CLARE events: Upcoming Festivals in Ireland’s county Clare

County Clare in spring 2026 (20 March to 1 May) is alive with traditional Irish music, cultural heritage, family-oriented Easter activities, and community events. This period captures the essence of Clare as a hub for trad music, with several standout festivals, alongside outdoor challenges, wellness retreats, and fun family outings.

Major Traditional Music Festivals.

Consairtín (9-12 April 2026): The National Concertina Convention returns to Ennis, featuring expert workshops, lectures, and concerts with leading traditional musicians. It’s a must for concertina enthusiasts and fans of Irish trad. (Details at consairtin.ie)
Lahinch Trad Festival (17-19 April 2026): This lively seaside event in Lahinch honors local fiddler Susan O’Sullivan. Expect over 75 sessions with 130+ (or up to 175) musicians, plus workshops in sean-n√≥s dancing, basket weaving, beach foraging, storytelling, and a c√©il√≠. It includes concerts, art exhibitions, and family-friendly elements like busking for young musicians.
Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival (24-27 April 2026): A beloved annual gathering in Kilfenora with pub sessions, singers’ nights, CD launches, and workshops. Highlights include an open-air céilí in the Square featuring the world-famous Kilfenora C√©il√≠ Band (often with young local musicians leading in), plus a main concert with award-winning artists like accordionist Diarmuid Meachair.
Joanie Madden’s May Day Festival (1-4 May 2026): A fresh addition in Miltown Malbay, hosted by acclaimed flutist and musician Joanie Madden. It brings together world-class folk, traditional, and contemporary artists over the May Bank Holiday weekend for concerts and sessions.

Easter & Family-Friendly Events (Around Early April 2026)

Spring into Easter at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Expect interactive fun like a Street Theatre Bubble Show, Circus Walkabout performances, and a magical fairy village in the 19th-century folk park setting. (Typically over the Easter weekend; check bunrattycastle.ie for exact 2026 timings, often including April 4-6 or similar.)
Easter at Moher Hill Open Farm (around 4-6 April 2026): Family-focused with an Easter Egg Trail, Easter Bunny visits, and special “Under 5’s” egg hunts amid the farm animals and views.
Easter Fun at Funkidz Klub (3 April 2026): A short, energetic event in Ennis with a Glow Show, face painting, and Easter Bunny meet-and-greet.
Banner GAA Club Easter Camp (31 March 2026): Sports camp in Ennis for kids, emphasizing GAA skills through games and activities.

Special Interest & Entertainment.

The Daft Punk Experience (21 March 2026): Electronic music tribute at Pot Duggans in Ennistymon, covering the duo’s iconic hits.
Ennis Tattoo Convention (18-19 April 2026): The 8th edition at Treacy’s West County Hotel, showcasing tattoo artists and body art culture.
Stars of Irish Country Concert (20 April 2026): Leading Irish country music performers at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe.
Sonas Cois Farraige Wellness Retreat (21 March 2026): A rejuvenating seaside weekend at Trump International Doonbeg, focused on relaxation and well-being.

Outdoors & Community Events

Cliffs of Moher Cycle Challenge (25 April 2026): Scenic charity cycling event from Ennistymon, taking in stunning North Clare views.
Michael Egan Memorial 8K (22 March 2026): Part of the “Run The Banner” series, an 8km road race in Quilty.
Citizen Science Water Biodiversity (21 March 2026): Hands-on training at Lough Graney to monitor and protect local waterways and aquatic life.
Vandeleur Parkrun (Every Saturday): Free, timed 5km community run/walk in the beautiful Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush-great for all fitness levels.

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.