Events

Clare Island has a rich history of busy summers and more entertainment throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events to see what sparks your journey to visit.

 

photo by PJ Rankin

Water Safety Week 2025
Jul
28
to Aug 1

Water Safety Week 2025

This is a week of fun and learning for the community and visitors. Children from 5years + learn all about water safety and develop their skills in swimming.

Details of how to book a place will be shared in July 2025.

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Clare Island Film Festival 5th to 7th September 2025
Sep
5
to Sep 7

Clare Island Film Festival 5th to 7th September 2025

We invite you to join us for a celebration of contemporary Irish Film. Ireland’s most intimate film festival for film lovers.

We have some great ideas for this year,  and we hope you can join us for another special weekend on Clare Island!

For more information please visit either the Clare Island Film Festival Website or their Facebook page

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Island Escapes “Debut Splash”
Sep
8
to Sep 10

Island Escapes “Debut Splash”

ATLANTIC ISLAND ESCAPES

Day One – Inishturk
Your Atlantic island adventure begins with a 50-minute ferry ride from Roonagh Pier to the remote charm of Inishturk. After arriving, settle in with fresh scones, coffee, and warm hospitality at Pauline’s Tea Rooms. Next, join local legend Jack Heanue for an unforgettable hands-on lobster fishing experience—indoors if the weather turns. Cap the morning with a bracing dip at the secluded Tránaun Beach, where towels (and Atlantic waves) await.

Day Two – Clare Island
Wake up your senses with freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon scrolls at the Clare Island Oven before stepping into history with a private tour of Grace O’Malley’s legendary castle. Then, hop on an e‑bike for a scenic ride to Ballytoughey Loom and meet the island’s master handweaver.

Fuel up with a colourful farm‑to‑table lunch and eco-tour at Macalla Farm, then continue cycling to the dramatic sea cliffs surrounding Clare Island Lighthouse, with exclusive access to its tower. Optional stops include the 12th-century Clare Island Abbey and a sunset visit to the atmospheric Napoleonic Tower.

As evening falls, sample rare sea-aged whiskeys with Carl, then gather at the Anchor Bar for a hearty dinner and perhaps a spontaneous island singalong to end the day on a high note.

Day Three – Keep Discovering
After two unforgettable nights, it’s time to sail back to the mainland with O’Malley Ferries—at your own pace with departures at 10 am or 1 pm. But your journey doesn’t have to end there. Spend time exploring the colourful charm of Westport Town, cycle beneath the leafy canopy of the Great Western Greenway, or take on the iconic pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick for one of the most breathtaking views in all of Clew Bay.

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Island Escapes “The Sequel”
Sep
15
to Sep 17

Island Escapes “The Sequel”

ATLANTIC ISLAND ESCAPES

Day One – Inishturk
Your Atlantic island adventure begins with a 50-minute ferry ride from Roonagh Pier to the remote charm of Inishturk. After arriving, settle in with fresh scones, coffee, and warm hospitality at Pauline’s Tea Rooms. Next, join local legend Jack Heanue for an unforgettable hands-on lobster fishing experience—indoors if the weather turns. Cap the morning with a bracing dip at the secluded Tránaun Beach, where towels (and Atlantic waves) await.

Day Two – Clare Island
Wake up your senses with freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon scrolls at the Clare Island Oven before stepping into history with a private tour of Grace O’Malley’s legendary castle. Then, hop on an e‑bike for a scenic ride to Ballytoughey Loom and meet the island’s master handweaver.

Fuel up with a colourful farm‑to‑table lunch and eco-tour at Macalla Farm, then continue cycling to the dramatic sea cliffs surrounding Clare Island Lighthouse, with exclusive access to its tower. Optional stops include the 12th-century Clare Island Abbey and a sunset visit to the atmospheric Napoleonic Tower.

As evening falls, sample rare sea-aged whiskeys with Carl, then gather at the Anchor Bar for a hearty dinner and perhaps a spontaneous island singalong to end the day on a high note.

