events and festivals

National Biodiversity Week 19th–28th May

Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family. This year join in with the Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, a weekend Backyard Biolitz and Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt, and events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland. Events will be both in person and virtual. More information: biodiversityweek.ie

Connemara National Park Month of May, 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. May is all about Hares and Ring Forts. Please refer to the schedule on their website, visit nationalparks.ie/connemara. Read more about the Connemara National Park on page 6 and 8.

Bike to Beach Family Cycle

Friday 19th May, 5pm

Young and old get to enjoy quality time in the saddle alongside one another with this family cycle from Clifden town centre to the end of Beach Road and back. Part of the National Bike Week celebrations. For more information, talk to the organisers – Clifden Bike Shop on Market Street. See advert page 4.

Joe Heaney Festival 5th–7th May, Carna

A weekend celebrating Joe Heaney, one of Ireland’s greatest exponents of the sean-nós (Irish traditional song). The festival features a traditional dance Céilí, concerts and music sessions, along with great people and scenery. Further information: Joe Heaney Festival Facebook page. Read more about Carna on page 12.

Darkness Into Light Walk

Saturday 6th May, 4:15am

Join this annual 5km walking event at sunrise, in aid of local charity Pieta House and to raise awareness. Locations: An Cheathrú Rua: Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin – Clifden: Clifden Town Hall

Inishbofin: Inishbofin Community Centre Kylemore: Kylemore Abbey. More information: darknessintolight.ie

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

‘Well’ – Pat and Faye Shortt

Friday 5th May, 8pm

‘Well’ showcases the comedy talents of Dad and Daughter Country and Irish music duo as they attempt to ascend the heights of their local music scene by playing a gig in the town’s hotel. More information on Facebook.

Location: Clifden Station House Theatre #31 on map page 16.

International Mayfly Festival

6th–7th

May, Oughterard

21st May 2023

The Mayfly Festival celebrates all that’s special about Oughterard and everything to discover in the area. Saturday is the casting competition and Sunday is the dapping competition. Read more about Oughterard on page 13. More information: Oughterard Anglers Association, Facebook.

National Bike Week

13th–21st May

Bike Week is a celebration of active travel, sustainable transport and simply the joys of cycling a bike! Various events are organised around the county – why not play your part and go cycling for the craic? In partnership with the National Transport Authority. More information: transportforireland.ie

Inishbofin Walking Festival

19th–21st

May

From seaweed to sunsets, to coastal formations and 17th century forts – you are sure to enjoy a wide variety of walks while learning about the island’s unique landscape and history at this annual Festival. Read more about Inishbofin on page 9 and 13. More information: inishbofinexperiences.ie

Inishbofin Half Marathon

Saturday 13th May

This unique event in aid of Down Syndrome Galway is a Half Marathon or 10k. Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a new challenge, or a rookie looking to run, jog or walk on quiet roads, the route offers a mix of flat and inclined terrain. More information: inishbofinadventures.ie/half-marathon

Skoda Tour de Conamara

Saturday 27th May

This leisure sportive is sold out, but is a great spectacle to watch out for with routes across Connemara through some of the finest coastal, lakelands, valleys and mountainous landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way.