English design agency appointed to pursue year-round Galway Macnas experience
An English design agency has been chosen to progress a new year-round Macnas tourist experience in Galway.
Sarner, a design agency who specialises in visitor attractions around the globe, has been chosen to carry out what Galway City Council calls a “scoping exercise” for a year-round Macnas experience.
Macnas is a celebration of folklore and storytelling put on by a Galway-based performance group, widely known for its inclusion in Halloween parades. Founded in Galway in 1986, Macnas has captivated audiences worldwide with its immersive parades, theatre productions, and collaborations.
Galway City Council announced in December 2025 it sought a tender to take on research for Macnas to materialise all year-round for visitors under the Galway City Destination Experience Development Plan.
“This project is about creating a destination experience that not only celebrates their extraordinary artistry but also strengthens Galway’s position as a cultural capital on the Wild Atlantic Way,” Galway City Council Tourism officer, Ruairí Lehmann said in December.
Sarner has commenced the feasibility project at this time at the request of Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Macnas group, a Council spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Independent.
Macnas will celebrate its 40th anniversary at this year’s Halloween parade themed “Fiáin”.
“Fiáin (fee-awn) is a celebration of the wild - the wild elements of the West of Ireland, the wild inspirations that have imbued our work over the last 40 years, and the wild energy that engulfs the streets, performers and audiences as we own the streets and public spaces for one night only,” a Macnas spokesperson said.