Clare Festivals & Events 2011
Recurring events
O'Briens Tower - 1835 to 2010
- Date: All year round
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
- Web: www.cliffsofmoher.ie
- Email: info@cliffsofmoher.ie
- Panoramic viewing and photo opportunities
from the top of the Ciffs of Moher’s first visitor
centre, 175 years old. The O’Briens Story in
Clare, family name history, O’Briens tower gifts.
Year round activities see website for details.
Glór Ennis
- Date: All Year
- Contact: Glór box office: At 6843103
- Email: boxoffice@glor.ie
- Web: www.glor.ie
- If you like music, theatre, comedy, visual art
and music then all you have to do is check
out the glór website at www.glor.ie for a
programme that will be bursting at the seams
with top acts throughout the year
Sunday Sessions Gallaghers Kilkishen
- Date: Every Sunday 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. from September to March
- Contact: Brendan Walsh (086) 8464509
- Web: www.wmw.ie
- Email: bw@esatclear.ie
- Traditional session for all ages and all levels. Fondly known as the "Improver's Session"
Friday Sessions Greyhound Bar Sixmilebridge
Celt Weekend in the Woods, Tuamgraney
- Date: May, July & October
- Contact: Sarah Thompson
- Web: www.celtnet.org
- Email: info@celtnet.org
- Choose from 18 environmental & ecological skills courses held in beautiful woodland setting open to adults all levels, & youngsters 8yrs +
Kilrush Farmers Market
Ennis Farmers Market
Set Dancing - Brogans Bar & Restaurant
- Date: Every Wednesday night 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Contact: Dick O'Connell (065) 682 0996
- Contact: Brogans (065) 6829480
January
Winter Music Weekend
- Date: 13th - 16th January
- Contact: Brendan Walsh (086) 8464509
- Web: www.wmw.ie
- Email: Bw@esatclear.ie
- Over 35 acoustic music events from traditional Irish to jazz in 12 intimate venues over one weekend
February
Russell Memorial Weekend, Doolin
- Date: February 25th - 27th
- Contact: Bev O'Connor (065) 7074595
- Web: www.michorussellweekend.ie
- Email: info@michorussellweekend.ie
- A weekend of traditional music, song and dance with workshops in several instruments, held annually in Doolin on the last full weekend in February
March
Corofin Trad Festival
Ennis Book Club Festival
Burren Spring Conference
- Date: March 11th - 13th
- Contact: Brid O'Loghlen (065) 7077200
- Web: www.burrencollege.ie
- Email: brid@burrencollege.ie
- Titled: Narratives of People and Place - with the Burren and the people who live and visit here as central characters, this Spring Conference explores the significance of narratives and stories, told and untold of the Burren
Seachtain na Gailge
- Date: 3rd - 17th March
- Contact: Emer ni Fhalaitheartaigh (065) 6846512
- Web: www.clarecoco.ie
- Email: gaeilge@clarecoco.ie
- IImeachtaí Gaeilge do pháistí, daoine óga agus
daoine fásta ar fud an chontae, ceardlanna,
ceolchoirmeacha, céilithe, drámaí, filíocht chun
daoine a spreagadh chun Gaeilge a spreagadh
sa Chontae.
St. Patrick's Celebrations
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Date: March 17th
- Contact: Central Reservations (061) 360788
- Web: www.shannonheritage.com
- Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com
- Enjoy traditional Irish music, set dancing classes, kids disco, snakes display an appearance by St. Patrick and much more!
Traditional Horse Fair
- Kilrush
- Date: 25th March
- Contact: Kilrush Town Council(065) 9051047
Clare Drama Festival
- Scarriff
- Date: March 17th March - 26th March
- Contact: Doreen Hanley (087) 2686764
- Enjoy a series of excellent plays
April
Easter Fun & Games at Craggaunowen
- Near Quin, Co. Clare
- Date: Easter Sunday, April 24th
- Contact: Central Reservations (061) 360788
- Web: www.shannonheritage.com
- Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com
- Superb family day out! Meet Easter Bunny and enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, bouncy castle and delicious Easter eggs
Cartoon Capers at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Easter Egg Treasure Trail @ Aillwee Cave
and The Burren Birds of Prey Centre
Burren Law School
- Heritage/Education/Law
- Date: 29th April - May 1st
- Contact: Brid O'Loghlen (065) 7077200
- Web: www.burrenlawschool.org
- Email: enquiries@burrenlawschool.org
- Director: Fintan O’Toole.
