Galway Comedy Festival launches with star-studded lineup — ‘One of the biggest editions ever’

Galway’s annual Comedy Festival has unveiled its 2026 programme, with some of Ireland and the UK’s biggest comedy names set to descend on the city next month.

The programme was officially launched at Mary Mullen’s Bar on Prospect Hill on Thursday night, September 10, ahead of the festival itself, which runs from October 20 to 26.

Speaking to the Irish Independent following the launch, Festival Director Kevin Healy said: “It was wonderful to have Mayor Helen Ogbu on hand in Mary Mullen’s bar to launch this year’s Festival programme. Andrew Maxwell, Sinead Quinlan and Karl Spain made it a night to remember. We have pulled out all the stops to make 2026 one of the biggest editions of the Galway Comedy Festival ever.”

Now in its 20th year, the Galway Comedy Festival will feature more than 60 shows across 14 venues, bringing international headliners, established Irish comedians as well as emerging talent to the city.

This year’s line-up includes Tommy Tiernan, Emma Doran, Dara Ó Briain, Deirdre O’Kane and Al Porter, among many others.

International acts include New Zealand comedian Rhys Darby, Australian comedian Vanessa Larry Mitchell, and British comedy acts Jack Dee, Mike Wozniak, Spencer Jones and Terry Alderton.

The festival will feature three nights of theatre for the first time, including an additional night of The Kavanaghs: Married with Parents, a new comedy written by Al Porter and Karl Spain.

The Róisín Dubh will once again serve as festival headquarters. The venue will host mixed bills, solo shows and the Festival Club, including the Late Night KARLnival with Karl Spain and special guests.

The programme also includes the Irish film premiere of Exiled in Ireland, Faulty Towers: The Dining experience, comedy club crawls, laughter yoga and a special edition of the Weird Ireland podcast exploring the country’s Halloween history.

Galway Comedy Festival will also take part in Gaillimh Ah-Boo!, the city-wide Samhain and Halloween festival, featuring a programme of storytelling, cabaret, music, comedy and family entertainment.

The festival will support local causes through CroíACT, with eight Galway participants taking to the stage for their firs stand-up performances after being mentored by Karl Spain. The event will raise funds for Croí and ACT for Meningitis.

Tickets for the festival go on sale at 10am on Tuesday, September 15.