events and festivals

Connemara National Park Month of June, Letterfrack

The Connemara National Park offers free 15-minute ‘Focus On’ talks in the audiovisual theatre – an amazing introduction to topics relating to local natural and cultural heritage. June is all about megalithic tombs and badgers. Please refer to the schedule on their website, visit nationalparks.ie/connemara. Read more about the Connemara National Park on page 6 and 8.

Clifden Summer Fest

Friday 16th–Sunday 18th June

Performing at Connemara Pony Breeders Society Show Grounds, Clifden. Friday night, The Stunning live on stage supported by The Wilful. Saturday, it’s country music night with the fantastic Mike Denver supported by Glor Tire winner Emma Donohue. Sunday, local Rofi James to kick start the show, followed by up and coming Cork native Meadhbh Walsh and to finish off the weekend will be George Murphy & the Rising Sons. More Info; clifdensummerfest, Facebook.

Ballyconneely Pony Show

Saturday 3rd June, 10am

A fun day out for the whole family, the Ballyconneely Performance Connemara Pony Show features the famous Connemara pony, with a Family Working Hunter Class, Lead rein, Mini Young Handlers, and qualifiers for the Joyce’s Performance All Ireland Final. Location: Ballyconneely Community Park.

Laya Tag Rugby Series

Every Friday in June

Connemara RFC are taking part in the Laya Tag Rugby Series. Tag rugby is a brilliant social sport, so there is the opportunity to have the craic and get great exercise all at The Monastery Field, one of the most scenic rugby venues in Ireland. For more details, visit the Connacht Rugby website.

Dinner is Served Each Evening From 6:00pm. Booking is Essential.

Traditional Boats Festivals

Rásaí an Mháimín, Leitir Móir, 3rd–4th June

Féile an Spidéal, An Spidéal, 10th–11th June

Féile na mBád, Rosmuc, 17th–18th June

A Traditional Sailing Boat Festival displaying unique Irish boats such as currachs and Galway Hookers including the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád and Púcán classes of boats. More info: galwayhookers.ie

Creative Connections Art Exhibitions

Letterfrack / Clifden, 1st–15th June

Don’t miss these exhibitions held at the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack and at Clifden Town Hall. Artists from the Northwest Connemara region and from the Ballinakill and Renvyle areas – as well as Ukrainian residents living in Connemara – showcase an array of mediums, from woodworking to painting, photography, felt art and stained glass. Organized by FORUM Connemara CLG, funded by the Healthy Ireland Initiative in partnership with Galway County Council.

Celebrate Clifden Pride

Friday 9th June

The Sing Along Social crew Sequins + Sailors are honoured to be celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride at The Anchor Bar, Beach Road, Clifden. BBQ bites will be served. Kids Disco 6pm, Big Kids Disco 8pm. This event is free. Nautical costumes and glitter encouraged. More info: singalongsocial.com

Padraig Jack in Concert

Friday 30th June, 8pm

A songwriter and composer who writes and sings in Gaelic and English, his debut album ‘Making Sand’ was RTE Radio Album of the Week. Padraig Jack is from the Aran islands. “One of Ireland’s most exciting artists” – Hot Press Magazine Location: Clifden Station House Theatre #31 on map page 16.

Anam Art Installation

30th June–9th July

Anam by Peter Sheehan Studio is an art, craft, design and heritage installation of old and new artefacts connecting us with the landscape, people’s lives, the past and the future. It includes pieces by Peter Sheehan, Joe Hogan, Lelia Ní Chathmhaoil and others. Location: The Old Forge, Ardnagreevagh, Renvyle.