The Burren Law School aims to recreate the
tradition of legal learning associated with the
Brehon Law Schools, allowing the past to
illuminate the present in what promises to be
a stimulating and entertaining weekend. It will
be of interest to the public at large as much as
to members of the legal and caring professions,
historians and relevant interest groups.
May
Burren in Bloom
PJ Hayes Memorial Weekend
- Feakle
- Date: 30thApril to 2nd May
- Contact: Gary Pepper (061) 924885
- Traditional music celebrating the memory of PJ Hayes
Fleadh Nua Festival
- Date: 22nd - 30th May
- Contact: Cois na hAbhna, Ennis. (065) 6824276, (086) 2672926
- Web: www.fleadhnua.com
- Email: ceoltrad@eircom.net
- Fleadh Nua is an exciting international festival of traditional music, singing and dancing offering a wide range of events
Burren Slow Food Festival Lisdoonvarna
- Date: 20th - 22nd May
- Contact: Birgitta Curtin (065) 7074432
- Web: www.slowfoodclare.com
- Showcasing the unique and excellent variety of local produce in the area. Various events throughout the weekend, including a Banquet, markets, food tastings and many more
Clare Burren Marathon
- Date: May 21st May
- Contact: 353-87-7779714 or 353-87-984025
- Web:www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com
- This is a road, green road and trail challenge
across the beautiful scenic Burren. Each
participant has a choice of full, half or mini
marathon on the day. All three challenges start
in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
County Fleadh, Kilfenora
- Date: 23rd - 31st May
- Contact: Cois na hAbhana (065) 6824276
- Web: www.coisnahabhna.ie
- Music, Song and Dance. Competitions, informal sessions and open air music
Iniscealtra Festival of Arts
- Mountshannon
- Date: 28th May - 6th June
- Contact: Paul Murray (087) 2380555
- Web: www.iniscealtra-artsfestival.org
- Email: nmhenley@eircom.net
- Multi-disciplinary Arts Festival in the lakeshore village of Mountshannon; music, film, dance and visual arts and green fair, with education programme and participatory events
June
Traditional Horse Fair
- Kilrush
- Date: 2nd June
- Contact: Kilrush Town Council (065) 9051047
Doonbeg International Jazz Festival
- Date: 3rd - 6th June
- Contact: Philippa Siegrist (065) 9055345, (086) 0890479
- Web: www.doonbegjazz.com
- Email: strandcamping@oceanfree.net
- A weekend of Jazz, Dixie & Swing, Latin held in the Village of Doonbeg, West Clare. All Events free
Spancilhill Fair (Horse Fair)
ColdPro 2011 Music Surf and Soul Festiva
Miltown Malbay
-
Date: 1st - 8th June
Contact:
- M. Vaughan 086 0303848
- Web: www.coldpro2011.com
- Email: info@coldpro2011.com
- ColdPro 2011 Music Surf and Soul Festival. Featuring
a never to be forgotten music festival on
the 4th and 5th June and the most high profile
surf competition ever staged in Ireland - The
ColdPro Pan Celtic invitational.
