Leisure Events & Festivals

Mayhem and madness Fr. Ted style on Connemara’s very own craggy island. The Fr. Ted Festival which is popularly known as Ted Fest, is a celebration of the life of comedian Dermot Morgan and his 1990′s cult TV sitcom Father Ted created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews. The event sees large numbers of fans take to the islands, most dressed as characters from the show. The event involves taking part in many themed events associated with the comedy series including fancy dress, five-aside football (nuns against priests), toilet duck comedy awards, buckaroo speed dating, lovely girls contest and A Song For Europe.
more info: www.tedfest.org

Many towns in Connemara celebrate Ireland’s national feast day with lively parades and events.

Exploring the Western Island and Highland of Ireland with the Connemara Walking Centre exploring the heritage and landscape of the bogs, mountains and islands of Connemara

Mamean, St. Patrick’s Day Mass: 1.30pm.

Half Marathon, Full Marathon and On-Road Marathon. Entries will close when limit of 2,000 is reached.

Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops and outdoor entertainment. The 2012 festival was a great success with the town filled with music and excitement throughout the whole weekend. The festival includes Music Workshops, Sean Nos Dance Workshops, Youth Sessions, Traditional Music Mass, Pub Sessions throughout the whole weekend, “Farewell Session” on Sunday. more info: www.clifdentradfest.com

3-day watercolour break takes part in the very heart of Connemara overlooking Lough Inagh surrounded by the 12 Bens & Maam Turk Mountain Ranges.

The Maumturks Challenge Walk is one the strongest tests of endurance in the years calendar. As it occurs early in the season chances are the weather will be inclement to say the least.

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The festival annually brings approximately sixty authors of local, national and international repute to Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings and much, much more. more info: www.cuirt.ie

Ten day multi-layered festival – a celebration of landscape. Connemara walkabout, Fun Run, etc. Lots of traditional music.

A weekend of music, activities and of course bowls full of fresh Killary mussels. Where: Renvyle Peninsula, Tullycross When: May Bank Holiday Weekend.Cookery competitions and other events will take place

Leenane Development Association is pleased to announce that plans are in full swing for the even better Leenane Walking Festival! Enjoy a unique combination of mountain and sea as Leenane is situated on the edge of Killary Harbour.

The arts festival is held on the Island each year. Our aim is to cover a wide and varied list of events with music, visual arts, workshops, arts and crafts, readings and much more.

Exploring the Western Island and Highland of Ireland with the Connemara Walking Centre exploring the heritage and landscape of the bogs, mountains and islands of Connemara.

A week full of music, art, theatre, children’s events, culture and literature in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland.

Traditional currach racing on the Killary Harbour. Large numbers of people gather to watch teams of rowers compete on the Fjord. The competitors travel from all along the West Coast to demonstrate their skill and prowess in the use of these ancient sea-fishing boats.

The scenic fishing village of Cleggan in western Connemara will enjoy another rousing weekend of Irish traditional music

The Challenge features four grades of walks, from the very strenuous self-guided 18-mile hike to the gentle lakeside ramble

Galway City & County. Founded in 1978, Galway Arts Festival is Ireland’s leading mulitdisciplinary arts festival, incorporating theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy. Since its inception, the Festival has become a platform for Irish & International artists of the highest quality and is now established as one of Europe’s key cultural events.

Boats depart from Half Mace Pier for Mass & Blessing of local fishing boats & fishermen.

The Galway Races Summer Festival Meeting is Ireland’s premier racing festival, a unique sporting and social event with thousands of visitors and locals together for fantastic racing, betting and socialising over the seven day festival.

Charity Cycle from Roundstone to Ballyconneely and back to Roundstone via the Bog Road.

Other events during the week include seminars, reception for International Pony Breeders and Pony Sales. A week not to be missed for lovers of the beautiful Connemara Pony.

Omey Races (horse racing on the beach) on Omey Strand Omey is a tidal island located near Claddaghduff, a few miles from Clifden, in the western edge of Connemara. There is a route across the sand to the island.

Clifden Community Arts Week is a celebration of the arts – music, poetry, lectures, exhibitions and traditional music – now in its 28th year. A fantastic atmosphere in a wonderful location in the west coast of Ireland.

The 59th Festival in 2013 Come and experience a unique celebration of OYSTERS, Seafood GUINNESS and CRAIC blended with live music performances, a Best Dressed Lady competition and the Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship.

A Real Taste of Connemara. The Leenane Food Festival / Leenane Autumnal Festival aims to bring the flavours and quality food products of Connemara to all.

Exploring the Western Island and Highland of Ireland with The Connemara walking Centre exploring the heritage and landscape of the bogs, mountains and islands of Connemara.

Old style selling of horses and ponies at the crossroads attracts people from all over the world. Trailers & Stalls line the road selling all kinds of bric-a-brac

Connemara Sea Week is a celebration of our Marine Heritage which takes place over two weekends – an exciting blend of myth, magic and madness!