Over the next four days, the Kilmihil Festival of Fun will bring community-focused entertainment to the village of Kilmihil, County Clare, coinciding with the August Bank Holiday weekend. In its 23rd year, this family-oriented event, held in the heart of West Clare, offers a diverse programme of sports, music, vintage displays, and children’s activities. Organised by the Kilmihil Festival Committee, the event draws thousands to the village, celebrating its vibrant community spirit and rural heritage along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The festival opens on 1 August with the Marty Coen football tournament at the Kilmihil GAA pitch, honouring a local figure through competitive sport. On 2 August, St. Pat’s soccer club hosts a morning tournament, followed by the Dan O’Halloran 5k fun run/walk, open to all ages and abilities. A highlight of the day is the Family Day at Kilmihil Rugby Club, featuring a tag rugby tournament, children’s games, and a duck race on the River Camcor.
On 3 August, a kids’ trad session showcases young musicians, while a ball run and vintage rally, including classic cars and tractors, add to the festivities. The festival concludes on 4 August with a Monster Field Day, incorporating a food and craft fair at Kilmihil Community Centre, a barbecue, and a fireworks display. Visitors can also expect a parade, bonham racing, and a monster prize draw with rewards like a stay at Trump Hotel Doonbeg or shopping vouchers. Most events are free, with affordable ticketed options, and the village’s amenities, including pubs and shops, enhance accessibility.
The Kilmihil Festival of Fun began in 2002, founded by a group of local volunteers under the Kilmihil Community Development Committee to promote community engagement and boost tourism. The inaugural event introduced quirky attractions like pig racing, which remain a hallmark, alongside sports and family activities tailored to the village’s rural character. Over the years, the festival has grown, surviving challenges like a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022 with renewed energy under a refreshed committee. Its success, recognised by the Clare Champion and Clare Herald, stems from strong community support and local sponsorship, fostering a sense of pride in Kilmihil’s heritage.
The festival is currently led by Chairperson Louise Talty, who took over in 2022, guiding the committee with support from PRO Edel Burke-Curtin. Talty has acknowledged the original committee’s foundational work, particularly their introduction of unique events like the duck race, while implementing updates such as enhanced social media engagement to keep the festival relevant. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere, with events spread across accessible venues like the community centre and GAA grounds, all within Kilmihil’s compact village, 18 miles from Ennis. The festival’s blend of traditional and playful activities, set against the backdrop of Clare’s rural charm, offers a genuine celebration of community spirit.