Day Three – Keep Discovering
After two unforgettable nights, it’s time to sail back to the mainland with O’Malley Ferries—at your own pace with departures at 10 am or 1 pm. But your journey doesn’t have to end there. Spend time exploring the colourful charm of Westport Town, cycle beneath the leafy canopy of the Great Western Greenway, or take on the iconic pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick for one of the most breathtaking views in all of Clew Bay.

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Island Escapes “Third Spark”
Sep
22
to Sep 24

Island Escapes “Third Spark”

ATLANTIC ISLAND ESCAPES

Day One – Inishturk
Your Atlantic island adventure begins with a 50-minute ferry ride from Roonagh Pier to the remote charm of Inishturk. After arriving, settle in with fresh scones, coffee, and warm hospitality at Pauline’s Tea Rooms. Next, join local legend Jack Heanue for an unforgettable hands-on lobster fishing experience—indoors if the weather turns. Cap the morning with a bracing dip at the secluded Tránaun Beach, where towels (and Atlantic waves) await.

Day Two – Clare Island
Wake up your senses with freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon scrolls at the Clare Island Oven before stepping into history with a private tour of Grace O’Malley’s legendary castle. Then, hop on an e‑bike for a scenic ride to Ballytoughey Loom and meet the island’s master handweaver.

Fuel up with a colourful farm‑to‑table lunch and eco-tour at Macalla Farm, then continue cycling to the dramatic sea cliffs surrounding Clare Island Lighthouse, with exclusive access to its tower. Optional stops include the 12th-century Clare Island Abbey and a sunset visit to the atmospheric Napoleonic Tower.

As evening falls, sample rare sea-aged whiskeys with Carl, then gather at the Anchor Bar for a hearty dinner and perhaps a spontaneous island singalong to end the day on a high note.

Day Three – Keep Discovering
After two unforgettable nights, it’s time to sail back to the mainland with O’Malley Ferries—at your own pace with departures at 10 am or 1 pm. But your journey doesn’t have to end there. Spend time exploring the colourful charm of Westport Town, cycle beneath the leafy canopy of the Great Western Greenway, or take on the iconic pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick for one of the most breathtaking views in all of Clew Bay.

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Clare Island Bard Summer School 2025
Jul
9
to Jul 12

Clare Island Bard Summer School 2025

The Bard Summer School has been ever present offering since 1995. It became a special week on Clare Island year after year. The opportunity to immerse in a myth and to work through all the stages of the Mythic Method meant it was a ‘deep immersion’. The welcome of the Islanders and their very special “Island Storytelling Night:” was also much appreciated. The annual trip to Clare Island seemed to live up to the Eliade promise that “the crossing of water is always a change of state and a change of status”.

What’s Included:

  • All meals except for breakfast

  • Tea, coffee & light refreshments

What’s Not Included:

For more information please visit their Website

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The Clare Island Feile Ceoil 2025
Jun
27
to Jun 29

The Clare Island Feile Ceoil 2025

*Accommodation is on a first come basis so get booking and don’t miss out on a wonderful weekend of ceol agus craic

Title: The Clare Island Feile Ceol

Description: The Clare Island Feile Ceol is run by the local Comhaltas group, Granuaile Comhaltas. The Feile Ceol festival combines local talents of song and dance with a number of guest singers and musicians from all over Ireland.

Live concerts on the Friday and Saturday night in the Community Centre, followed by seisúin in the bar. Anyone welcome to join in as the night goes on.

The event runs 27th to Sun 29th of June.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY: Music, Sean nós dance workshops and more with renowned tutors.

Open seisúin in the bar in the afternoon anyone welcome to join in.

Any musicians, singers or dancers are all very welcome to come along throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of boats to and from the island each day.

