Mr. Mack's Assembly Room: The earliest record established for 'living pictures' in Galway dates from February 28th, 1898. The event was held in Mr. Mack's Assembly Room, Eyre Square (ref: William Henry). Photo of Eyre Square circa 1897 © National Library of Ireland on The Commons

Market Women Leaving the Railway Station at Galway: “Beautiful Ireland”. American traveller, photographer, and filmmaker Burton Holmes took a short video of women leaving the railway station in 1905. Part of a world travelogue of cultures, it was a silent doc shot on 60 mm black and white film.

Racquet Court: In 1909, the Enterprise Animated Picture Company arrived in Galway and used the 500 seated Racquet Court Theatre (aka Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's Court), Middle Street, to screen 'cinematography' films and entertain local audiences. Image: "Nocturnal Thieves" Short Film 1908 - IMDb

Town Hall Theatre: initially run by W. Egan and P. Mulligan, the Town Hall began screening films in November 1912. It was known as the Town Hall Cinema until 1971 when it was re-named Town Hall Theatre. It was used as a cinema until the 1990s, and still hosts screenings as well as the Film Fleadh.

Galway Cinema Theatre: A former skating rink converted to show films, it opened on Easter Monday 8th April 1912 with “The Cowboy’s Revenge”, and was screening moving pictures two days later. Later known as The Gaiety and then as The Empire. Located beside the GPO with an entrance from William Street.

The Victoria Cinema: on Merchant’s Road, Galway - it was ‘re-opened’ on the 26th of December 1915 (previous establishment unknown). Alf Thomas was the manager of the cinema, and it had regular serials, plus the exclusive rights to show Charlie Chaplin films in the town. It was devastated by fire in July 1926.

‘Man of Aran’: the first full-length film produced in Galway was a drama/documentary on Inis Mór, produced and directed by Michael Balcon and Robert J. Flaherty. 'Man of Aran' revealed to the world the raw culture and scenic beauty of rural Galway through docu-drama.

Savoy: The Savoy Cinema, Eglington Street Galway, opened Christmas 1934 with a musical comedy film ‘Flying Down To Rio’ to a full house of 1,239 people. The Savoy was in operation for over 40 years and was one of the central hubs for socialising in Galway during this time.

'Oidhche Sheanchais': by Robert J. Flaherty was the first Irish language film. Released to three cinemas in Ireland, before being lost. Found again in 2014 by Barbara Hillers and the staff of Houghton Library, Harvard. It was broadcast on TG4 for the first time on Tuesday 1st November, 2016.

Estoria Cinema: This was a 776-seater cinema, built by John McNally, later renamed the Claddagh Palace under new management in 1973. The first film shown was 'The Great Waltz' screened on 22nd November 1939. In the early days there was a cafe upstairs and musicians used to play before the film started.

‘Black Narcissus’: by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. Scenes filmed in Galway include Sister Clodagh having flashbacks of the rural landscape, the stone walls, the cottages, and the church where she attends mass.

'The Quiet Man': John Ford’s Irish masterpiece is one of the most iconic Irish films in history. Filmed predominantly in Connemara, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, it was a major catalyst in the trajectory of the film industry in Ireland, particularly in Galway and the West of Ireland.

'The Rising of The Moon': by John Ford in 1957 is three vignettes of old Irish country life. "The Majesty of the Law", is based on the short story by Frank O'Connor, "A Minute's Wait", is based on a 1914 comedy by Martin J. McHugh, and "1921", is based on the play 'The Rising of the Moon' by Lady Gregory.

'Ein Tag, der nie zu Ende geht': almost a year after the Oscar nomination for "Helden" (1958), 'Ein Tag' was directed by Franz Peter Wirth. Tom Kenny noted a spectacular scene that captured a unique perspective of Galway, the view as they arrive through Renmore, over the bridge, and into the station at Eyre Square.

Founded in 1964, Galway Film Society has been a beacon for film enthusiasts and cinephiles in the vibrant city of Galway. For decades, they have celebrated the art of cinema by curating a diverse selection of thought-provoking, entertaining, and impactful films from around the globe.

‘Sinful Davey’: was directed by US director John Huston, who is known for films such as The Maltese Falcon (1941) and Annie (1982). He filmed parts of the comedy 'Sinful Davey' in Rosscahill with the cast staying at the Corrib Hotel in 1968. The film brought great intrigue to the area during its creation.

'Alfred the Great': is a 1969 film that depicts the life and struggles of the 9th-century Anglo-Saxon king. The film starred David Hemmings, Michael York, Prunella Ransome, and Ian McKellen as his friend. The film was directed by Clive Donner and shot in various locations eg. Castlehackett, Kilchreest, and Ross Lake.

‘Sit Down and Be Counted’: Authors Lelia Doolan, Jack Dowling and Bob Quinn were RTÉ producers that resigned due to the station’s unwillingness to promote Irish. With the ‘Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement’, it highlights the importance of the Irish language and led toward the establishment of TG4 and developing film in the West.

Raidio na Gaeltachta: was a pirate radio station that preceded RTÉ and RnaG. Inspired by “Radio Free Derry”, this illegal transmitter was hidden in heather on Gnoc Mordáin in south Connemara. Three years later they would be given the official permission to set up the organisation.

'Flight of the Doves': is a 1971 British Eastmancolor children's film based on the novel by Irish writer Walter Macken. The film was written by Frank Gabrielson and Ralph Nelson, with Nelson directing. Finn Dove and his sister Derval are tired of their stepfather's neglect and they run away to Ireland to find their grandmother in Galway.

Cinegael: was a film and video company concentrated on the Gaeltacht of Connemara that was created during the ‘Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement’. The key figures were Bob Quinn, Seosamh Ó Cuaig and Toni Cristofide, and its intention was to reinforce the identity of the threatened linguistic minority - the Irish language.

'The MacKintosh Man': is a 1973 Cold War spy film directed by John Huston from a screenplay by Walter Hill, based on the novel The Freedom Trap. Paul Newman stars as Joseph Rearden sent to infiltrate a Soviet spy ring in England, by helping one of their agents break out of prison.

The Estoria Cinema: under new management it became the Claddagh Palace in 1973. It hosted many film premieres including My Left Foot and The Quiet Man, attracting stars like Daniel Day Lewis and Maureen O’Hara. Films like these, shot in and around Galway, drew in the crowds and the memories of these events live on.

Clifden Arts Festival: was founded on the vision, passion and ambition of its founder Brendan Flynn and his fellow committee members along with the entire Clifden community to satisfy the need for the expression and appreciation of local art in this Connemara capital.

'The Purple Taxi': is a 1977 film directed by Yves Boisset and starring Fred Astaire, Charlotte Rampling, Philippe Noiret and Peter Ustinov. It is based on the novel ‘Un Taxi Mauve’ The film was shot mainly in Galway, where the landscapes of Connemara provided a backdrop. The Renvyle peninsula was where many scenes were filmed.

'Poitín': is a 1978 Irish crime drama film produced and directed by Bob Quinn, and starring Cyril Cusack, Donal McCann, and Niall Tóibín. It was the first feature film to be made entirely in Irish, and the first recipient of a film script grant from the Arts Council.

The Galway Arts Festival: (rebranded as GIAF in 2014) emerged from the Arts society in UCG. Garry Hynes and Ollie Jennings held the first festival in April 1978 in one of John Murray’s converted antique rooms. A notable event was the premier of Bob Quinn’s 'Poitín'. Its success led to funding for bigger venues and initiatives such as Macnas.

'North Sea Hijack' ('Ffolkes'): was shot in locations around Galway. The City Docks were transformed into a Norwegian port. The dock scenes involved explosions, gunfights, and stunts, which attracted crowds of spectators. They also used Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, as the HQ for Ffolkes’ private army.

The Irish Film Board (IFB) / Bord Scannán na hÉireann: originally operated from 1980 to 1987. It was reestablished in 1993. The board was reconstituted under the chairmanship of Lelia Doolan. In 2018 the agency became known as Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland - the national agency for the screen industry in Ireland.

Cúirt: was founded by Galway Arts Centre as a three-day poetry festival, and has since grown to the week-long International Festival of Literature that it is today, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, events for all ages, and community-focused activities. Cúirt Festival held a forum on the centenary of film in 1996.

Macnas: is an internationally acclaimed spectacle theatre company from Galway. Productions are immersive and spectacular and the group's repertoire includes parades, theatre shows, installations, film and performance art. They engage with the public year-round with a full creative engagement program.

Teilifís na Gaeilge/ Teilifís na Gaeltachta (later TG4): first broadcast for about 18 hours over four days in November 1987 from Ros Muc, under the name Meitheal Oibre Teilfís na Gaeilge. They tried again in December 1988 during a pirate broadcasting amnesty. By 1989, the push for Irish-language broadcasting became a populist issue.

Telegael: the multi-Emmy and IFTA award-winning studio based in Spiddal works with international producers, distributors and broadcasters to develop, finance and co-produce animation and live-action content for the global market. Telegael has co-produced 1,200+ hours of TV programming to over 160 countries.

'Reefer and the Model': by Joe Comerford, is about a former IRA man who operates a ferry using an old trawler to the Aran Islands; his friends Spider and Badger; and the pregnant Teresa ("the Model"), who has abandoned a life of drugs and prostitution. They become involved in the robbery of a post office - pursued by the Gardaí.

Galway Film Fleadh: the most iconic annual event for the film Industry in the West of Ireland is the Fleadh and Fair. The week-long international film festival takes place every July alongside the industry-focussed Fair and Fleadh Forum. (See also Generation Fleadh)

Galway Film Centre: Established in 1989 as Galway Film Resource Centre, later renamed as Galway Film Centre, and rebranded as Ardán in 2022, GFC was a non-profit, members-based organisation that operated as a resource centre for both emerging and established filmmakers. It rebranded as Ardán in 2022.

Film West: was a quarterly magazine of the Galway Film Resource Centre (GFC) that was founded as a tool of communication for the film community in the West of Ireland. It would include articles relating to the local Film Industry and aid aspiring filmmakers through event promotions.

EO Teilifís: was an independent television production company based in “An Chuasnóg” in Spiddal. It produced drama and documentary programmes across genres for TG4 and RTÉ. They used to produce Ros na Rún and they have been responsible for training many people in the television sector in Galway and the West of Ireland.

‘The Field’: shows a unique cultural aspect that is specific to rural Ireland - the subject of ownership through the perspective of the Irish farmer. It was shot mostly in Leenane for its vast landscape and character.

‘Into the West’: is a film that celebrates Irish culture and history, while also exploring themes of poverty, discrimination, loss and hope. Some of the most memorable scenes were filmed in the picturesque village of Roundstone in Connemara, which provided a stunning backdrop.

Creative Europe Desk Ireland: With the agreement of the European Commission, Galway Film Centre (Ardán) and Údarás na Gaeltachta established what was then known as MEDIA Antenna Galway in February 1992, later known as Creative Europe Media Desk Ireland (Galway Office).

IMC Headford Road: located in the Galway Retail Park, opened as the Omniplex in 1993 and originally had seven screens. It was later expanded to ten screens, but now has eleven. One was converted to the new Galactic screen experience for July 2015. There is also an IMC in Oranmore.

ATU Film School: 1994 was the first film class at the then RTC at the Cluain Mhuire campus, Wellpark Road. It was a one year Post Grad Diploma in Video Production. The college went on to be known as GMIT, and then ATU, and the course is now an honours degree for those interested in a career in film, documentary, TV and AV.

Hawkeye Films: is a film production company specialising in documentary development and production. As the company's principal director and producer, award-winning filmmaker Donal Haughey brings a strong emphasis on social history and the arts with his production.

Concorde Anois: an offshoot of American director Roger Corman’s Concorde Pictures, Concorde Anois was a short-lived film production company in Tully, Connemara. It opened with the intention to employ 55 Irish crew members and produce 5 or 6 feature length films. Much of the crew went on to work on other productions in the West of Ireland.

'Father Ted': a classic Irish sitcom, aired from 1995 to 1998 on Channel 4. It follows three Catholic priests and their housekeeper on the remote Craggy Island. The show, considered one of the best comedies ever, has a cult following. Some scenes were filmed on Inisheer.

Blue Teapot: is an award-winning theatre company based on Munster Avenue, Galway that works to radically transform acting practices by telling stories through the lens of disability. Three of their documentaries were screened at Oska Bright Film Festival in 2024.

TG4: is the Irish language television channel. TG4 employs a dedicated core staff of 120 people from all parts of Ireland at its Connemara Gaeltacht headquarters. The high level of expertise employment generated by TG4 is of particular importance in the Gaeltacht areas.

Ros na Rún: is an Irish soap opera that has been airing on TG4 since 1996. The series is set in a fictional village called Ros na Rún, located near An Spidéal in County Galway. The show was the first soap opera to be broadcast in the Irish language.

‘Bloodfist VIII: Trained to Kill’: This was one of the films produced by Roger Corman during at Concorde Anois. This action film is part of a film series and several scenes are filmed in Galway, most notably a gun shoot-out scene filmed on Shop Street in Galway city centre.

The Matchmaker: in this film, Galway's charm, wit, and friendliness are celebrated along with its rich past and heritage. O’Dowd’s Bar in Roundstone, Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór and several rural locations in Connemara were used in the making of this film.

Abú Media: is a production company in Galway established in 2000 by Pierce Boyce, Bríd Seoighe & Eileen Seoighe. Their services include Production, Co-Production & Finance, Location Services, Dubbing and Post production.

Huston Film School: 2000 saw the first film modules introduced into the University of Galway. Huston School of Film & Digital Media opened in 2003, with the launch of the first MAs. In 2008, the BA [Connect] with Film Studies was introduced, and in 2018 they introduced the BA in Film & Digital Media.

Gréasán na Meán Skillnet: is a media training network, part of Skillnet Ireland, that provides subsidised high-end training to employers, employees, freelancers, and jobseekers. They assist greatly in the film industry in Galway by having their base in Spiddal, County Galway.

Eye Cinema, Wellpark: established in March 2005, this cinema’s aim was to “build Galway’s reputation for celebrating Irish and international theatre, music, literature and the visual arts, and offers a nine-screen cinema experience. It won a venue award in 2024.

‘Tristan & Isolde’: featuring James Franco and Sophia Myles, is based on a Cornish legend set in the Dark Ages. Many stunning scenes were shot in Galway, including Killary Harbour between Galway and Mayo, and the rugged landscape and natural beaches of the Renvyle Peninsula in Connemara.

'Garage': award winner at Cannes, is set in the world of gas stations in rural Ireland, where a garage employee searches for intimacy during a life-changing summer. Shot mainly in Tipperary and in Galway, it was written by Mark O'Halloran, directed by Lenny Abrahamson, and starred Pat Shortt.

‘Marley & Me’: in this comedy-drama with Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, a romantic subplot unfolds during a trip to Ireland. Filmed in Connemara; locations include Inagh Valley, Lough Na Fooey, Glebe Stone Circle, Ballymagibbon, and Roundstone.

‘The Summer of Flying Saucer’: mostly shot in Kilkerrin, Co. Galway, was directed by Martin Duffy and features one of Robert Sheehan’s first starring roles. Galway native Nicola Coughlan also contributes as the voiceover actress. Locals from Kilkerrin and nearby villages appear as extras.

Screen West: was created by Galway Film Centre with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the local authorities to facilitate the production of audiovisual content in the West of Ireland. Contact info@ardan.ie for more information.

Gort Vibes Cinema Club: was founded in 2009. It stopped during lockdown and has been reformed for May 2024. They bring world cinema to Gort in the newly refurbished Gort Townhall. They meet the first Thursday of every month from October to June.

Little Cinema: established as a monthly short film showcase for productions under 10 minutes, now hosts special events like the One Take Film Challenge, Halloween and Christmas nights, and the Little Cinema & Galway City of Film 48 Hour Challenge.

‘Jack Taylor’: The series starred Iain Glen as the title character, a former garda who becomes a private investigator after being kicked out of the Gardaí for assaulting a politician. The episodes are set in various locations in Galway such as Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, the Claddagh, Galway Cathedral, and the Crane Bar.

‘Leap Year’: his romcom starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode had several filming locations in County Galway. Locations such as Conneely’s Guesthouse on Inishmore, Connemara National Park and the ‘Bog Road’ near Roundstone were all used in the film.

‘The Guard’: starring Brendan Gleeson and directed by John Michael McDonagh was shot primarily in Connemara and Galway in locations such as Spiddal, Lettermullen, Barna and Galway’s iconic Blackrock Diving Tower. It plays on the dry comedic element to Irish culture.

‘Stay’: is directed by Wiebke von Carolsfeld, who adapted the story from the Aislinn Hunter novel. It stars Taylor Schilling, Aidan Quinn, and Michael Ironside, and is a Canadian-Irish drama film co-production. ‘Stay’ was filmed between Connemara and Montréal in Canada.

'Songs for Amy': directed by Konrad Begg is a love story inspired by the music scene of the West of Ireland. Set against the backdrop of County Galway and New York, the story follows Sean O'Malley, a struggling Irish musician who writes an album for Amy, the love of his life, in an attempt to redeem himself.

‘An Bronntanas': is a 2014 Irish thriller directed by the late Tom Collins, where a lifeboat crew discovers millions of euros worth of drugs on a fishing boat off the coast of Ireland. It was selected as the Irish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards.

Galway City of Film: the Ceantar Scannán (Region of Film) UNESCO designation is managed by Ardán on behalf of Galway City and County Councils. This highlights Galway's global recognition in the film industry and the annual programme ensures support, funding, and training for local talent and businesses.

'The Hallow': is a 2015 horror film directed by Corin Hardy, written by Hardy and Felipe Marino, and starring Joseph Mawle, Bojana Novakovic, Michael McElhatton, and Michael Smiley. It is a British-Irish co-production. It premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Danú Media: based in An Spidéál in Galway's Gaeltacht region, Danú leverages the skills of its award-winning directors, John Brady and Siobhán Ní Ghadhra. They offer original and co-production solutions globally, supported by their location, production track record, studio facilities, extensive crew network, and financial expertise.

'An Klondike': by Abú Media has been called "the first Irish Western." In addition to an edited feature length that screened at the Galway Film Festival, it is a four-part television series that aired on TG4. The majority of this Irish-language production was shot in Connemara.

'Ar Scáth le Chéile': Aisha Tyler is the director of the short film. In the movie, two Irish brothers struggle to get back in touch after an unexpected reunion. The movie was filmed in a number of Galway City landmarks, including Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, and Quay's Bar.

FÍS TV Summit: brings together creatives from all facets of the TV industry for a day of networking, learning, and listening. Industry experts present at this annual event, covering the most vital and up-to-date subjects. Also features an annual TV Pitching Competition.

Screen Ireland: previously the Irish Film Board, SI is the national agency in Ireland that supports writers, directors and production companies by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television, animation and shorts.

‘Don't Go’: a psychological thriller film from Irish writer/director David Gleeson, starring Stephen Dorff, Melissa George, and Simon Delaney. Devastated by his daughter's death in an accident, Ben becomes convinced that he can bring her back through a recurring dream.

WRAP: Investment Fund & Commission supporting audio-visual productions and companies in Galway, Donegal, Clare, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo. WRAP's Fund has delivered financial backing in the West across a diverse slate of TV, Film, and Animation projects. The newly established Commission supports producers in the region.

'Black ‘47': is a revenge western set during the Great Famine. This historical action film gives a dramatic insight to this time of struggle for the Irish people. It was partially filmed in Connemara due to its “vast unspoiled landscape” as described by locations manager Rossa O’Neill.

Pálás Cinema: located near the Docks on Merchant's Road sits this arthouse cinema. It is a sister cinema to the Lighthouse in Dublin. It is not only a cinema but a cultural space that brings together Galway’s film community, hosting events and showing the best of Irish Cinema.

