This is Galway October 2018 Edition - Issue #13

OCTOBER 2018 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE # 13

DISCOVER NEW ADVENTURES FIND THE BEST PLACES IN GALWAY FROM PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR INTERESTS

WHAT’S INSIDE

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MACNAS: OUT OF THE WILD SKY// Discussing the extraordinary with artistic director Noeline Kavanagh EAT // Family-friendly dining in Galway

AN TAIBHDHEARC // Celebrating 90 years of Irish language theatre DRINK // Head out of town for pubs with local charm

VODAFONE COMEDY CARNIVAL // Ireland’s biggest comedy carnival brings a full week of laughs

BABORÓ // Dedicated to inspiring small children, this international arts festival returns to Galway in October NEW FACES, FRESH PLACES // Brand-new coffee shops and restaurants on Galway’s streets WHAT’S ON // Discover festivals, live music, and the best ways to celebrate Halloween

WHO WE ARE...

Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie

Photography Boyd Challenger boyd@thisisgalway.ie AdditionalPhotography Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Editor Caitlin Foley caitlin@thisisgalway.ie

Advertising Queries Maxi Browne maxi@thisisgalway.ie Image by: Boyd Challenger

Macnas: Out of the Wild Sky

Photography by Boyd Challenger

FEATURE SOCIAL WHITE:

Can you tell us a little bit about the story for this year?

Each year, Galway’s spectacle and street performance company Macnas (which means “joyful abandonment” as Gaeilge) takes to the streets for a wild celebration of Samhain. Each parade brings to life a world of extraordinary characters and larger-than-life creatures pulled straight from folk tales.

Every year Macnas sweeps us up in their otherworldly magic and gives us the delightful and unsettling sensation that the fantastic and impossible are real, walking our familiar streets and looking back at us.

We got the chance to pull back the curtain and chat with Noeline Kavanagh, Macnas’ artistic director, about this year’s parade “Out of the Wild Sky”.

This year’s parade is about transformation. It is set in a wild woods full of magic, mischief and the Marvelous. It is about bringing light into the darkest parts of this wood. The world is populated by love, hopes, flight peppered with strange and curious delights.

Where does the inspiration for the different parades come from?

The inspiration for this work comes from the landscape, poets, musicians, painters, people, imagination and a belief in making room for the extraordinary in the ordinary of our everyday lives.

From having the idea to getting the parade on the street, how long does it take to put it all together?

Well, that is the big secret, like the everlasting Gobstopper in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s all about the amazing magic that the team bring to the work from ideas to concept to build. We run workshops all year round with the Macnas Young Ensemble, The Macnas Drummers, the Macnas brass ensemble and the Adult Participation Programme. The build for the parade happens over a much shorter timeline....

Making giants is always a race against the clock.

Does the vision for the parade ever change while the work is being done?

All the time we make changes. The main elements are fixed, but you discover things as you build and rehearse whilst working alongside the team and sometimes you have to problem solve. In this, you discover a new way of approaching things that totally changes it all up.

What’s your favourite part of the process?

Inventing with the team across costume, on the giants and in the rehearsal room.

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What developments have you seen in the way Macnas works in the last 10 years?

This will be my 10th Year as the Artistic Director of Macnas.

When I arrived into Macnas it was at the end of a cycle moving from a 20th century Macnas in to a 21st century Macnas. It was about a re-imagining and it was my job to herald a new era in the company. So this felt like creating a new chapter. I think what we have done is evolved the way we make our work.

When you look at Gulliver 30 years ago and you see how the Giants have evolved into large-scale, moving, epic theatrical creations, this feels like a big shift. We have really developed performance and costume; I think when you look back at Macnas you can see how each timeline, each decade has moved the work in a different direction.

One of the main things we have done is create new work with the next generation. What remains as part of the company ethos is where and who we make that work for.

We love to premiere our work for community In Galway and it’s amazing to think that a Macnas parade that is made in Galway now travels across the world. All of the characters we make in our parades over the last 6 years have traversed across the world.

Since 2011 Macnas has premiered Galway’s work across China, Australia, USA, Lithuania, Russia and London.

Every year we perform the annual Macnas parade at Halloween, now to the largest audiences in the company’s history. That is the change I have seen. The biggest and most inspirational shift in the company has been with the next generation coming into the company and inventing new ways of delivering spectacle. If you keep doing the same thing you get stuck. It is really important to keep changing, take risks and keep inventing.

Obviously Galway loves turning out to watch the parade - can you say what it’s like from the other side, to be part of the performance?

It is a real unique relationship we have with our audiences.

There is a real magic at Samhain and it is a great waltz at this time of year: just before winter descends and we hibernate, we all take to the streets in celebration.

Moving through the crowds now in excess of 54,000 people who come out to see the work is both a privilege and always nerve-wracking. It’s like playing in the finals at Croke Park, it is pure epic.

