Architecture at the Edge – Galway/Mayo – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Architecture at the Edge (AATE) is an annual not-for-profit festival celebrating exceptional architecture in the West of Ireland, primarily in Galway and Mayo counties. Established in 2017 by Frank Monahan, it evolved from Galway’s Open House festivals (2009–2016). The 2025 edition, themed “The Unseen Architecture: Making Visible the Invisible,” runs from 26 September to 12 October, featuring over 50 events, including guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings.

AATE promotes sustainable and inclusive design, spotlighting hidden elements like light, air, and human interaction that shape spaces. Past festivals have drawn thousands, with 2024 hosting events like the Venice Biennale’s “In Search of Hy-Brasil” exhibition. Supported by Arts Council Ireland, Galway and Mayo County Councils, and corporate partners like AECOM, AATE fosters dialogue on architecture’s role in society.

Event Highlights

• Omey Island Tour: 27 September, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Omey Island, Co. Galway, $53.50 USD (includes ferry), pre-booked.
• AATE Film & Architecture Workshop: 28 September–4 October, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway, $107.15 USD, application deadline 5 September 2025.
• Exhibitions: 26 September–12 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Printworks Gallery, Galway, free.
• Guided Tours: 3–5 October, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, venues like Ballinasloe Library, Co. Mayo, free or $10.70–$21.40 USD.
• Talks and Panels: 2–10 October, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, speculative venues (e.g., HeritHUB, Ballina), free or $10.70–$21.40 USD.
• Film Screenings: 4 October, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM, PALAS Cinema, Galway, free or $10.70 USD.

City

• Galway: Ireland’s cultural hub, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene.
• Mayo: Renowned for its rugged landscapes and historic sites like Ballintubber Abbey.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • Printworks Gallery: Market Street, Galway, H91 YX6K (exhibitions).
  • The Mick Lally Theatre: Druid Lane, Galway, H91 N5X9 (workshops, talks).
  • PALAS Cinema: 15 Merchants Road Lower, Galway, H91 R7F3 (film screenings).
  • Ballinasloe Library: Society Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 K5C9 (tours).
  • HeritHUB, Ballina Library: Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 EA34 (talks, tours).
• Administrative Contact: Architecture at the Edge, c/o Frank Monahan, Galway (inquiries only, no physical address provided).
• Note: Additional venues (e.g., Terryland Forest Park, Galway) TBD August 2025 at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 26 September–12 October 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 17 days.
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Exhibitions: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
  • Tours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, weekends.
  • Talks: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, weekdays.
  • Workshop: 28 September–4 October, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Note: Times speculative except for confirmed events; full schedule TBD August 2025 at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Venue / Location

• Printworks Gallery: Accessible, exhibitions, near Portershed a dó.
• The Mick Lally Theatre: Accessible, workshops and talks, central Galway.
• PALAS Cinema: Accessible, film screenings, modern cinema.
• Ballinasloe Library: Accessible, tours of the renovated Mercy Sisters Convent.
• HeritHUB, Ballina Library: Accessible, community-focused talks and tours.
• Additional Venues: Speculative (e.g., Terryland Forest Park, H91 K5DD; Ballintubber Abbey, F12 Y042), TBD August 2025.
• Note: Full venue list at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@architectureattheedge.com (general inquiries); learning@architectureattheedge.com (workshop applications).
• Phone: Not provided; use email or website contact form.
• Website: www.architectureattheedge.com
• Social Media: Follow @ArchAtTheEdge on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
• Ticketing: Book via www.architectureattheedge.com (opens August 2025) or at venue box offices (e.g., The Mick Lally Theatre). Workshop applications to learning@architectureattheedge.com by 5 September 2025. Contact info@architectureattheedge.com for accessibility or group bookings.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via www.architectureattheedge.com (opens August 2025) or at venue box offices (cash/card). Workshop applications via learning@architectureattheedge.com (deadline 5 September 2025). Cancellations until 1 September 2025 (~$2 USD fee). Contact info@architectureattheedge.com for accessibility.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD as of August 2025):
  • Omey Island Tour: $53.50 USD (includes ferry).
  • AATE Film & Architecture Workshop: $107.15 USD (includes tuition, screenings, opening meal, wrap party; excludes travel, daily meals).
  • Exhibitions: Free (e.g., Printworks Gallery).
  • Guided Tours: Free or $10.70–$21.40 USD (e.g., Ballinasloe Library).
  • Talks and Panels: Free or $10.70–$21.40 USD (e.g., HeritHUB).
  • Film Screenings: Free or $10.70 USD (e.g., PALAS Cinema).
  • Booking Fees: ~$1–$3 USD per ticket.
  • Concession/Student: ~$2–$5 USD discounts for students, under 16s, over 60s (ID required) on ticketed events.
  • Kids (Under 16): Free for exhibitions and select tours with supervision; ticketed events may require adult accompaniment.
• Additional Notes:
  • Pricing for Omey Island Tour and Workshop confirmed per provided data. Other prices estimated based on 2023–2024 events (e.g.,) and similar festivals (e.g., Open House Dublin).
  • Full pricing TBD August 2025 at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases West Ireland’s architectural heritage.
• Events & Festivals: 17-day festival with tours, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Education & Learning: Workshops and talks on sustainable design.

