Autumn’s here and there lots of events to check out around the coast! Seafood lovers, adrenaline junkies and maritime history buffs will all find something fun to do this September.
Here’s the seven top coastal events worth checking out this month.
1. Hooked Killybegs Seafood Festival | 2nd September
One of Ireland’s newest festivals, Hooked returns for its third year with an amazing displays and competitions to showcase the best of Donegal’s premier fishing port.
More info: Hooked Killybegs
2. Air Waves Portrush | 2nd – 3rd September
Experience two days of awe-inspiring air displays against one of the most iconic coastal backgrounds Northern Ireland has to offer. On the ground there will be a number of interesting exhibitions, markets and entertainment to keep the whole family happy
More info: Air Waves Portrush
3. 98th Annual Dublin City Liffey Swim | 9th September
Hardy souls need only apply! If you are feeling brave enough, why not take a dip in the iconic Liffey and join in the 98th annual Dublin city swim. If you’d rather stay dry join in on the fun by gathering on the bridges to cheer the swimmers on.
More info: Liffey Swim
4. 30th Annual Coastwatch Survey | 15th September – 15th October
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Coastwatch survey and its aim is to give an encompassing overview of the state of the Irish coast – from the biodiversity to the marine litter on the shores. The survey runs from between 15th September to 15th October and Coastwatch are looking for volunteers from all around the country to get involved
For more info: Coastwatch Survey
5. Culture Night | 22nd September
Culture night has fast become an annual highlight. It’s a countrywide 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
6. Galway Oyster Festival | 22nd – 24th September
Welcome to the oldest oyster festival in the world and the most internationally recognised Irish festival after St Patrick’s Day. 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 2016 who gleefully downed tons of the famous native Galway Oysters.
For more info: Galway Oyster Festival
7. Tramore Maritime Festival | 29th September- 1st October
The Tramore Maritime Festival is a relatively new festival which showcases the best local businesses and the community. The festival further develops both recent and traditional celebration of “Michaelmas” and “Molly the seaweed doll” that Tramore has celebrated in recent years and in times gone by. There will be plenty of family fun, music, maritime heritage talks, art exhibitions and sea rescue demonstrations.
For more info: Tramore Maritime Festival
8. Battle for the Lake | Achill Island 29th September -1st October
Head to Achill Island for one great Autumn festival. This will be a weekend of action, music and fun as you join Ireland’s top kitesurfers as the compete the big final of the Irish Kitesurfing tour. There will be lots of watersports, great live music and so much more.
For more info: Battle for the Lake