Galway’s ramping up for the big 2020 - as one of the major cultural events in Galway are there any big plans for the future?

The company is committed to making new great and beautiful work happen for our community. We will continue to do so and this year’s parade “Out of the wild Sky” is a great example of that. We are hopeful that this will unfold in a way that will allow everyone to leap into the Marvelous and to create something that has ever been seen before.

There are great artists and arts organisations in the City and County who feel passionate about this endeavor and by coming together I believe we can make it happen.

Macnas will bring ‘Out of the Wild Sky’ to Galway on Sunday, 28 October. The parade will leave from their home at NUI-Galway at 5.30pm. For route information and more, head to macnas.com!

Photography by Boyd Challenger

FAMILY DINNERS Bringing the family out to eat can be a balancing act of finding a comfortable space, accommodating picky eaters, and making sure the space is accessible for baby-laden buggies and older folks. Luckily Galway has plenty of options to make it easy, so go on!

Image by: Boyd Challenger

FOOD SOCIAL WHITE:

Dough Bros Essential kid-friendly eating here, made even more brilliant by the fact that adults will love it just as much. The Dough Bros have become a Galway institution with their now famously good wood-fired pizza and all served up in a fun, casual restaurant. Parents can also enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine.

1 Cathedral Building, Middle St, Galway // +353(0)91 395 238

The Kitchen The Kitchen is a fun, buzzing restaurant and easily accessible for children-laden buggies! It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys some global flavours and lots of cake. Really, what’s not to love? Vegans and vegetarians will delight in the options available, so if you’ve got dietary requirements, this is the place to go. They serve one of the best brunches in town, so stick it on your weekend agenda.

Main Street, Loughrea // +353(0)91 842 273

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The Old Barracks Restaurant Roast-style Sunday dinners, steak nights, burgers and seasonal salads: the Old Barracks serve up all the classic favourites. As a family-owned restaurant, they’re big on family themselves so they’re very happy to welcome large groups and children. Their in-house bakery serves delicious home-baked treats throughout the day which is sure to be a hit all around.

Cross Street, Athenry // +353(0)91 877 406

Gather This family-run restaurant is big on local: local food, local people, and supporting their community. If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming spot for your next family gathering, it’s only in their name! Gather Restaurant invites you to enjoy great food with those you love in a casual atmosphere. They even won an award for their kids’ menu from the Irish Restaurant Awards, so the kid-folk will surely be pleased with the choice.

High Street, Tuam // +353(0)93 27739

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Delight Delight at the Kingfisher has always welcomed families. They recently came up with a new children’s menu, with not a sausage or chip in sight!

They have a poolside view to keep children entertained, and high chairs to keep them safe. With the free car park outside the door it gives great ease and security to parents. Along with the fresh smoothies & babychinos, they serve great coffee and lunches so moms and das are happy too!

Along with the café facilities, the Kingfisher offer swimming lessons and run kids camps when the schools are on holidays, so it’s really a one stop shop!

Kingfisher Club, Renmore Avenue, Renmore // +353(0)91 761 466

Armorica Rustic and comfortable, this restaurant is tucked just inside Oranmore village, steps from the Wild Atlantic Way. They combine French techniques with Irish food to create a lovely menu that only pairs perfectly with a glass of wine! They take bookings for big groups and happily welcome children, with a menu that doesn’t pander but offers smaller portions, cooked with the same care as anything else.

Main Street, Oranmore // +353(0)91 388 343

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Dillisk on the Docks The four-star Harbour Hotel recently underwent a fabulous renovation, totally reimagining the space and adding their award-winning restaurant, Dillisk on the Docks.

It’s completely accessible, with a rustic elegance (and a bar) that will make adults happy, and a seasonal menu that includes curries, pasta and burgers to suit all kinds of tastes.

They gladly welcome family parties and children, especially to their classic Sunday lunches and family-friendly afternoon teas.

Harbour Hotel, New Dock Street, Galway City // +353(0)91 894 800

Osteria Italiana da Simone Everyone loves pizza and pasta, which makes this restaurant a perfect choice if you’ve got a big group! The authentic Italian cooking style elevates the experience to the next level: Chef Simone is an Italian native who puts his love of home into every dish he creates. On Sundays, kids even get a free ice cream with their main dinner.

3 Francis Street, Galway City // +353(0)91 564 850

Going to the comedy... continue your great night in An Púcán FORSTER STREET, GALWAY 091 376561 | info@anpucan.ie | www.anpucan.ie AnPucan AnPucan AnPucanGalway

BRUNCH, LUNCH DINNER AND DRINKS

FORSTER STREET, GALWAY 091 564111 | info@hydebargalway.ie | www.hydebargalway.ie HydeBarGalway HydeBarGalway HydeBarGalway

TAIBHDHEARC@90 Looking back at ninety years of original Irish-language theatre in Galway

An Taibhdhearc officially opened their doors to audiences in August of 1928 with a production of ‘Diarmuid and Gráinne’ written by Mícheál Mac Liammóir and directed by Hilton Edwards. For many years during, An Taibhdhearc was the only source of theatre in Galway, and it remains our only dedicated Irish-language theatre.

