Emma Doran

Due to phenomenal demand, smash-hit comedian, best-selling author, podcast host and viral online star Emma Doran has added a second show during this year's Galway Comedy Festival. There's no such thing as a perfect family, but she wouldn't want one anyway... The many trials and tribulations of Emma's blended family are laid bare, womanhood examined, and relationships put to the test in this witty, rambunctious show from one of Ireland's most beloved stand-ups. Strap in for a night to remember, jam-packed with razor-sharp observations, riotous on-stage antics and conspiratorial gossipmongering. As seen and heard on No Worries If Not! (RTÉ 2), The Tommy Tiernan Show (RTÉ 1), LOL: Last One Laughing (Prime Video) hosted by Graham Norton, The Late Late Show (RTÉ), Celebrity Gogglebox (Virgin Media One), Modern Love (Prime Video) alongside Kit Harrington, The Deirdre O'Kane Show (SKY), Bridget and Eamon (RTÉ), Callan's Kicks (RTÉ), Republic Of Telly (RTÉ) and Ireland's Fittest Family (RTÉ), while her podcast credits include: You're Grounded with daughter Ella, And Another Thing! with Muireann O'Connell and the four-part series Mischief Makers. Emma currently co-hosts the podcast Keep It Tight alongside fellow stand-up and LOL: Last One Laughing contestant Deirdre O'Kane. Emma is also author of best-selling book, Mad, Isn't It? published in 2024.

"End-to-end laughs... you'd be mad to miss her"

— Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard ★★★★

Jack Dee

Jack’s back! The great man is marking 40 years in comedy in 2026, and Galway Comedy Festival is part of that milestone anniversary. Galwegians can look forward to a master comic who “turns grumpiness into an art form” (The Evening Standard) and whose “put-upon, misanthropic persona” always results in “an entertaining evening” (The Scotsman). He has appeared on Have I Got News for You, QI, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, The Apprentice: You’re Hired, and comedy series Josh.

"Grumpy was always Dee’s best tune… you name it, Dee’s teed off about it, sometimes to a sublime degree"

— The Guardian

Andrew Maxwell

The double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and one of Ireland’s favourite storytellers, Andrew Maxwell is returning to home soil to do what he does best – find the funny in everything going on in this crazy world today and, let’s be fair, being damned good at it. Often referred to in his score of first-rate reviews as one of the most skilful comics of his generation, Maxwell has long been at the top of his game. His expertise in finding the perfect balance between humour and insight in any given situation, his lightning quick wit and his fierce intellect have ensured that he remains the King of Comedy long after he was crowned by Channel 4.

"A consummate performer, he’s still streets ahead of many of his contemporaries and as such, is always a must-see"

— The European

Deirdre O’Kane

Calling Deirdre O’Kane The First Lady of Irish Comedy is no overstatement. She is undoubtedly “Ireland’s number one funny woman” (Extra.ie) blessed with a “unique star quality” (The Guardian) who is “hilariously funny with ineffable charm” (Image Magazine). She will bring these sparkling qualities to #GCF26 where she will be appearing at the Festival’s ever popular mixed bill nights.

"Applause follows her all the way down the street"

— The Scotsman

David McSavage

David McSavage is back on the road and heading for Galway this October Bank Holiday weekend. Promising a show of “One mic. One hour. Zero apologies”, he advises Galway audiences to “bring thick skin and a sense of humour”. Whether it’s musing while strumming a guitar, wandering off on a mind-bending tangent, or delivering his singular perspective on the world, McSavage has been making people laugh — and occasionally call their solicitors — for over two decades. You have been warned. And invited.

"David McSavage is the comedian’s comedian"

— Irish Independent

The Kavanaghs

They’re living in despair (room). A hilarious new Irish comedy about Generation Stuck – the adults who thought they’d only be living with their parents for a few months… until life got in the way. Packed with big laughs, family chaos and razor-sharp observations, The Kavanaghs: Married with Parents is a brand new farce from Al Porter and Karl Spain. Al and Ryan only moved back in with his parents for six months. That was six years ago. Now, with Al’s parents preparing to fly to Germany for a wedding, the happy couple are finally about to have the house to themselves… or so they think. As suitcases pile up, secrets unravel and unexpected guests keep arriving, one ordinary weekend in Tallaght spirals into glorious chaos in this fast-paced comedy about family, love and the generation that can’t quite leave home. Starring Aisling O’Neill (Fair City’s Carol), Phelim Drew (Once, Remembering Ronnie), Al Porter (Perrier nominee), Ryan Andrews (Fair City) and top comics Willa White and Enya Martin. Directed by Christine Scarry, The Kavanaghs: Married with Parents is a brand new Irish comedy you’ll want to bring the whole family to!

Mike Wozniak

The new stand-up tour show from Mike Wozniak in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that. As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.

"Deliciously distinctive fun... The story of Wozniak might be the shaggiest of shaggy dog stories you will ever hear"

— The Evening Standard

Rhys Darby

Audiences may know Rhys Darby as the hapless band manager Murray in Flight of the Conchords, gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet in Our Flag Means Death, or from turns in Jumanji, Yes Man, and The X-Files. But it's live and unscripted where Darby truly comes alive — gloriously odd, endlessly inventive, and never quite doing what you expect. Five stand-up specials deep, with a novel, children's book, and podcast to his name, Rhys brings his singular brand of chaos back to Galway. Expect flights of fancy, deadpan asides, and comedy that goes places you didn't see coming.

"He’s got that Peter Sellers madness inside him"

— Jim Carrey

Tommy Tiernan

Tommy Tiernan adds another date of his ‘World Tour of Galway’ to treat #GCF26 audiences to his brand-new stand-up show, featuring this most singular comedian’s latest “wild yarns, philosophical detours” (Irish Examiner) and “good humour, high energy, insatiable curiosity and fearlessness” (RTÉ). It’s already been a great year for the honorary Galwegian, having won Irish Comedian of the Year for the second year in the Hot Press Readers Poll 2026, while his RTÉ chat show also enjoyed its landmark 10th season.

"A titan of Irish comedy"

— The Guardian

Maureen Langan

This New Jersey native rose to prominence on America’s Got Talent, where her stand-up even had Simon Cowell declaring, “Maureen is so funny! So fearless!”. A former broadcaster, interviewer, and satirist at Bloomberg TV & Radio, she now thrills comedy audiences across North America, Europe, and South Africa, with intelligent rants on life’s absurdities. She has also performed with the late Robin Williams, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and soul star Gladys Knight.

"Very engaging, very empowering. Her humor uplifts and is inspiring"

— New York Times