The second Galway Love festival kicks off February 10 – 14 sponsored by The Latin Quarter Galway. This year’s theme is All About Nora (Barnacle that is). Showcasing local artists, the programme of visual art, poetry, tours, music & singles events celebrates love in all its forms, and best of all it’s all free (almost*)!
The festival will open on Friday 10th February at 7pm with a Costume Party at Tigh Nora’s with performances by Órla Mc Govern & Niceol Blue. From Friday you can check out The Love Art Trail across the Latin Quarter. There will also be a programme of Love films at Palás Cinema.
The Saturday programme kicks off at 2pm with ring making with Jonathon Margatis at Thomas Dillion’s. Next up is a love themed reading at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop. Traditional céilí bands will play live music at Tigh Chóilí’s from 8pm and Taaffes Bar from 10pm.
On Sunday afternoon there will be two free walking tours. A historical walk about Nora Barnacle with Jonathon Hannon starting at Tigh Neachtains at 3pm. Famous Clairvoyant Hope NadiaAidan will summon the spirits at the 1800s dwelling Nora Barnacle’s House from 4:30pm and give a walking tour of “ghostly love stories’, across the Latin Quarter. Sunday evening will come to a close with a Speed Date Drawing event hosted by Sylvia Fleming.
Monday’s programme takes place in Tigh Neachtains. Arrive at 7pm to get a cartoon caricature from Jim Cogan & other cartoonists. Gerry Hanberry will recite poetry and music referencing his book Irish Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired Them from 8.30pm. While you’re there you can also have a drink in the Love Snug, where the “small snug” at Tigh Neachtains will be turned into a romantic hideaway.
On Valentine’s Day the windows of 2 Wild Geese and other windows nearby will be dressed with decorations and performers inspired by the windows of Amsterdam. The festival closes with a masquerade party at the Dew Drop Inn from 7pm with delicious nibbles from Cava Bodega.
Get flirty with Galway Food Tours
Galway Food Tours Valentines Food Tour on February 15th offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day and post the Hallmark pressure date! The romantically undecided can join for a fun-filled evening that will take them from Farmhouse cheese paired with delicious wine to an award-winning restaurant followed by a special seasonal Valentine’s cocktail.
“The craic, fabulous food, and romantic zing in the air have already proven successful in the love department on previous Valentine’s tours – it’s certainly one of our best! It does tend to be a little female-heavy; we get a 70% female and 30% male interest, so we want to see more men join us this year! Let’s level the playing gents – can you help?!” smiled Sheena Dignam, Romance expert and owner of Galway Food Tours. To book visit www.galwayfoodtours.com.