As she turns ninety, the grand old dame of Middle Street has much to celebrate. The city’s oldest theatre has seen the Wall Street Crash, the Second World War, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brother’s Bank and the theatre has remained throughout: producing original plays in Irish, works translated from European languages, musicals, operas and pantomimes. From its humble beginnings scraping together local funding in order to begin, An Taibhdhearc has seen the beginnings of many acting careers and directorial debuts, and has welcomed some of Ireland’s biggest names to the stage.

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For two nights only, the theatre will run ‘Taibhdhearc@90’ directed by Maeliosa Stafford, in celebration of nearly a century of work.

Maelíosa Stafford’s first memories of An Taibhdhearc are of being babysat in the greenroom at the age of six. In that which he fondly remembers as his stage debut, he cites the production of ‘Nollaig ar an bhFaiche’. A young Maelíosa slipped away from his minder, claimed the stairs stairs into the wings, and peered out to see both of his parents mid-scene. He promptly walked onto the stage and announced to both of them that he was bored and wanted to go home!

He remembers light and laughter trickling through the auditorium, before being whisked away by the stage manager.

An Taibhdhearc is honoured that Maelíosa will direct ‘Taibhdhearc@90’, a star-studded show, running for two nights only, October 26th and 27th, 2018 featuring actors Bríd Ní Neachtain, Macdara Ó Fátharta, Eoin Geoghegan, Sorcha Ní Chéide and Séamus MacCuinneagáin.

Excerpts from productions staged by An Taibhdhearc over the years including Macdara O Fatharta’s adaptation of Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s ‘Cré na Cille’, Myles na gCopaleen’s novella ‘An Béal Bocht’ adapted for stage, Mise Raiftearaí an File by Críostóir Ó Floinn, San Siobhán: George Bernard Shaw’s interpretation of Joan of Arc, whilst the future generation of An Taibhdhearc actors will stage an extract from musical ‘Annie’.

Difficult a task as it is to represent ninety years in one evening, the wide and varied repertoire guarantees that the history of An Taibhdhearc will be brought to the stage, whilst acknowledging the many people who have contributed to its story over the years.

Over thirty members of Cantóirí na Taibhdheirce, under the baton of Paddy Daly, and accompanied

by David Grealy will treat all tastes and languages to a feast which honours the musical and opera tradition, most of which were translated by Maire Stafford, and directed by Sean.

And the celebrations don’t end there. On November 7th, Taibhdhearc@90 in association with Arts in Action, NUIG presents ‘Cartlann, Ceol, Cuimhní...’ to remember its most famous daughters. Siobhan McKenna’s dear friend Lelia Doolan will share memories and stories of Ireland’s foremost Irish language actors, with reference to the archive of An Taibhdhearc. The event will be held in the James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway, whilst Rita Connolly performs the songs of Shaun Davey.

As he raises a toast to the past and the future, Aodh Ó Coileáin, Chairperson of An Taibhdhearc, cites a recent call for new writing, in which more than fifteen script submission were received. A selection of the submissions will be developed for stage, marking the first chapter of the next ninety years.

Along with the celebrations, An Taibhdhearc’s end-of-year calendar includes visiting productions from Aisteoirí Bhreanáin, and Aisteoirí Bulfin. Younger audiences will savour the Christmas pantomime ‘Tóraíocht an Yummy Mummy’ written by Dick Byrne and directed by Cillian O’Dee, which will be staged between December 13th and 20th.

Tickets for ‘Taibhdhearc@90’ and ‘Cartlann, Ceol, Cuimhní’ productions are priced at €20 and €15, with a package of €30 available to those wishing to attend both performances.

Further details on all upcoming events can be had from www.antaibhdhearc.com or from Box Office on 091-562024.

An Taibhdhearc gratefully acknowledges the support of An Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta.

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GET OUT OF TOWN! Make a weekend of it and go for a few pints somewhere off the beaten track. Many of the village pubs here are locally owned and operated, offering a unique charm.

Image by: Ciarรกn MacChoncarraige

DRINK SOCIAL WHITE:

Porterhouse Porterhouse do it all, from live music and hand-crafted cocktails to sports matches and pub food. The pub itself is fairly new to town, with a funky design that’s both cosy and modern. They have Irish trad sessions every Friday night, and live entertainment every Saturday covering the full spectrum.

