Baboró International Arts Festival for Children – Galway, Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, established in 1996, is Ireland’s flagship arts festival dedicated to children and families, returning for its 29th edition from October 10–19, 2025, in Galway City and County, Ireland. A registered charity (CHY No. 13790), it is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City and County Councils, and partners like Cúla4 and Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop.

Baboró presents world-class theatre, dance, puppetry, music, literature, and visual arts, engaging over 40,000 children annually. Known for accessibility, it offers subsidized tickets, free events, and inclusive programs for children with additional needs. In 2025, highlights include First Impressions, FEN, and Matière(s) première(s), fostering creativity and empathy in young audiences.

Event Highlights

• Theatre & Puppetry: Performances like FEN (4–8 years, Bank of Ireland Theatre) with puppetry and shadow play.
• Dance: Matière(s) première(s) (11+ years, Black Box Theatre), blending street and African dance.
• Visual Arts: First Impressions (8 months–7 years, Galway Arts Centre), featuring sculpture, textiles, and animation.
• Workshops & Storytelling: Interactive sessions for schools and families, various venues.
• Free Events: Exhibitions, storytelling, and public installations across Galway.
• Family-Friendly Shows: Events for ages 0–12, including early years (0–6) and family performances.
• Professional Development: Industry events for artists and educators, venues TBD.

City

• Galway City and County, Ireland: Events across central venues and county schools, set against Galway’s vibrant cultural scene and Atlantic coast.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Galway City and County, with key venues at Bank of Ireland Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Galway Arts Centre: Primary hubs for performances and exhibitions.
• Administrative Office: Baboró International Arts Festival, 2nd Floor, Augustine Court, Augustine Street, Galway, Co. Galway, H91 VXT1, Ireland (inquiries only, not ticketing).

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 10–19, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 10 days.

Venue / Location

Events span multiple Galway venues, including:

• Bank of Ireland Theatre: University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33 (FEN, theatre performances).
• Black Box Theatre: Dyke Road, Galway, H91 CFW8 (Matière(s) première(s), dance shows).
• Galway Arts Centre: 47 Dominick Street Lower, Galway, H91 X0AP (First Impressions, visual arts).
• Town Hall Theatre: 1 Courthouse Square, Galway, H91 H3TF (ticketing, select performances).
• Schools & Public Spaces: Free workshops and installations across Galway County (details September 2025).
• Note: Full venue schedule announced September 2, 2025; check www.baboro.ie.

Contact Information

• Email: admin@baboro.ie (general inquiries); schools@baboro.ie (school bookings).
• Phone: +353 91 562 667 (general); +353 91 532 985 (schools).
• Website: www.baboro.ie
• Social Media: Follow @BaboroFest on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: Baboró International Arts Festival, 2nd Floor, Augustine Court, Augustine Street, Galway, Co. Galway, H91 VXT1, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.baboro.ie, by phone (+353 91 569 777), or in person at Town Hall Theatre. Contact schools@baboro.ie for group bookings.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.baboro.ie (from September 3, 2025, 6:00 PM IST), by phone (+353 91 569 777), or in-person at Town Hall Theatre box office (cash/card). School bookings via online form at www.baboro.ie from August 25, 2025; contact schools@baboro.ie for assistance. No refunds; transfers subject to terms. Book early for high-demand shows (e.g., early years concerts).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD, based on historical estimates):
  • Standard Ticket: €10–€35 (~$10.80–$37.80 USD, varies by event).
  • Concession Ticket (students/seniors): €8–€25 (~$8.64–$27 USD).
  • Free Events: Exhibitions, storytelling, and workshops (details September 2025).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for select free events; ticketed shows require adult supervision.
  • Group Rates: Available for schools and groups; contact schools@baboro.ie.
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices are subsidized (81% in 2024, from €35 to €10 or less); exact 2025 pricing announced September 2, 2025.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

Baboró, Ireland’s premier children’s arts festival, has shaped Galway’s cultural landscape since 1996, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It promotes creativity, empathy, and inclusion through accessible, high-quality performances, with 81% subsidized tickets in 2024. Featuring artists from Ireland and abroad (e.g., France, UK), it supports local talent and boosts Galway’s economy by attracting families and schools. Its outreach programs and free events ensure access for underrepresented communities, reinforcing Galway’s status as a cultural hub.,

