and citizens to explore practical, creative and community-led responses to climate change.
This year’s festival features over 30 events, with highlights including:
- Inspiring talks and conversations, such as:
- Environmental educator Harrison Gardner
- “The Lie of the Land” with John Gibbons and Dr. Patrick Collins
- A climate communication discussion with architect Róisín Murphy, Prof. John Sweeney, Lucie Martin (ESRI) and Laura Costello (Hometree)
- The walking and cycling index report and active travel talk
- Live performances, including an energetic set from Jiggy, blending traditional Irish music with global sounds; An Tara; Los Watchos; DJ Sally Cinamon, Na hEasógái, Poet Julie Goo, Mna Mna DJ’s, Samba Wave and Kelsey Selky
- Interactive experiences, including the NZEB Retrofit Rig, offering hands-on insight into sustainable home retrofitting and energy efficiency;
- Creative social events like the Climate Cocktail Club and Giob Geab, combining sustainability with nightlife and conversation
- Climate Exhibitions in the Museum, Fr. Burke Park, and Westend Arts Collective
- Food with Melting potluck and ‘Global food, tastes of the climate emergency’’
- Many more events….
At its core, the festival highlights the role of imagination and collaboration in addressing climate challenges, aligning closely with Michael D. Higgins’ long-standing advocacy for the arts, culture and active citizenship as essential tools for societal change.
For more information on this year's Climate Inspirations Festival event and for details on how to register or buy tickets, visit: https://GalwayClimateFestival.ie
This festival is kindly supported by Galway City Council’s Environment Section, with funding through it’s ‘Circular City Galway’ initiative, Galway City Councils community section with funding under LCDC, Galway City Night-Time Economy and its Integration team. Also, thanks to Galway County Council, the City Bin Company and Claddagh Credit Union.