An Post Tour de Burren Cycle Challenge
Feile Brian Boru Festival
- Killaloe
- Date: June 29th to 3rd July
- Contact: Arlene White (086) 3586293
- Web: www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie
- Email: brianboru@killaloe.ie
- Feile Brian Boru is an annual 5 day festival held in Killaloe & Ballina to commemorate Ireland's Greatest High King in his native place
July
Feile Sona
-
Date: 1st - 3rd July
- Contact: Ian Lynch 086 2253549
- Web: facebook/feilesona
- Email: ianvlynch@gmail.com
- Féile Sona is a 3 day Family Fun Festival based
in the maritime Town of Kilrush. The festival
ensures fun activities for every generation
Armada International Week of Set Dancing
Ennis Street Festival
Willie Clancy Summer School Miltown Malbay
- Date: 2nd to 10th July
- Contact: Harry Hughes (065) 7084281, 7084148
- E-mail: angleann@oceanfree.net
- Ireland's largest traditional music summer school, where students from every part of the world attend daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. A full program of lectures, recitals, dances (céilithe) and exhibitions are run by the summer school. Music sessions throughout the day in the local pubs
South East Clare Agricultural Show Killaloe
- Date: 24th July
- Contact: Pat Duggan (061) 377778 or (087) 1312653
- Web: www.bridgetownshow.com
- Email: info@bridgetownshow.com
- Annual agricultural show held at Bridgetown, Co. Clare, with events for horses, ponies, showjumping, cattle, novelty events and much more
Scariff Harbour Festival
- Scariff
- Date: 29th July to 1st August
- Contact: Christina Crisewood (061) 921685
- Web: www.scariff.com
- Email: cgrisewood@scariff.com
- A varied programme of activities, arts, music and entertainment inspired by the "lake" theme
Seafood Festival Doonbeg
Lughnasa Festival at Craggaunowen - The Living Past, near Quin, Co. Clare
- Date: Sunday July 31 to Bank Hoilday Monday August 1st
- Contact: Central Reservations (061) 360788
- Web: www.shannonheritage.com
- Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com
- Featuring costumed re-enactors from the Bronze Age to Medieval times. Enjoy combat demonstrations, ancient cooking demonstrations and much more!
August
Burren Annual Exhibition
- Date: August/September
- Contact: Prof. Timothy Emlyn Jones (065) 7077200
- Web: www.burrencollege.ie
- Email: admin@burrencollege.ie
- An annual celebration of the best in new Irish and International contemporary art brought to the Gallery at Burren College of Art
Rose of Clare
- Cooraclare
- Date: 31stJuly to 5th August
- Contact: Mr. Sean Chambers (086) 0536615
- Web: www.cooraclare.com
Feakle International Traditional Music Festival
- Feakle
- Date: 3rd to 8th August
- Contact: Gary Pepper (061) 924885 or (087) 9678020
- Web: www.feaklefestival.ie
- Email: garytpepper@eircom.net
- Besides providing a platform for local musicians to demonstrate their musical heritage, the Festival is noted for bringing together musicians from other traditional backgrounds to share in a unique musical experience
Fine Art Workshops
- Date: 8th - 22th August
- Contact: Brid O'Loghlen (065) 7077200
- Web: www.burrencollege.ie
- Email: brid@burrencollege.ie
- A series of 5day workshops in landscape painting, botanical painting, experimental drawing, abstract painting, photography and portfolio preparation
Inis Cathaigh CCE
- Kilrush Traditional Music and Set Dancing Weekend
- Date: 10th to 14th August
- Contact: Vincent O'Halloran (086) 0854834
- A Unique Festival of Concertina Music celebrating the legacy of a remarkable West Clare musician
Sky ride Etape Hibernina
Kilmurry Harvest Festival
- Date: 21st to 27th August
- Contact: Sean O'Reilly (087) 9671623
- Email: SeanOReilly@dell.com
- Family event Kilmurry Family Festival field in Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Great craic and lots of attractions for all ages, proceeds donated to local community projects
September
Dan Furey Weekend
- Labasheeda
- Date: 2nd to 4th September
- Contact: Liam Woulfe (087) 2220289
- Email: liam_woulfe@eircom.net
- A full weekend of set dancing to the best of Irish music all weekend in a relaxed rural setting
Ellen Galvin Traditional Music Week-end
- Date: 2nd - 4th September
- Contact: Mary Haugh (065) 9051597 or 086-3507255
- Web: www.nellgalvin.com
- Festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance with classes in various instruments given by well known Musicians
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
- Lisdoonvarna
- Date: 1st September - 2nd October
- Contact: (065) 7074005
- Web: www.matchmakerireland.com
- Ireland's premier Spa Town is famous for it's craic and is home to one of Europe's largest singles matchmaking festival
Tulla Traditional Music Festival
Clare Shout Fleadh Kilkishen
- Date: 15th - 18th September
- Contact: Mike Hogan (061) 367516 or (086) 2314685
- Email: mhogan07@eircom.net
The Burren Peaks Walking Festival
-
Date: 23rd – 25th September
- Contact: Mary O’Brien 087 7779714
- Web: www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com
- Email: info@ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com
- Our festival weekend promises you a real taste
of the Burren and offers guided hill and lowland
walks varying in distance and grade catering
for all walkers. The welcome reception/launch
will take place in The Burren House, Galway Rd,
Ballyvaughan.
