Emmaculate
Featured Artists
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.
Full Bio →"End-to-end laughs... you'd be mad to miss her"
— Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard ★★★★
Emma Doran
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.
Full Bio →"Grumpy was always Dee’s best tune… you name it, Dee’s teed off about it, sometimes to a sublime degree"
— The Guardian
Jack Dee
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.
Full Bio →"A consummate performer, he’s still streets ahead of many of his contemporaries and as such, is always a must-see"
— The European
Andrew Maxwell
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.
Full Bio →"Applause follows her all the way down the street"
— The Scotsman
Deirdre O’Kane
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.
Full Bio →"David McSavage is the comedian’s comedian"
— Irish Independent
David McSavage
Serena Terry
This Derrywoman’s comedy, via stand up, viral videos, and a novel have made her an in-demand comedy performer across Ireland, selling out such venues as Belfast’s SSE Arena and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. Serena first came to prominence through her hugely successful online comedy ‘Mammy Banter’. She has since transitioned effortlessly to the live stage. With her sharp observational stand-up and relatable storytelling – with its hilarious insights into modern family life, relationships, and the everyday moments we all recognise – Serena has built a reputation for comedy that is warm, authentic, and irresistibly funny.
Full Bio →"Utterly hilarious! Born for it"
— Aisling Bea