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues:
  • Bank of Ireland Theatre: Limited snacks and drinks (~$3–$7 USD).
  • Black Box Theatre: Café with coffee, pastries (~$3–$8 USD).
  • Galway Arts Centre: Nearby cafés (~$5–$10 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Ard Bia at Nimmos: Spanish Arch, Galway (Irish seafood, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk from Town Hall Theatre).
  • The Quay Street Kitchen: 2 Quay Street, Galway (vegan-friendly, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Kai Restaurant: 22 Sea Road, Galway (organic Irish, $20–$35 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • The Dough Bros: 24 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway (pizza, $10–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Cupán Tae: 8 Quay Lane, Galway (tea, scones, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Quay Street Kitchen); no outside alcohol at venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Events for ages 0–12, including early years (0–6) and family shows; select free exhibitions and storytelling.
  • Supervision required for kids under 12; free events for underrepresented communities.
• Accessibility:
  • Key venues (Bank of Ireland Theatre, Black Box Theatre, Galway Arts Centre) are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Shows for children with additional needs and ISL-interpreted performances (details September 2025).
  • Contact admin@baboro.ie or schools@baboro.ie for accommodations.
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Shannon Airport (SNN, 90 km, 1-hour drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 210 km, 2.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 401 to Galway Bus Station (5-minute walk to Town Hall Theatre).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Ceannt Station (5-minute walk to Town Hall Theatre).
• By Car: Parking at Town Hall Theatre (Courthouse Square, ~€2/hour, $2.16 USD) or Q-Park Eyre Square (~$2.16 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from SNN (~$50–$70 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • First Impressions: Visual art exhibition (8 months–7 years), Galway Arts Centre, October 10–19.
  • FEN: Puppetry and shadow play (4–8 years), Bank of Ireland Theatre, October 10–19.
  • Matière(s) première(s): Dance show (11+ years), Black Box Theatre, October 10–19.
  • Awards & Recognitions: For outstanding performances, venue TBD, October 19.
• Expected Events:
  • Workshops & Storytelling: Free or low-cost sessions for schools and families (~$5.40–$10.80 USD).
  • Free Exhibitions: Public installations and storytelling across Galway City.
  • Professional Development: Industry events for artists and educators, included in select tickets.
  • School Programs: Outreach workshops in Galway County schools, booked via schools@baboro.ie.
• Note: Full program announced September 2, 2025; tickets on sale September 3, 2025, 6:00 PM IST. Check www.baboro.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: If I Could Change The World exhibition with Merlin Woods Primary School; 50 events with ISL interpretation.
• 2023 Highlights: International theatre and puppetry shows from France, the UK, and Ireland.
• Past Achievements: Over 40,000 children engaged annually; focus on inclusivity.,

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Galway businesses and venues (e.g., iSupply, Irish Citylink).
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Subsidized Tickets: 81% subsidy in 2024 ensures accessibility.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.baboro.ie.

Educational Impact

• School Programs: Free or low-cost workshops for primary schools, fostering creativity.
• Professional Development: Industry events for educators and artists, included in select tickets.
• Community Engagement: Free exhibitions and storytelling for underrepresented communities.
• Creative Connections: Family workshops promote quality time through art.

Cultural Activities

• Workshops & Storytelling: Free or low-cost sessions at Galway Arts Centre and schools (~$5.40–$10.80 USD).
• Exhibitions: Free public installations like If I Could Change The World (2024).
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Galway’s cultural sites, ~$7.56 USD (book via www.baboro.ie).
• Performance Q&As: Post-show discussions with artists, included in ticket.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($10.80–$37.80 USD) and school programs may sell out; book via www.baboro.ie from September 3, 2025.
• Weather Prep: October in Galway (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Spanish Arch (5-minute walk, free) or Galway City Museum (5-minute walk, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains.
• Festival Info: Check www.baboro.ie for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Spanish Arch: Long Walk, Galway (5-minute walk from Town Hall Theatre, free).
• Galway City Museum: Spanish Parade, Galway (5-minute walk, free).
• Eyre Square: Galway City Centre (5-minute walk, free).
• Latin Quarter: Quay Street, Galway (5-minute walk, free).
• Claddagh Ring Museum: 1 Quay Street, Galway (5-minute walk, $3 USD).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Galmont Hotel: Lough Atalia Road, Galway ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Hardiman Hotel: Eyre Square, Galway ($90–$180 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Sea Breeze Lodge, 9 Cashelmara, Galway ($70–$140 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Hostels: Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway ($20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Galway city apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; nearest hospital is University Hospital Galway (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor performances.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for venue transitions.