The Connemara Pony Show
Organised by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and normally held on the third Thursday in
August since 1924.
Clifden Community Arts Festival
During the 2nd half of September poetry reading, lectures, drama, recitals, pub
gigs and music of all kinds, come to Clifden. The festival was first founded by Brendan Flynn, principal of the Clifden Community School in 1977 as a way or bringing the arts to the classroom and
Clifden Community to get a taste of our festival you can view on this youtube video: Clifden Arts Festival Archive at
UCD
Omey Island Races
The Omey Races is the only non point-to-point pony beach racing event in Ireland. Takes
place at low tide on the Omey Island (a tidal island) strand. Normally takes place on the
weekend prior to the August Bank holiday weekend. Experience the young jockeys racing
on the beach. A great day out of which includes unique pony racing, local food and drinks stalls, live music, vendors of pony equipment, local crafts such as hats and baskets, and of course a line of bookies ready to give you some tempting odds on the ponies.
Clifden Regatta
Clifden Boat Club hold its annual Regatta in Clifden Bay over two days.
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
Annual traditional music festival which normally takes place over four days from
Thursday-Sunday in April. Known as the “Trad Fest,” a weekend of music, song, dance and
live performances. Most events are free and sometimes includes workshops
Connemarathon
Option of running Half, Full or Ultramarathon. Takes place annually in April. The Half starts
in Leenane, the Full in Lough Inagh, and the Ultra in Maam Cross. All finish in Maam Cross.
Included in the registration fee, buses will transport you to and from starting and finish lines. The course brings you through The Twelve Bens and by some of Connemara’s most
picturesque spots including Lough Inagh, Killary Fjord/ Harbor and Leenane.
Gaelforce Events
Various adventure events, (combines running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, trail and
mountain running etc etc) which occur throughout the year. Numerous different adventure events of varying distances to suit one’s level and interests to suit anyone looking to participate and challenge themselves.
Tour de Connemara
Tour de Connemara is the largest mass participation cycling event in the West of Ireland. The
event offers 140km & 80km route options through some of the finest coastal and
mountainous landscape in Ireland. Recognised as the most scenic cycling event in Ireland,
Tour de Connemara offers an unrivalled view of coastal, lake and mountain scenery.