Cultural Significance

AATE, in its eighth year, is a cornerstone of Ireland’s architectural calendar, promoting excellence in the built environment. The 2025 theme, “The Unseen Architecture,” highlights invisible forces like light and human interaction, fostering dialogue on sustainability and inclusivity. Partnerships with Copenhagen Architecture Forum and local councils amplify its impact, with 2024 events generating significant community engagement.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Snacks/drinks at Printworks Gallery, The Mick Lally Theatre, PALAS Cinema ($5–$15 USD). Workshop includes an opening meal and wrap party.
• Nearby Dining (Galway):
  • The Dail Bar: 42 Middle Street, Galway ($10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from Printworks).
  • Ard Bia at Nimmo’s: Spanish Arch, Galway ($15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk from The Mick Lally Theatre).
  • Kai Restaurant: 22 Sea Road, Galway ($20–$40 USD, 10-minute walk from PALAS Cinema).
• Nearby Dining (Mayo):
  • The Creel Coffee House: Pearse Street, Ballina ($5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk from HeritHUB).
  • Crockets on the Quay: Ballina Quay, Co. Mayo ($10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at select venues; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free exhibitions and select tours (e.g., Ballinasloe Library) are suitable for families with supervision.
  • Workshop (16+) and some talks may require adult accompaniment for under 16s.
• Accessibility:
  • Venues (e.g., Printworks Gallery, The Mick Lally Theatre) are wheelchair-accessible with ramps.
  • Contact info@architectureattheedge.com for ISL or sensory accommodations.
  • Full accessibility details TBD August 2025 at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Getting There

• By Air: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC, 45 km from Ballina, 80 km from Galway, 45–60-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann to Galway Bus Station (5-minute walk to Printworks) or Ballina Bus Station (5-minute walk to HeritHUB).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Galway Ceannt Station (10-minute walk to The Mick Lally Theatre) or Ballina Station (5-minute walk to HeritHUB).
• By Car: Paid parking at Q-Park Eyre Square, Galway (~$3 USD/hour, 5-minute walk to Printworks); Ballina Civic Centre, Co. Mayo (~$2 USD/hour, 5-minute walk to HeritHUB).
• Rideshare: Free Now or Uber from NOC (~$30–$50 USD to Galway, $20–$30 USD to Ballina).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Omey Island Tour: 27 September, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Omey Island, $53.50 USD.
  • AATE Film & Architecture Workshop: 28 September–4 October, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, The Mick Lally Theatre, $107.15 USD (application by 5 September 2025).
  • Film Screenings: 4 October, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM, PALAS Cinema, free or $10.70 USD.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Exhibitions: 26 September–12 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Printworks Gallery, free.
  • Guided Tours: 3–5 October, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Ballinasloe Library, Terryland Forest Park, free or $10.70–$21.40 USD.
  • Talks and Panels: 2–10 October, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, HeritHUB, free or $10.70–$21.40 USD.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed events; full details TBD August 2025 at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: “In Search of Hy-Brasil” exhibition from Venice Biennale, Salthill Park’s Samhlú Installation, Ballina Co-Envisioning Day at HeritHUB.
• Past Achievements: Expanded from 40+ events in 2022 to 50+ in 2024, with partnerships like Copenhagen Architecture Forum.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Collaborates with Galway and Mayo County Councils for eco-conscious events.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; digital programmes encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD at www.architectureattheedge.com.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: AATE Film & Architecture Workshop (28 September–4 October, $107.15 USD) teaches filmmaking and sustainable design.
• Talks: Free or $10.70–$21.40 USD discussions on unseen architectural elements.
• Community Engagement: Free exhibitions and tours promote architectural education.

Cultural Activities

• Guided Tours: Omey Island, Ballinasloe Library, 27 September–5 October, free or $53.50 USD.
• Exhibitions: Printworks Gallery, 26 September–12 October, free.
• Workshops: The Mick Lally Theatre, 28 September–4 October, $107.15 USD.
• Film Screenings: PALAS Cinema, 4 October, free or $10.70 USD.
• Talks: HeritHUB, 2–10 October, free or $10.70–$21.40 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets (August 2025) and workshop applications (5 September 2025) via www.architectureattheedge.com; limited spaces for tours and workshops.
• Weather Prep: September–October (45–55°F) is cool and rainy; pack waterproofs.
• Explore Locally: Galway: Spanish Arch (free, 5-minute walk from Printworks); Mayo: Ballintubber Abbey ($5 USD, 20-minute drive from Ballina).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card for Bus Éireann (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.architectureattheedge.com (no app).

Local Attractions

• Galway:
  • Spanish Arch: Long Walk, Galway (free, 5-minute walk from Printworks).
  • Galway City Museum: Spanish Parade, Galway ($5 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Eyre Square: Galway (free, 5-minute walk from The Mick Lally Theatre).
• Mayo:
  • Ballintubber Abbey: Ballintubber, Co. Mayo ($5 USD, 20-minute drive from HeritHUB).
  • Westport House: Westport, Co. Mayo ($15 USD, 15-minute drive from Ballina).
  • Clew Bay: Clew Bay, Co. Mayo (free, 15-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Galway:
  • Hotels: The Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Road ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk to Printworks).
  • B&Bs: The Nest Boutique Hostel, Salthill ($50–$100 USD/night, 15-minute walk to PALAS Cinema, festival partner discounts).
  • Hostels: Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road ($20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk to The Mick Lally Theatre).
  • Airbnb: Galway apartments ($50–$150 USD/night).
• Mayo:
  • Hotels: Wyatt Hotel, Westport ($80–$150 USD/night, 15-minute drive from HeritHUB).
  • B&Bs: The Helm B&B, Westport ($50–$100 USD/night, 15-minute drive).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the September–October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; Galway University Hospital (15-minute drive from Galway venues); Mayo University Hospital (10-minute drive from Ballina).
• Security: Volunteer stewards at events; bag checks at The Mick Lally Theatre, PALAS Cinema.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues; umbrellas for outdoor tours.