Al Porter

Always a firm favourite with Galway audiences, the dapper Dubliner will appear on various guest spots and mixed bills at #GCF26, and he will also be involved in a new venture as well – as playwright. Along with Karl Spain, he has written the new theatre show, The Kavanaghs: Married with Parents, starring Al himself, and a host of names from Irish comedy and TV. Chortle has praised Al’s stand up for being “delightfully smutty…full of joyous camp”. We’ve no doubt his new play will be a similar comedic treat.

"A steamroller crowd-pleasing talent"

— 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

Aideen McQueen

Aideen is a comedian, musician, and Gaeilgeoir, but describes herself as “a woman who’s been through just enough therapy to monetise her emotional chaos”. This “naturally charismatic” (The Skinny) performer returns to #GCF26, following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, sure to treat Galway audiences to “many laugh out loud moments” (Scottish Field). Aideen appears regularly on RTÉ, TG4, BBC Northern Ireland and has numerous writing credits with BBC Radio 4.

"A rising star of the comedy scene"

— One4Review.co.uk

CroíACT

The third annual CroíACT (pronounced “Craic’d”) will see ten brave souls step outside of their comfort zone to perform stand-up comedy in aid of local charities Croí and ACT for Meningitis.  For 2026, the Festival is asking the public to get behind this year’s performers who will be under the expert tutelage of Karl Spain for weeks leading up to the big night. CroíACT is a unique fundraiser, combining laughter and heart with community spirit.  This year's performers are... Laura O’Connell:  is an Irish comedian, writer and co-host of the award-nominated podcast Oh Right, Yeah, known online for finding the funny in motherhood, marriage and the general indignity of being a woman in her forties. Adrian "Aido" Devane:  Having tried everything else from bingo calling to singing - from wine sommelier to film producing - from barman to computer sales - from supermacs to teddybear inventions. All he promises us that he will turn up. Nono McHugh & Sharon Egan (Double Act):  One Made History. One Sells Houses. Neither Has a Game Plan! Cameron Cruickshank:  Ready to prove Scotland has good craic. Olivia Breene:  She grows businesses, builds brands, curates experiences, and talks for Ireland. Commercially minded, creatively wired, and now comedically unverified; let’s hope this strategy pays off. Jack Masterson:  A fresh face on the comedy scene, Jack Masterson hails from Mayo and previously reached the final of Show Me The Funny. Conor Graham:  After a lifetime spent in hospitality, Conor is trying his hand at comedy, what could go wrong? Fergus McGinn:  I'll take part on one condition, they move the comedy Festival to City Hall Louise Lally:  I have a lot of stories from retail. My solicitor says I should stop there.

Spencer Jones

Spencer Jones, the “madcap inventive comedian (Beyond The Joke), returns to Galway with his new show, DOGS. “It’s for people who love dogs and for people who don’t”, says Spencer. “There’ll be all new characters, stupid songs, visual comedy, stories and maybe an answer to the question: Are dogs better than humans?” The double Edinburgh Comedy Award and double BAFTA-nominated Spencer is known for his chaotic, joyous brand of physical prop comedy, papier-mâché masks, and live music looping. As well as DOGS, he will also perform his Experimental Kids Show to thrill kids & grown-ups alike.

"A delightful selection pack of silliness"

— Chortle

Georgie Carroll

Georgie Carroll is back with her brand-new show, INFECTIOUS. An undeniable live comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller, she's razor sharp and riotous. Nurse-turned-comedian, Georgie Carroll is not only brilliantly funny, she is unstoppable on the comedy circuit having performed her smash hit award winning show Sista Flo 2.0 for three solid years of sold out seasons (UK, NZ, AU).

"Really funny... just brilliant"

— Simon Cowell

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