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All Folk’d Up
Apr
26

All Folk’d Up

All Folk’d Up is an Irish folk-rock band founded by Pauric Mohan, known for blending traditional folk with a modern, energetic twist. They’ve toured internationally, played major festivals, and faced the tragic loss of guitarist Barry Mohan in 2022. Their upcoming third studio album honors Barry’s memory while continuing their signature lively sound.

Get your tickets here: https://www.bandsintown.com/t/106421583?

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Sandra Ganley Jiving Workshop
Nov
2
to Nov 3

Sandra Ganley Jiving Workshop

Whether you are learning or polishing your jiving steps, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Jiving workshop with Ireland’s leading social dance teacher, Sandra Ganley. Hosted in the Clare Island Community Centre with music by Sean Fahy. Adults / Teens / Children welcome.

Booking essential. Call Maria on 087 686 3936

For more information please visit the Website

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Clare Island Film Festival September 2025
Sep
27
to Sep 29

Clare Island Film Festival September 2025

We invite you to join us for a celebration of contemporary Irish Film. Ireland’s most intimate film festival for film lovers.

We have some great ideas for 2025, and we hope you can join us for another special weekend on Clare Island!

For more information please visit either the Clare Island Film Festival Website or their Facebook page

View Event →
Sandra Ganley Jiving Workshop
Sep
21
to Sep 22

Sandra Ganley Jiving Workshop

Whether you are learning or polishing your jiving steps, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Jiving workshop with Ireland’s leading social dance teacher, Sandra Ganley. Hosted in the Clare Island Community Centre with music by Sean Fahy. Adults / Teens / Children welcome.

Booking essential. Call Maria on 087 686 3936

For more information please visit the Website

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Clare Island Folk Festival
Aug
23
to Aug 25

Clare Island Folk Festival

After a long stormy winter, the Clare Island Folk Festival is back and getting ready to bring you yet another instalment of some of the finest musicians, songwriters and performers in the country. This year’s festival will take place at the slightly earlier dates of 23-25th August.

For more information please visit Clare Island Folk Festival Website or their Facebook Page

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Band Beetroot
Aug
3
to Aug 4

Band Beetroot

Beatroot are a four-piece cover band from Co.Monaghan, covering different genres from rock and blues to country. They always aim to get their audience off their seat, singing along and having the craic!  Continuing to evolve and update their set list, Beatroot are a popular visiting band, and have earned an annual slot here on Clare Island.

Find more information on the Event Facebook page

For information on the Band please visit them on Facebook

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Clare Island Swim Week
Jul
29
to Aug 2

Clare Island Swim Week

This is a week of fun and learning for the community and visitors. Children from 5years + learn all about water safety and develop their skills in swimming.

Details of how to book a place will be shared in July 2024.

View Event →
Clare Island Bard Summer School
Jul
3
to Jul 6

Clare Island Bard Summer School

The 27th Bard Summer School runs from July 3rd to 6th on Clare Island Clew Bay, Co Mayo.

What’s Included:

  • All meals except for breakfast

  • Tea, coffee & light refreshments

What’s Not Included:

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The Clare Island Feile Ceoil 2024
Jun
28
to Jun 29

The Clare Island Feile Ceoil 2024

For more information please visit the Clare Island feile ceoil 2024 on Facebook

*Accommodation is on a first come basis so get booking and don’t miss out on a wonderful weekend of ceol agus craic

Title: The Clare Island Feile Ceol

Description: The Clare Island Feile Ceol is run by the local Comhaltas group, Granuaile Comhaltas. The Feile Ceol festival combines local talents of song and dance with a number of guest singers and musicians from all over Ireland.

Live concerts on the Friday and Saturday night in the Community Centre, followed by seisúin in the bar. Anyone welcome to join in as the night goes on.

The event runs Sat 28th to Sun 29th of June.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY: Music, Sean nós dance workshops and more with renowned tutors.

Open seisúin in the bar in the afternoon anyone welcome to join in.

Any musicians, singers or dancers are all very welcome to come along throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of boats to and from the island each day.

View Event →