Omniplex Salthill: This modern cinema offers a wide range of films and amenities for all tastes and budgets. As a D’Luxx Cinema, it features all-laser projection, fully electric reclining seats, Dolby Atmos sound, and 4K laser projection. The style also pays homage to 1920s decor.

‘Never Grow Old’: is a 2019 revisionist Western film written and directed by Ivan Kavanagh. The film stars Emile Hirsch, Déborah François and John Cusack, in a story where an Irish undertaker profits when outlaws take over a peaceful American frontier town.

‘Calm with Horses’: is a 2019 Irish crime drama directed by Nick Rowland and written by Joseph Murtagh. The film stars Cosmo Jarvis and Barry Keoghan and was filmed in Woodford, Loughrea, Rosroe, Gort, Killimor, and Wellpark. It was the winner of two BAFTAs.

‘Finky’: is a 2019 Irish-language fantasy drama about a young musician and puppeteer called Micí Finky who seeks to escape his past by leaving Ireland for Glasgow and joining a violent avant-garde circus It premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh, winning Best Cinematography.

‘Death of a Ladies': Man’ is a 2020 Canadian-Irish co-produced comedy-drama film, directed by Matt Bissonnette. The film stars Gabriel Byrne, a college literature professor in Montreal who must confront his mortality. The film also stars Jessica Paré and Brian Gleeson.

National Talent Academies: the 6 academies aim to close educational skills gaps in the industry and support aspiring professionals. They seek to raise awareness of career paths and attract diverse Irish talent. Ardán manages NTA Film & TV and Atlantic Academy manages CREW West.

Ardán: previously Galway Film Centre, Ardán is a registered charity supporting creatives in the AV (film, TV, games, and animation) industry in the West of Ireland and beyond, enabling access to industry resources and advice, and providing funding and training opportunities.

Silent Cinema Galway: since 2022, Silent Cinema has hosted regular silent movie nights with live music accompaniment at its venue on Upper Dominick Street. They show classics like Laurel and Hardy movies as well as modern takes on silent films.

Cinephile Paradiso: monthly celebrations of films from the classic cinema era take place at Cinephile Paradiso. These screenings are held in the Pálás Cinema, along with events occasionally held in the Dominick Street Silent Cinema.

‘The Banshees of Inisherin’: Martin McDonagh’s Academy Award winning film was shot in its entirety in the West of Ireland. Some locations included Gort Na gCapall and Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór, the biggest of the Aran Islands, off County Galway. This was the location for Pádraic’s (Colin Farrell) cottage and other scenes beside the cliffs.

‘North Sea Connection’: is a crime drama series about a fishing community turned upside down when a drug run goes wrong. The series was created by Josie Burke, and stars Lydia McGuinness, Dónall Ó Héalai, and Kerr Logan, with the latter nominated for an IFTA in 2023.

Clifden Film Society: organises screenings of independent international and homegrown films in the town of Clifden. The aim is to bring compelling cinema to the community and create a space for discussion and collaboration.

‘That They May Face the Rising Sun’, based on John McGahern's award winning novel, was directed by Pat Collins. The cast includes Barry Ward, Anna Bederke, Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley, and Ruth McCabe. It won 11 awards at the 2024 IFTAs including Best Film.

CREW: focuses on the empowerment of Digital Creatives in the West of Ireland to create, develop & scale globally. Founding partners include Ardán, ATU, and the WDC, and the building is home to screen organisations and businesses Ardán, Screen Ireland, Triggerfish Animation, and Éiru Films, to name but a few.

'The Watchers/ The Watched': is a supernatural horror film by Ishana Night Shyamalan in her directorial debut, produced by M. Night Shyamalan, and based on the novel by A.M. Shine. It stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere, and Oliver Finnegan.

‘Froggie’: is an independent bilingual comedy about brotherly love and the struggles of the artistic journey by the Morgan Brothers - Luke and Jake - and starring Seán T. Ó Meallaigh, Carrie Crowley, and Diarmuid de Faoite. It premiered at the 36th Galway Film Fleadh.