events and festivals

The longest-running community arts festival in Ireland, Clifden Arts Festival is now in its 46th year and will take place from 13th–24th September. You will find a few highlights on this page, but make sure to visit clifdenartsfestival.ie to view the full programme. The festival box office is located on Bridge Street or call +353 (0) 87 331 5009. See also the Art Trail on page 11.

Clare Sands

Friday 15th September, 1pm

Clare Sands is a remarkable presence in Irish music, blending traditional roots with contemporary influences. As a sixth-generation fiddler and bilingual singer, she gained audiences worldwide with her fearless folk style and boundless energy. With her fiddle, guitar, percussion, vocals, and cassette recordings, Clare delivers electrifying live performances that take listeners on a thrilling journey of celebration, resilience, and hope. Clare’s highly anticipated self-titled album, released in 2022, garnered critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best Folk Singer at the Irish Folk Awards. Venue: Christ Church

Turning Pirate presents

Lisa Hannigan, Gemma

Hayes, and Paul Noonan

Friday 15th September, 8pm

Turning Pirate presents a wonderful evening of collaboration and song. Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes and Paul Noonan have always individually danced between genres as artists. Collaboration is part of the makeup of each of their careers. Three artists who have predominantly been centre-stage in their careers, while also experiencing the other parts and spaces and instruments that populate a band; Lisa, Gemma and Paul will come together to share their stage and their songs with each other.

Venue: West Connemara Sports & Leisure Centre

From Africa to Appalachia

Sunday 17th September, 9pm

From Africa to Appalachia is a musical project that delves into the historical connections between West African and Appalachian music. It highlights the influence of instruments like the n’goni, akonting, and other lutes brought by enslaved Africans on the development of the American banjo. The project features renowned Malian n’goni master and griot Cheick Hamala Diabate, accomplished old-time banjo player Riley Baugus, and versatile multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely. Venue: Clifden Town Hall

Poetry with John F. Deane and James Harpur

Tuesday 19th september 3pm

John F. Deane is a prominent figure in the world of poetry. He is the founder of Poetry Ireland, the Poetry Ireland Review, and the Dedalus Press. He has published several collections, including his latest release in 2021, “Naming of the Bones,” published by Carcanet. James Harpur has authored 8 poetry collections. His talent has garnered a number of awards, including the UK National Poetry Competition and the Michael Hartnett Poetry Prize.

Photo: Dino Ignani.

Venue: Clifden Station House Hotel, Omey Suite

Jack Lukeman

Wednesday 20th, 8pm

Over the past few years, Jack Lukeman has tirelessly crafted a faithful following nationally and globally. His hypnotic stage presence, sonorous vocal style, and unmatched interpretative prowess has left audiences worldwide in awe and wanting more. Jack L’s versatility and virtuosity know no bounds, as evidenced by his performances alongside a diverse array of music legends such as U2, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Neil Sedaka, The Proclaimers, Marianne Faithfull, and Elvis Costello.

Venue: West Connemara Sports & Leisure Centre

Heaney’s Classic Hits with Professor Bernard O’Donoghue

Thursday 21st, 3pm

Bernard O’Donoghue is a poet and former tutor in English at Wadham College. He specialised in medieval literature and modern Irish literature until his retirement in 2011. His work extends to modern Irish poetry, with his editing of ‘The Cambridge Companion to Seamus Heaney’ and an ongoing project to edit Heaney’s poems. He has held positions such as the Director of the Yeats International Summer School and President of the Irish Literary Society in London.

Venue: Station House Theatre

Leenane Sheep Show Sunday 10th September

For over half a century, this event has persevered, a farmers journey from the landscapes of Connemara to present their prized ewes and rams. The heart of the event is undeniably the sheep, where two judges might engage in extensive deliberations to determine a victor.

Culture Night

Friday 22nd September

Culture Night – Oíche Chultúir is funded by the Arts Council and is a national moment inviting everyone everywhere, on one joyful night, to discover and celebrate all that Irish culture is today. Entry is free. Please visit culturenight.ie/events for Galway County’s local events taking place in Connemara.

Bia Bó Finne Food Festival

22nd–24th September, Inishbofin

Back for the first time since 2019, Bia Bó Finne Food Festival celebrates all things local with a focus on traditional food, arts and crafts from this exceptionally beautiful part of the country. See inishbofin.com for more information. Read more about Inishbofin Island on page 9.

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Inishbofin Set Dancing and Trad Weekend 29th Sept.–1st Oct.

Plenty of Irish music, song and dance sessions throughout the weekend with a Céilí Band on Friday and Saturday night as well as a set dancing workshop and Sean-Nós dance workshop with Ger Butler. See ‘bofindancing’ on Facebook for further information. Read more about Inishbofin Island on page 9.

Clifden Historical Walking Tours Every Tues & Fri, 11am

Explore the history of this 200-year-old town with local historian Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, the author of several books on the history of west County Galway. No need to reserve, simply turn up! Starting point: Station House Hotel. Adults €10, free for children under 15. Tel: +353(0)876471107. Until 22nd September.

Connemara National Park Month of September, Letterfrack

A wide range of free activities for the whole family entail, from guided walks to Connemara pony information, evening lectures to ‘Focus On’ talks and ‘Raven Ramblers’ for those junior legs. Please visit nationalparks.ie/connemara web page for all the dates and further details.