Galway looks for ideas for new year-round Macnas visitor experience
Tender is available for a new year-round Macnas experience, Galway City Council has announced.
The local authority aims to create a landmark cultural attraction that celebrates the internationally acclaimed spectacle theatre company, highlighting Galway’s reputation as a creative capital.
The initiative is in partnership between Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland and Macnas, and it is identified through the Galway City Destination Experience Development Plan.
Galway City Council Tourism officer, Ruairí Lehmann said Macnas’ performances and work is “woven into the cultural fabric” of the city.
“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,” he said.
Submissions and proposals are encouraged to focus on Galway’s arts community and a creative visitor experience to a world-class cultural destination. They will be evaluated based on methodology, team expertise, and value-for-money.
“Our research for the Galway City Destination and Experience Development Plan highlighted the opportunity for a year-round Macnas Visitor Experience,” added Margaret Jenkins who is on the Wild Atlantic Way Team with Fáilte Ireland.
“Visitors are seeking immersive, creative experiences that connect them to place and community, and this attraction has the potential to be a real differentiator for Galway. It will reinforce the city’s reputation as a cultural capital while delivering significant benefits for tourism and the arts.”
The tender will remain open until the end of January 2026 and can be found here.
Founded in Galway in 1986, Macnas has captivated audiences worldwide with its immersive parades, theatre productions, and collaborations.
Part of Macnas’ work include the annual Halloween parade. With deliberate and masterful storytelling, people from around the world come to see the works of the Galway-based performance group.
The group engages with the public all year round in a series of creative engagement programs which includes Macnas Youth Theatre, Macnas Drumming, Macnas Bass, and education programmes.