Main Street, Oranmore // +353(0)91 788 800

Padraicins Padraicin’s is a popular spot in the summer for a few pints on the patio, taking in sunshine views of Galway Bay from the seaside village of Furbo. In the colder months, the traditional-style bar is a cosy place to duck in and enjoy an Irish music session. The attached restaurant is full of local seafood if you find yourself feeling hungry.

Furbo, Galway // +353(0)91 592 444

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Tigh Giblin Located in the Gaeltacht village of Spiddal along the Wild Atlantic Way, Tigh Giblin is full of authentic Irish charm. A woodstove, a menu of delicious high-quality pub grub and lively trad sessions makes it the ideal destination for cold autumn evenings. Tigh Giblin are a family-owned, Irish-speaking pub, renowned for their warm atmosphere and their food, which includes posh bangers and mash and tacos!

Bahoona East, Spiddal // +353(0)91 504 787

Tí Joe Wattys After a day exploring the meandering country roads, sea cliffs and beaches of Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, a visit to Tí Joe’s becomes very necessary. Here you’ll find a lovely beer garden for sitting out in fine weather, plenty of delicious pub grub, an open fire for the colder months, and a very warm welcome in one of Ireland’s oldest pubs.

Kilronan, Inis Mór, Aran Islands // +353(0)99 20886

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Thatch Bar at the Merriman South of Galway you’ll find Kinvara, a picturesque fishing village boasting a beautiful harbour and Ireland’s most-photographed castle just down the road. The Thatch Bar at the Merriman Hotel can’t be missed, with its sprawling thatch and bright red pops of colour. The Thatch offers great food, live music and a lively atmosphere, whether you’re a regular or just passing through.

Main Street, Kinvara // +353(0)91 638 222

Charlie’s Bar Located in Loughrea, Charlie’s Bar is a real sports bar with several HD TV’s and a great atmosphere whenever there’s a match on! Eclectic and vibrant, Charlie’s Bar is a great spot for any night out, whether you’re watching a match or planning a party.

Main Street, Loughrea // +353(0)91 842 273

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Lowry’s Bar Head even further out of town to Clifden, the capital of Connemara, where you’ll find Lowry’s Whiskey Bar. They’re known as the home of traditional Irish music in Clifden, and have live music seven nights a week during their busy season. The bar itself is warm and cosy, full of polished wood and vintage bric-a-brac for that old school style charm. It doesn’t get much better than a whiskey platter and a pub full of music.

Market Street, Clifden // +353(0)95 21347

North Gate Coffee Bar This lively local gem has a rustic coffeehouse feeling to it by day, when they’re open for coffee (of course) and food from breakfast to dinner. The owners have exposed the original brickwork of the building and hung art on the walls with incredible attention to detail. By night, the North Gate is transformed with live music, Guinness on tap and dancing! They also make a great option for special occasion celebrations.

North Gate Street, Athenry // +353(0)87 606 6671

Every year the Vodafone Comedy Carnival brings some of the best comedians in the business to town for a full week of madness. And it’s only getting better and better; this year sees huge names on the bill along with live music sessions, mystery pub tours through Connemara, and the return of the carnival-style Spiegeltent in Eyre Square.

With up to seventeen comedy shows on a given day, your face will hurt from laughing by the end of the week. The Vodafone Comedy Carnival runs from Tuesday, 23 October to Monday, 29 October in venues across the City. Tickets can be had from vodafonecomedycarnival.com - and if you just can’t choose, here’s your highlights reel.

“Comedy is rehearsed moaning.”

SEAN LOCK Acclaimed UK comedian Sean Lock is a master at stating the obvious… with hilarious twists. “Interesting fact: a shark will only attack you if you’re wet.”

He’s also not above taking the piss out of deceased celebrities.

“When Michael Jackson died, I wonder if his life flashed before him,” he once mused. “And if it did, I wonder if he thought, ‘Who’s that little black kid singing my songs?’”

Regarded as one of the UK’s most original comedians, Sean’s stand-up is the product of a hyperactive imagination combining surreal imagery and insightful observations on the human condition.

The British Comedy Award winner for ‘Best Stand Up’ is probably best known as team captain on Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats/ Cats Does Countdown and for his seminal BBC sitcom, 15 Storeys High, a genuine cult classic. Sean has made numerous appearances on BBC 1’s Live At The Apollo, The Graham Norton Show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Have I Got News for You, QI and recently The Real Man’s Road Trip: Sean and Jon Go West.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Sean tends to prefer a more disciplined approach to his art. He actually has an office.

“I spend a lot of time achieving nothing; days go by sometimes,” he once confessed. “I do rent an office and go there, though not every day: that would be a lie. I have my huge word-game commitments: Countdown it’s called. But I have to be at my office just in case something comes along.

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It’s like fishing. If you don’t sit at the river bank with a fishing rod, a line, a hook and a worm on it, you’re never going to catch any fish.

“If I do this for a whole day then something will slot into place.