Cliffs of Moher Marathon
Traditional Harvest Day at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Queen of Burren Festival
- Weekend Lisdoonvarna
- Date: 30th September - 2nd October
- Contact: Robert Hurley (065) 7074696
- Email: hydrohotel@eircom.net
Clare Roots Society International Genealogy Conference
- Date: 30th September - 2nd October
- Contact: Gerry Kennedy
- Web: www.clareroots.org
- Email: info@clareroots.org
- A conference on Irish Genealogy aimed at anyone
with a keen interest in tracing their roots. The
event will include a number of workshops
together with well known speakers such as Dr.
Nick Barratt, John Grenham and Dr. Caitriona
Crowe.
October
Traditional Horse Fair
- Kilrush
- Date: 10th October
- Contact: kilfush Town Council (065) 9051047
Willie Keane Memorial
Halloween Fun and Games at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Ennis Fashion Week
- Date: 15th - 28th October
- Contact: County Boutique (065) 6821947
- Web: www.visitennis.ie
- Why not visit this wonderful Town and enjoy shopping in the many family owned and run boutiques. Throughout the week there will be make- up demonstrations, special offers in shops, hotets and restaurants culminating with a Gala Fashion Ball
November
Ennis Trad Festival
- Date: 10th - 14th November
- Contact: John Rynne (086) 8307050
- Web: www.ennistradfestival.com
- Email: contact@ennistradfestival.com
- Traditional Music Festival, Concerts, over 100 sessions, Free CD launch concerts, masterclasses, dance workshops, Céilí, Talks, Trad themed table quiz
Traditional Horse Fair
- Kilrush
- Date: 23rd November
- Contact: Kilrush Town Council (065) 9051047
Santa's Workshop at Aillwee Cave
- Ballyvaughan
- Date: 20th November to 22nd December
- Contact: Barbara Faulkner (065) 7077036
- Web: www.aillweecave.ie
- Email: Barbara@aillweecave.ie
- Santa will be in his workshop at Aillwee Cave and will be meeting with children from 20 November - 22 December
December
Santa Claus at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Bunratty. Co. Clare
- Date: Dec 4th - 23rd Reservations Necessary
- Contact: Central Reservations (061) 360788
- Web: www.shannonheritage.com
- Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com
- See Santa and his elves, Mrs. Claus, puppet show, Christmas characters, themed Christmas shops and much more
Ballyvaughan Christmas Event
- Date: 9th -11th, 16-18th December
- Contact: Armin Crafkes (065) 7077377
- Email: info@drumcreehyhouse.com
- Each weekend enjoy christmas markets, workshops in Christmas decorations, cookery classes, choral recitals and concerts. A European style Christkindle Market, similar to those seen in Germany and Austria
Christmas Market
- The Courtyard, Doonbeg Golf Resort
- Date: December 3rd/4th t and 10th/11th
- Contact: Ray Kearney
- Email: Ray_Kearney@doonbeggolfclub.com
- Web: www.doonbeggolfclub.com
- This two day market is based on an old world Christmas, with over 50 stalls focused on Christmas gifts, decorations and assorted Christmas food items
Santa Claus at Atlantic Aer Venture
- Date: 10th/11th & 17th/18th
- Reservations Necessary
- Contact: Jane 061-363687 or 087 2037487
- Web: www.atlanticaerventure.com
- Visit Santa in his BAC 1-11 Flight Deck. Model
aircraft display. Fun for all the family.
Childrens Panto & Dinner at Bunratty
Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty
Christmas Evening at the Castle,
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty
Santa Claus Visit to Kilkishen
- Date: 11th December
- Tel: +353 (0)86 8680593
- Email: clareshoutfestival@gmail.com
- Hughly popular day for children and parents
alike, as well as a visit to Santa's cave, Mrs
Clause is busy story telling, and there are
plenty of games taking place to disco music to
ensure the kids are entertained on the day.
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