16th-18th October 2026  Join us for another MAD Festival with a programme that is accessible and inclusive for all the family to enjoy. Tickets are available on the night, so come early to secure your place. Please note the programme is subject to change, so please check our socials for details.   The Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre kindly acknowledges the support of Galway County Council.     A big thank you to Galway County Council, Galway East Tourism and the Athenry Heritage Centre for supporting this years event.                 

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and stories of medieval Athenry. This year's Walled Towns Day commences from 1:00pm–5:00pm on Sunday 16th August 2026 in Athenry Community Park and the Athenry Heritage Centre. Celebrating 20 years, this popular festival is inspired by the theme “Heritage to Protect, Europe to Connect,” the event offers an opportunity to explore one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns and its links with historic towns across Europe. Curated by the Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre in partnership with Galway County Council’s Heritage Office, the programme features free activities for all ages to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy medieval ...

THE MOTH & BUTTERFLYINTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF STORYTELLING & IMPROVISATION Sunday 1st February 3:00pm-4:00pm Admission €6 Travel on the high seas, hear stories and tunes from distant lands, as well as all the water in between. Join Storyteller Fiona Dowling and Musician Michael Chang for a storytelling and musical adventure that sails across the seven seas.

A visit to see Santa at the Athenry Heritage Centre is a magical experience for young children (Under 6), babies, and toddlers which brings the spirit of Christmas to life.  This years Nollaig Beo event is a Santa visit only however the centre's grotto is a place of festive cheer for all the family to enjoy. Nestled in the heart of the medieval town of Athenry, the Nollaig Beo event is set within the beautiful surroundings of the Athenry Heritage Centre which is filled with warmth and charm as children and their parents will be greeted by Mrs Claus and then Santa who has a gift for the boys and girls. Parents can capture the moment with a photo as the whole family enjoy...

Join us this Wednesday 15th October at 8:00pm as the Athenry Heritage Centre presents celebrated harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin as she launches her new debut album Tús. Úna's album is rooted in Irish tradition and contemporary expression and Tús is a showcase of Úna's revolutionary new harp, a hybrid of the early Gaelic harp & modern Irish harp. Signed copies of her new album will be available on the night. No pre booking is required as tickets are available at the door.  Admission is €10.00/€5.00  

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Irish harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin & Québecois dancer, Mélissandre T-B, release a new work of harp and dance to commemorate the event.  That evening, Úna & Mélissandre will premiere 'An Bhreith Anabaí' in Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, as they participate in the annual global 'Wave of Light'. Beginning at 7pm, landmarks and buildings worldwide are lit up in pink and blue to commemorate pregnancy loss. All are welcome to attend the event, where Úna & Mélissandre will perform the evocative new work, offering a space for community connection and creative expression around a subject often left unspoken. ...

  Welcome to this years Athenry MAD Festival which runs from the 18th-21st September.  The programme, which is curated by the Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, supports local artists and arts practitioners to showcase their work and provides an event that is inclusive and accessible to all. Many of the events are free to attend but pre-booking for some is required due to capacity for the artist delivering the workshop/performance.  The Athenry MAD Festival is supported by:   Thursday 18th September: ÉIST - Mindful Concert 5:30pmWith Ciara Finnerty A mindful concert, that unfolds by the artists listening for what wants to be sung, by attuning to the place, and t...

Discover the best preserved medieval town in Ireland by celebrating Athenry's Walled Towns Day on Sunday 17th August 2025. Join us in Athenry Community Park and the Athenry Heritage Centre for a free family fun day celebrating the rich heritage of Athenry. This year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations,” invites visitors of all ages to enjoy a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, music, song and dance, medieval reenactments, puppet shows, children’s activities, food stalls, historical presentations, and a walking tour of the historic town. Step back in time and experience the magic of medieval Athenry! This event is organised by Galway County Council's Heritage Office and the Athen...