People perhaps assume that you just walk into a room and make this stuff up, but jokes are very hard to come by.”

They might be hard to come by but, when he puts those hard office hours in, he tends to come up with the giggly goods. Getting them out there is another thing. While he does large scale tours, he tries to be sensible about it.

“I lay off the sauce and don’t do too many dates in a row. Doing the show is enjoyable. The hard bit is being normal afterwards and trying not to be this twitching demented clown. Last year I thought might knock stand-up on the head and take a longer break from it. After a few months, I realized I didn’t really like that idea. All the things that make me good at the job don’t switch off and so if you have nowhere to go with it, you just turn on yourself. So I’d give myself a hard time, mocking myself and then patronizing myself to try and make me feel better. When it comes down to it, comedy is rehearsed moaning.”

(*) Sean Lock and various special guests will be performing in the Black Box Theatre on October 26th, 27th and 28th.

Reginald D Hunter No stranger to these shores, the controversial Reginald D. Hunter’s searingly honest material – which often focuses on such thorny subjects as race and sexuality – has garnered the Georgia-born comedian a crossgenerational fan base all around the world. His many TV appearances have included Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. as well as the hugely popular BBC Two series Reginald D. Hunter’s Songs of the South. This year’s Vodafone Comedy carnival sees Reg playing throughout town including in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent and the Roisin Dubh. He is simply unmissable.

Al Murray Al Murray has the distinction of being nominated for the Perrier award more often than any other comedian.

In 1999, The UK’s favourite pub philosopher turned pop-up publican was ruled out the running for being ‘too popular’, until organisers relented. Then he won it. After 20 years of success, with the possible exception of Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge, no character based comedy has become such an institution as the Pub Landlord. Both Murray and Coogan eviscerate male pretensions and narcissistic self-satisfaction, but Al has a keen political edge. Curiously, his concern with current affairs doesn’t make him yesterday’s news; it keeps him fresh and fighting fit. With Brexit looming and ‘The Guv’nor’ formulating his thoughts, pint in hand and live on stage, there probably isn’t a better moment to see Al Murray than right now.

Rich Hall Possibly the grouchiest comedian on the planet, Rich Hall was the original inspiration behind Matt Groening’s character Moe Szyslak from The Simpsons – but that’s just one of many good reasons to go see him.

His critically acclaimed deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. The awardwinning Montana native is renowned for his expertly crafted tirades and quick fire banter with audiences and delightful musical sequences. Rich is a comedian whose plain spoken growling indignation and acerbic observations have an unerring talent for hitting his targets with precision every time, leaving his audience hanging on every word. and winning him fans all over the globe.

Cuban Brothers They’ve performed for Elton John, Robbie Williams and Kim Jong-il, yet twenty years ago when Mike Keat created Miquel Mantovani, the shameless mustachioed impresario at the core of the Cuban Brothers, he had no idea that the character would become his career. Two decades on, Miquel and his suspect sidekicks are renowned the world over for their party-starting skills, risqué sketches, B-boy moves and fink-fuelled music.

These days you’ll see much less of Mike’s private parts than in the aptly-named Noughties. The back flips are largely left to the bands newest member and MC, teenager Domenico, aka Juan Erection.

This is a festival experience you will never forget!

Kerry Godliman The charmingly straight-talking and quick-witted Kerry Godliman is one of the UK’s best performers. An actor and panel show regular as well as an incredibly talented stand-up, Kerry is best known for her appearances on such shows as the BBC’s Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Jack Dee’s Referendum HelpDesk, Celebrity Pointless and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats. As an actor, she has won widespread acclaim for her roles as Hannah in Ricky Gervais’ hit series Derek (Channel 4), and as Nicky in ITV1’s Bad Move. She has also starred in Crackanory, Him And Her, Miranda and Extras, as well as the Netflix feature film Mascots.

Zoe Lyons

Paul Currie The silliness and anarchic disregard for social convention that absurdist comedy trades on is something that is native to children, but Paul doesn’t quite agree: “Well, it’s native to humans, but adults suppress it,” says Currie. “We as a society are brainwashed. That’s a strong word and it’s bandied about a lot. But it is true — we are suppressed by social conditioning as adults: ‘Forget about that silly, absurdist part of the brain’. And that’s what I really try to do with my stand-up — bring that out in adults and ask them to drop those barriers.”

Paul’s circus of existential nonsense and solid gold silliness has just won him The Comedian’s Choice award for Best Show in Edinburgh

She’s a regular on ‘Mock The Week’ and a much-loved figure on ‘Live At The Apollo’, as well as being all over Radio 4 - for whom she’s making her very own series in 2018, after extensive stints on ‘The News Quiz’, ‘Just A Minute’, ‘The Now Show’ and plenty more. All this makes it sound like Zoe Lyons has some sort of idea what she’s doing in life. But does she?

Decide for yourself, as this hugely popular comic returns with a fresh crop of ‘quick-fire observational gags, delivered with utter conviction’. And, she ‘has what it takes to delight any crowd’.

That one’s from the Guardian. Are you going to argue with them? Actually, don’t answer that. Just come and see Zoe to find out.

Lost Voice Guy The worthy winner of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, Lee Ridley AKA Lost Voice Guy may not be able to talk, but he definitely has something to say, and his memorable comedy – delivered via a communication aid – will leave you speechless.

Since making his stand-up debut in 2012, Ridley has gained a reputation for being both very funny and very unique. He has gigged all over the UK, as well as supporting tour shows by the likes of Ross Noble, Patrick Kielty, Jason Manford and Jason Cook. While disability and living with cerebral palsy are central themes to his act, Ridley’s stand-up covers a breadth of topics from roasting the political establishment to the country’s welfare system.

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Baboró Galway is truly a year-round festival city but come October it’s all about the kids.

Galway is truly a year-round festival city but come October it’s all about the kids. Baboró International Arts Festival for Children takes place in Galway from 15 – 21 October and this year’s programme is bursting with extraordinary stories from all around the world. With 51 events over 7 days there are world-class performances in dance, theatre and music, as well as exhibitions, films, storytelling and workshops for tiny tots to teens and there’s even a programme of workshops for teachers and parents. There’s pretty much something for every member of the family to discover and enjoy.

There are also opportunities for children and adults to get creative while spending quality time together as part of the Creative Connections strand. Plenty of fun to be had there too!

Image by: Julia Dunin

Amongst the international programme highlights are Tetris (ages 5-12) from Arch 8, Netherlands, inspired by the game of the same name, exploring how we connect with one another; The Young King (age 8+) from Slingsby Theatre, Australia, about a boy raised by goatherds in a beautiful piece of immersive theatre; Getting Dressed (ages 2-6), from Theaterhaus Ensemble, Germany, sees two opera-trained performers combine their playful dances with beautiful singing and Black Beauty (ages 5-12) from Red Bridge Arts & Traverse Theatre, Scotland, blends storytelling, music and puppetry in this vibrant retelling of the much-loved classic, Black Beauty.

Children and families can also get stuck into one of the many fantastic workshops and there are endless opportunities for interactive art experiences where children are the creators and curators. Illustrators PJ Lynch, Niamh Sharkey and Tarsila Krüse will lead a unique live drawing experience where children get to add their own designs to those of the experts while The Colour Factory invites families to dress for mess and create a three-dimensional, multi-sensory rainbow.

Irish work includes two shows from Galway-based companies; How to Catch a Star (ages 4-7) from Branar Téater do Pháistí, is based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish

author, Oliver Jeffers and Brú Theatre presents Cleite, which tells the story of an old woman who waits for her husband to come back from sea and features live singing as Gaeilge.

Half Light (age 8 +) from Dublin-based Bombinate Theatre combines storytelling, comedy and live music in this tender tale about finding light in dark times.

The literature programme will see Darkmouth author Shane Hegarty share his top writing tips at a fun and interactive event and Peter Donnelly will engage children with a lively mixture of storytelling and live drawing based on his latest book The President’s Cat. For this year’s film strand, Baboró is also delighted to be working with the Pálás Cinema, which features The Breadwinner and The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales.

Visual Art exhibitions feature Galway artist Finbar McHugh’s new work, Floating, and Human Being and Human Becoming by Siobhan McGibbon and third class children from Scoil Chroí Íosa which explores what happens when art, science and youthful imagination meet. In Celebration of Children is the culmination of a project by Michelle O’Grady from Réalta School of Speech and Drama, and Julia Dunin Photography, which captured portraits of children during a special photoshoot designed to empower the children and to raise self-esteem and confidence.

For the full Baboró programme see http://baboro.ie October 15-21

Image by: Julia Dunin

Image by: Julia Dunin

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FRESH PLACES NEW FACES Brand spanking new businesses to check out in Galway!

Saol Café An old favourite at NUI-Galway is coming under new management this month, retaining their dedication to social inclusion and environmental consciousness. As always, they pride themselves on their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. At Saol Café, you’ll find delicious cake and coffee, freshly-baked scones, hot and delicious healthy food, and a relaxed place to chill out and catch up with friends and family.

National University of Ireland Galway, Newcastle // +353(0)91 493 055

New to Galway SOCIAL WHITE:

Freshii Fuel up at Freshii’s first Galway location. Freshii’s range of healthy, delicious meal options range from breakfast pots to burritos, fresh salads, and smoothies. They even serve frozen yoghurt if you’re craving a sweet treat!

