Raise a cheer for September! It has some of the best festivals happening around the country and maybe the best range of activities – mixing lots of indoor and outdoor events as the seasonal switch kicks in.
This September the Oyster is king and Galway is the kingdom with two huge festivals taking place there. There’s also plenty of outdoor activities like the Killybegs seafood festival (24th), Culture night is mid-month (16th) with loads of places hosting free events (though booking early is a must) and loads more going on. Now is the time to plan!
Check out the best of the Irish coast this September below
1. Clarenbridge Oyster Festival 9th – 11th September
The perfect conditions that exist in Clarenbridge for growing and harvesting Oysters – a sheltered bay, a perfect ratio of fresh and salt water and added to this the skill and knowledge of a community who are immersed in Oyster harvesting since Roman times makes for some seriously delicious Oysters. There’s so much going on here with a full programme of events, but here the Oysters are the proverbial pearl!
For more info: Clarenbridge
2. Hong Kong Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta 10th – 11th September
The Irish Dragon Boat Association are bringing Dragon Boat racing to Dublin. Teams will take to the Grand Canal Dock and row for glory. The fun day will include prizes for different categories and best dressed. It’s sure to be a fun day. More more info or to sign up check out their website
For more info: Irish Dragon Boat Association
3. Culture Night 16th September
Culture night has fast become an annual highlight. It’s a country-wide celebration of arts creativity and culture. Across the country hundreds of free events are taking place in with music, art, dance, theatre and everything in between. A number of museums, galleries artists studios and cultural centres will be open late and free to the public. Check out their website for a full list of events happening in your area.
For more info: Culture Night
4. Féile Siúlóid Charna/Carna Walking Festival 16th – 18th September
The 2nd annual Carna Walking Festival will take place on the 16th – 18th of September in the ruggedly beautiful Carna Conamara. The festival has a series of walks plans from coastal exploration on the shores of the Atlantic, stepping back in the past of on the bog walk to Loch Scannive and its prehistoric crannóg, and experiencing a deserted island. The local guides will give their knowledge about the wildlife and the area’s history.
For more info: Carna Walking Festival
5. Hooked! Seafood festival in Killybegs 24th September
This great little festival is just in its second year but it’s paving the way to be one of the top seafood festivals out there. It’s being run by the Killybegs Community and the festival aims to showcase the premier fishing port of Killybegs and celebrate it’s seafood, traditional seafaring and maritime heritage. There will be plenty of fish, lots of family fun, chowder competition, filleting demos, food stalls and much more.
For more info: Hooked!
6. Galway Oyster Festival 23rd – 25th September
Welcome to the oldest oyster festival in the world and the most internationally recognised Irish festival after St Patrick’s Day. Deemed one of Europe’s longest-running food extravaganzas, the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival was launched in September 1954 by Brian Collins, the manager of the Great Southern Hotel (now called Hotel Meyrick). That year just 34 guests attended the first Oyster Festival Banquet and feasted on several dozen oysters each. These days, the event is one of the biggest on Ireland’s social calendar, drawing more than 22,000 visitors in 2012 who gleefully downed tons of the famous native Galway Oysters
For more info: Galway Oyster Festival
7. World Archery Field Championships 2016 26th September – 2nd October
The World Archery Field Championship (WAFC) is coming to Ireland for the first time. The five-day competition will be held in the stunning Kilruddery House and Gardens in Wicklow. Top athletes from around the world will flying in for the event ending in an exciting two-day finale. Don’t miss this great event!
For more info: World Archery Field Championship
