Tonnta Festival 2026

Tonnta — Galway’s Irish-language and bilingual festival created by Gaillimh le Gaeilge -returns from January 29th- February 1st 2026. 

Taking place during Brigid's Bank Holiday weekend, it is a vibrant celebration of Goddess & St. Brigid- honouring her legacy through art, music, culture, and community. Tonnta offers an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone to engage with the Irish language vibrantly, whether they are fluent or just starting out. 

We are thrilled to announce an exceptional headline lineup featuring:

• Imelda May – presenting an unforgettable, intimate evening where she will be offering fans a rare chance to experience her music in its purest form. The night will blend soulful, acoustic versions of her songs with her celebrated poetry and warm, spontaneous storytelling. 

• IMRAM x Róisín Seoighe– bringing their renowned fusion of literature, Irish-language artistry, and music. Taylor Swift's renowned albums Folklore and Evermore are beautifully translated into Irish very special guest Jessie Dingle. 

Alongside our headline acts, Tonnta Festival features a rich programme that puts celebrating the Irish language at its forefront:

• Exciting up-and-coming Irish talents, including Huartán and Bog Bodies

• Mnásome Geeze join this explosive combo of The Wild Geeze, Growler and Róisín El Charif as they celebrate Brigid in all her blazing glory

•  Join the Brigids workshop day through craft-making, storytelling and reading through Irish. Storytelling sessions inspired by Brigid’s mythology and legacy, with the opportunity to create your own straw mummers hat and brooch with Annie June Callaghan. 

• A family-friendly Cartoon Saloon film screening of Puffin Rock And The New Friends and Song of the Sea for young audiences as Gaeilge 

• And much, much more!

Join us for a celebration of the Irish language in Ireland's only bilingual city- Galway. Tonnta offers a welcoming space for Irish to be spoken, by fluent speakers, learners and first-timers alike, and to engage with the Irish language in a fun and inclusive way this Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend.