Arts and culture
Arts & Culture
The west of Ireland has always attracted artists and Galway in particular has a thriving artistic scene. Spiddal, looking out on Galway bay and at the gateway to Connemara is an ideal bolt hole for poets, writers, artists, crafts people and musicians. The most notable musicians to make Spiddal their home were the Waterboys, who arrived into Spiddal in the 1980’s. Mike Scott the bands lead singer, began by renting a cottage in the village and before long the band decided to rent Spiddal House to record their album………
Music
Music, particularly traditional music, has always been a strong feature of life in Spiddal, where Irish dancing, chéilí’s and trad sessions, formed an integral part of the community’s social life for generations. Nowadays the village pubs regularly host traditional music sessions, music events occur throughout the year and many within the community hide a hidden talent for playing and singing.
Music events and trad sessions are occasionally posted on Spiddal Sessions | Facebook
Studio Cuain
At the top of an Ceardlan sits, Studio Cuain, a music recording studio, with top of the range recording equipment, along with a separate mastering studio and editing suite. The venue, which enjoys stunning views over Galway bay, also doubles as a cultural centre and live music venue.
Feasta ceoil an Spideal
One of the highlights of the year is Feasta ceoil an Spideal an extensive programme of intimate music events featuring the best of Irish traditional bands and musicians. The schedule and ticket are available to purchase on the Studio Cuain website.
To find out more about the gigs, events and other cultural activities scheduled throughout the year or to rent the venue for yourself – visit: Stiúideo Cuan
Spiddal Library
The Spiddal library is located on the main street not far from the church. Although relatively small in size, it still boasts a comprehensive childrens and adults section, provides computer access and has a reading space. Most importantly it is part of the national library network, so once a member, any book available from any library in the country can be ordered and made available to you. Readings and other events are occasionally held at the library, so look for these on the notice board. Opening times are available at the following link: Galway County Council
Contact details are as follows
E-Mail: anspideal@galwaylibrary.ie
Phone: +353 (0) 91 504028
Finally to order books online, for collection in Spiddal library visit:
Séipéal Chill Éinde
In the heart of Spiddal village is Spiddal Church, Cill Einde, which offers Catholic mass, almost every day. Mass times and details for the church office are available on the following website: http://cilleinde.ie/ Occasionally music and other community events are held at the church.
In the run up to Christmas each year Santa make a special visit to Spiddal, stopping at Spiddal church for the official lighting up of the Christmas lights, which cover the entire and run the full length of the promenade.
Eigse Joe Steve
Eigse An Spideal
Seanscoil Salearna Club Scannan
Feile Cois Fharraige/ Rasai na currachi
Project Gala
Ros na Run
Ros na Run is an Irish soap opera produced for the Irish language television channel TG4. The series is set in the fictional village of Ros na Run, located near An Spideal and focuses on the domestic and professional lives of its residence. In fact much of the series is shot in Spiddal, with the dedicated set situated just off Baile Ard in Spiddal village. The show has been running since 1996 making it the longest running soap on TG4.
Drama Club
The Spiddal drama society, Aisteoirí an Spidéil, is a community theatre group that has been one of the most active and productive groups in the Connemara Gaelteacht for many years. It has been running for over a century with some performances over the years achieving national acclaim. Some of the members have gone one to feature regularly on theatre and television. The actors present a varied choice of material each year, from original Irish dramas to translations of popular English dramas.
The club Foghlaimeoiri Gaeilge Chois Fharraige offers a drama club, running from the beginning in Autumn to the end of spring, they offer weekly sessions with the opportunity to use drama as a means of learning Irish. Productions are presented to the public at Christmas and in the Spring, as part of fundraising concerts. These events are organised with local singers, musicians and dancers.
To find out more visit: www.an-spideal-club-gaeilge.ie/dramaiocht
Not too far from Spiddal and worthy of mention is Fíbín an Irish language theatre and media company based in Baile na hAbhan and also resident in An Taibhdhearc in Galway that host incredible theatre productions in the Irish language.
Also worthy of mention on this topic is Cló iar-Chonnacht – siopa leabhar music shop, which is based at the GTEIC building.
Percussion lessons: Pulse www.musicgeneration
Taispeantais Chois Fharraige
Music lessons
Pleann Teanga
