Friday, 17:30-22:00,
Festival Tent, Father Burke Park,
Tickets required.
The West of Ireland is where soil meets salt, where ancient ways meet new ambition, and where Europe faces America across the wildest ocean on earth. Wild Atlantic Impact is a gathering for the people turning this edge into an engine of opportunities – ocean regeneration, renewable energy, living culture, resilient future-fit business and entrepreneurial fire that is truly wild – and impactful.
Partnering with Galway City and County Councils as part of the 2026 Climate Inspirations Festival, Wild Atlantic Impact is a bold gathering at the edge of Europe – bringing together the regenerators, scientists, creatives, leaders, entrepreneurs, pioneers and culture-keepers who are turning the West of Ireland’s greatest assets into its greatest opportunity. From offshore energy and ocean regeneration to rewilded land, living culture and Atlantic entrepreneurship, we’ll explore what’s already working – not in theory, but on the ground and in the water.
The night opens with live music from local artists Craig Ferguson and Tadgh Murphy. Melanie Lynch, Founder and Director of Our Story and HerStory, and Finn Delaney, Business Development Manager at XOCEAN, are your co-hosts for the evening. Speakers include Casey Camp Horinek, Environmental Ambassador for the Ponca Tribe; wildlife documentary presenter Eoin Warner; Alice Ward, Creative Director of Sea Pea Films; Sinéad Grimes of the Dúlra Project; Luana Jungmann of An Taisce; and Gareth McAllister, Founder-CEO of Ahascragh Distillery — Ireland’s first eco-distillery (and our Official Cocktail Partner). The night closes with a Climate Céili led by the Galway Céili Club, and an after party at Róisín Dubh.
Fresh Kelly’s Oysters, a vegetarian food truck, wild cocktails, Kinnegar farmhouse beers and complimentary drinks from Ahascragh, Living Things and Solaris Tea. Less conference. More céilí. More craic.
New for 2026, the festival is delighted to partner with Galway City Night-Time Economy, funded by Galway City Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, supporting an expanded programme of evening and late-night events across locations.