Cross Street Lower, Galway City // +353(0)91 449 951

Merrow Restaurant at Pálás The perfect cinema experience always involves food and Pálás brings that to the next level with their lovely in-house restaurant, Merrow, named for the mythical mermaids of ancient Irish legend. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends. The menu features the best of seasonal and local produce, and the craft bar serves carefully curated list of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and craft brews throughout the day and night.

15 Lower Mechants Road, Galway City // +353(0)91 394 076 // www.merrow.ie

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Little Lane Coffee Company This new coffee shop is dedicated to serving great speciality coffee. Their house roast is Bailies Coffee, roasted in Belfast. They also bring in ‘guest’ roasts on rotation, and serve some gorgeous hot chocolates and baked goods too!

10 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway City

Piet Buitenhuis Costume Company A new Halloween costume pop-up shop is coming to Galway City from Tuesday, 10 October! Piet Buitenhuis Costume Company offers an enormous range of wacky Halloween costumes in all sizes. They’re totally unique and unusual, each one different from the next so you’ll stand out from the crowd. Go for a full-on pirate outfit, transform into a Dalmatian, or don fairy wings for this year’s look. They also have a large selection of vintage costumes and tons of accessories. Prices range from €5 to €50, so there’s something for every budget!

Find them at on Merchants Road in Niland House beneath the red balconies, every day except Mondays, from 1pm to 6pm from 10 October until Halloween. Enquiries by phone: 091-550202

WHAT’S going ON?

Image by: Boyd Challenger

the BIG ones...

OCTOBER FESTIVAL-ING

Galway Jazz Festival

Each festival day brings dozens of live jazz performances in bars, restaurants and theatres across the city. It’s hailed as one of the best and most comprehensive jazz festivals in Europe. Some events are even entirely free to attend.

4 - 7 October // venues around Galway City

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Each year, the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival celebrates the beginning of the oyster season, an important marker for this village which sits at the mouth of Dunbulcan Bay. Expect live music, plenty of world-famous Clarenbridge oysters, and family fun over the festival weekend.

5 - 7 October // Clarenbridge Village, Galway

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children Baboró brings a week-long programme of high-quality theatre, visual arts, puppetry, music and workshops, specifically tailored to delight and inspire children of all ages.

15 - 21 October // venues around Galway City

WHAT’S ON SOCIAL WHITE:

Food on the Edge This two-day symposium welcomes chefs, food enthusiasts and producers to come together and discuss the future of food in Ireland and abroad. The symposium includes talks from some of the best Irish and international chefs, panel discussions and masterclass sessions.

22 - 23 October // Bailey Allen Hall at NUI-Galway

Sky Road TV & Film Festival This festival places a spotlight on the best of Irish film, television and new media. There will be screenings of new feature films, short films, and awards for the best in each category.

20 October // Station House Theatre, Clifden Image by: Declan Monaghan Photography

Conamara Sea Week This unique festival celebrates Connemara’s marine heritage.

Highlights include music workshops, art exhibitions, concerts, talks, walks, children’s activities, sports events, lots of great music and buckets of fun for all the family. There’s also a wonderful ‘After the Lights’ parade, usually a highlight!

21 - 29 October // Letterfrack, Connemara SOCIAL WHITE:

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Declan O'Rournknea

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17-21st October, Eyre Square

HALLOWEEN HIGHLIGHTS

Drive In Movies with iRadio

Annual Village Salthill Zombie Run

Halloween Festival

Retro Drive-In Movies are showing the first three Harry Potter films, Scream, Hocus Pocus and The Exorcist on a huge screen over the course of a weekend. Grab your friends, hop in the car and enjoy some of your favourite Halloween time movies, retro style.

The zombies are back and this year they’re determined to catch you all! Children, families and friends are invited to Salthill for a fun run while zombies chase you across the Salthill Prom!

All proceeds go toward ACT for Meningitis.

19 - 21 October // Galway Racecourse

27 October // Salthill

Bring the whole family for fun, food, and entertainment at the Slieve Aughty Centre!

Explore the magical Enchanted Woods and walk to Bloody Mary’s Haunted House if you want a good Halloween scare! But it’s not all spooks as there will also be face painting, arts and crafts, nature trails and family games.

27 October - 4 November // Slieve Aughty

Macnas: Out of the Wild Sky

Halloween Bonfire and Storytelling

This year’s Macnas parade, “Out of the Wild Sky”, celebrates the act of transformation being unleashed across the city. Starting at 5.30pm from the NUIG campus, Macnas will weave through the streets of Galway, creating a world that is hypnotic and intoxicating and filled with shadowy and noble things.

Hallowe’en is coming to the Gardens, with a feast of activity and fun this coming October.

All the family are invited to dress in their scariest Hallowe’en outfit for an afternoon of Ghoulish Arts & Crafts, Spooky Storytelling, Hunting for The Púca, Witchery in the Roundhouse and the grand finale, everybody’s favourite - the Bonfire.

