- Fleadh Nua, Ennis (23 May – 1 June, with events carrying into early June): One of Ireland’s premier traditional music, song, and dance festivals featuring concerts, céilís, sessions, workshops, street performances, and cultural activities throughout the town.
- Tour de Burren, Barefield (20 June): A popular annual leisure cycling event showcasing the unique landscapes of the Burren and parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, suitable for participants of various abilities.
- Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay (4–12 July): The world’s largest traditional Irish music summer school, with instrument and dance classes, concerts, recitals, lectures, workshops, and céilís in honour of the renowned uilleann piper Willie Clancy.
- Skoda Ring of Clare Cycle (July): A major cycling event starting and finishing in Ennis, taking riders through scenic routes across County Clare.
- Feakle Traditional Irish Music Festival, Feakle (5–10 August): A cherished celebration of Irish traditional music with concerts, sessions, workshops, talks, and cultural events in the picturesque East Clare village.
- National Heritage Week (15–24 August): County-wide events celebrating Ireland’s heritage through tours, talks, exhibitions, walks, and community activities highlighting Clare’s rich history and culture.
- Other recurring summer activities include the Riches of Clare summer concert series at glór in Ennis, local markets, garden walks, and community gatherings. Dates can vary slightly; check official sources such as Visit Clare, glór, or festival websites for the latest programmes, tickets, and updates.
Annual & recurring festivals
- Shannonside Winter Music Festival (January): A multi-venue festival in Bunratty and Sixmilebridge featuring a wide range of music from folk and traditional to bluegrass and jazz.
- Russell Memorial Weekend (February): A major traditional music festival held in Doolin to honour the legacy of the famous Russell family of musicians.
- Corofin Traditional Festival (February/March): An internationally renowned event in Corofin featuring intimate sessions and concerts with top-tier traditional musicians.
- Ennis Book Club Festival (March): A premier literary event in Ennis that brings together readers and writers for a weekend of workshops, readings, and discussions.
- West Clare Drama Festival (March): A long-running competitive drama festival in Doonbeg showcasing amateur theatrical talent from across Ireland.
- Consairtín (April): The National Concertina Convention held in Ennis, celebrating the instrument’s deep roots in the county with workshops and performances.
- Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival (April): A celebration of North Clare’s unique musical style, featuring pub sessions and concerts by the world-famous Kilfenora Céilí Band.
- Carrigaholt Oyster Festival (May): A bank holiday weekend event in West Clare combining fresh local seafood with traditional music and dance.
- Fleadh Nua (May/June): A massive 10-day celebration in Ennis featuring concerts, céilís, street performances, and competitions in traditional music and dance.
- Doolin Folk Festival (June): An intimate music festival set in the scenic surroundings of Doolin, featuring high-profile Irish and international folk acts.
- Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy (July): Ireland’s largest traditional music summer school, held in Miltown Malbay, attracting thousands of students and performers for a week of intensive classes and sessions.
- Feakle International Traditional Music Festival (August): A globally recognized week-long festival in East Clare known for its authentic sessions and world-class concert lineups.
- Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (September/October): Europe’s largest singles festival, this world-famous month-long event in Lisdoonvarna features music, dancing, and traditional matchmaking.
- Ennis Trad Festival (November): One of the premier “musicians’ festivals,” taking over the pubs and venues of Ennis with high-energy session trails and headline concerts.
Festivals
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Clare:
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