- Kilrush Traditional Music & Set Dancing Festival (30 July to 3 August): A vibrant weekend of traditional Irish music, song, and dance in Kilrush, West Clare. It features open-air céilis in the town square, concerts, workshops, competitions, and sessions for enthusiasts and visitors alike.
- Scariff Harbour Festival (late July to early August, main days around 30 July to 2 August): This popular harbour-side festival in Scariff brings music, family entertainment, water-based activities, markets, and community events to the shores of Lough Derg over the bank holiday period.
- Feakle Traditional Irish Music Festival (5 to 10 August): The renowned international festival in Feakle celebrates East Clare-style traditional music, song, and dance with concerts, workshops, céilís, sessions, and performances by world-class artists.
- Festival of Fun, Kilmihil (1 to 3 August): A lively community festival in Kilmihil with family entertainment, music, and activities perfect for the August bank holiday weekend.
- National Heritage Week (15 to 23 August): A county-wide celebration of Clare’s rich heritage with guided tours, talks, exhibitions, walks, and cultural events highlighting historic sites, natural landscapes, and local traditions.
- The Common Knowledge (around 30 August): A cultural immersion event at the Common Knowledge Centre focusing on language, land, lineage, and belonging through workshops, performances, and wisdom-sharing on Ireland’s west coast.
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.
- National Heritage Week in Clare (third week in August) features walks, talks, exhibitions, and activities across the county.
- 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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