28 October // From NUIG

28 and 29 October // Brigit’s Garden

Halloween Night: Donnie Darko 4K Edition Pálás Halloween line-up of throwback films is absolute fire and they’re wrapping it up with the noughties classic, Donnie Darko, on the big screen for one night only.

31 October // Palas

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WHAT’S going ON? WE RECOMMEND

Taaffes 30th Birthday

Saint Sister

Spiegeltent Sessions

One of Galway’s best-loved trad bars, Taaffe’s, are celebrating thirty years in style with a full line-up on their birthday weekend. They’ll have trad sessions on at 5:30 and 9:30pm and will be reminiscing about all the good times had at Taaffe’s through the years, so come along and join in.

11 - 14 October // Taaffe’s

They’ve been making waves since their formation in 2014 and will be fresh off a US tour when they arrive in Galway! Described by the Guardian as “not so much haunted as delicately possessed”, there’s no better time than a week before Samhain to see Saint Sister live.

Making a welcome return to Eyre Square, the Spiegeltent is the hub of this year’s Vodafone Comedy Carnival. This year it will also be home to several nights of contemporary Irish music, beginning on Wednesday, 17 October with Declan O’Rourke.

19 October // Roisin Dubh

17 - 20 October // Eyre Square

Big Miz

The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir

Arrested Development

Big Miz is arguably one of the biggest up & coming artists on the scene right now. The Glaswegian made a name for himself in his home city before breaking into the international scene. You know this guy is the one to watch.

Stay wide, it’s huge...

18 October // The Club

America’s premiere gospel choir brings tons of energy and soul to each show. The choir is made up of the best singers and musicians from Harlem’s Black Churches and the New York City area, performing everything from songs of faith to Whitney Houston and Beyonce ballads.

Arrested Development are true trailblazers within hip-hop music. Since 1991 they’ve championed colourful sounds while spreading a unique mixture of consciousness and musicality around the globe and now they’re coming to Galway for one night only.

22 October // Town Hall Theatre

3 November // Halo

FEATURE

OCTOBER at THE SKEFF

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Craic, Balls and SurPrizes!

Steve Bennett and Steven Sharpe and friends are bringing a night of madcap comedy bingo to The Skeff on Eyre Square!

This is high-stakes, high-energy bingo like you’ve never seen before. Crazy prizes, mystery boxes, and a mash-up of different types of bingo makes it bloody good craic, with all the wrong calls to make you laugh but probably frustrate the hell out of your Gran (maybe leave her home).

As a Vodafone Comedy Carnival special show, there will be some amazing prizes up for grabs including tickets to other comedy gigs! If you like laughing and winning prizes, this is the night for you.

23 October // Doors at 7:30 // Tickets €10 & available at vodafonecomedycarnival.com

Celebrate at The Skeff!

With a live music band and DJ every night of the week, the Skeff have the atmosphere, space, great staff and quality food to make your celebration unforgettable. Choose from lots of intimate spaces that you can reserve to host as many, or as few of your friends and family as you like.

Whether it’s a leaving party or simply a team get together, pre or post wedding party, fundraiser or sit-down meal with wine, or a more casual gathering with delicious finger food and drinks, The Skeff have what you need.

Continue the celebration in their unique surroundings along with live entertainment, late bar with cocktail and other drinks specials regularly on offer. party@theskeff.ie // +353 (091) 563173 // theskeff.ie

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This is a list of places mentioned in the articles in order of appearance. Each business has a number with which you’ll be able to use to find them on the map above.

1. Dough Bros 2. The Kitchen 3. Dillisk on the Docks 4. Osteria Italiana da Simone 5. An Pucan 6. Hyde Bar Galway 7. An Taibhdhearc 8. Saol Cafe

9. Freshii 10. Merrow Restaurant 11. Little Lane Coffee Co 12. Piet Buitenhuis Costume Company 13. Spiegeltent 14. The Skeff

Advertise with us Each month, This is Galway’s magazine shines a spotlight on local eateries, pubs and clubs, cultural destinations as well as events across the County. It’s an essential resource for visitors who want to dive straight into the heart of the place, and locals looking for a bit of inspiration.

To advertise with us in future issues or to stock the magazine in your space, send an email to: maxi@thisisgalway.ie

Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

ANDREW MAXWELL, TERRY ALDERTON, THE CUBAN BROTHERS, KERRY GODLIMAN, PAUL CURRIE, PHILL JUPITUS, LOST VOICE GUY, PHIL NICHOL, ZOE LYONS, ANGELA BARNES, KARL SPAIN, BARRY MURPHY, TANYALEE DAVIS, GLENN WOOL, DANNY O’BRIEN, SIMON EVANS, STEPHEN K AMOS, TOM RHODES, JOE ROONEY, PAT MCDONNELL, THE NUALAS, OWEN COLGAN AND WAY TOO MANY MORE TO ADD HERE...

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