In 2026, Nuns Island Theatre will temporarily close to undergo major renovations that will renew and transform the historic space. For over 50 years, it has been a vital creative hub for Galway, supporting generations of artists and serving as a place for collaboration, experimentation, and shared cultural experiences. As part of this transition, the Galway Arts Centre aims to reflect on and preserve the theatre’s legacy by inviting artists, audiences, and the wider community to share their memories, stories, and materials connected to the venue.

The project will create an archive documenting these experiences, led by writer Christian O’Reilly, who will gather and record personal stories. Director Andrew Flynn will facilitate six intergenerational workshops to encourage memory-sharing through theatre practices, while archivist Harriet Leander will advise on developing the archive. Supported by administrative work from the Galway Arts Centre, the initiative seeks to honour the theatre’s past by building a lasting record of its cultural significance within the community.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.