Summary Programme of Events – August 2026

TUESDAY – 18TH

THE SHOWGROUNDS (FREE ENTRY TODAY)

Demonstration by Connemara Therapeutic Riding CLG
11.00am to 1.30pm (approx.)
Discover how Connemara ponies support well-being in a live therapeutic riding demo for all abilities. Free entry.

From Texas to Clifden – Western Riding Discussion
1.30pm – 2.00pm
Texas-based equestrians Margaret Kitts and Tim Cobb of ISE Equine Endeavours will discuss the Connemara Pony’s versatility across disciplines. Tim recently rode five-year-old stallion Tresor D’or to a world title at the Western Dressage World Championships. They will be at the Showgrounds to discuss the breed’s ability to excel across disciplines. Free entry.

Loose Jumping Competitions
2pm to 5pm (approx.)
A unique opportunity to see young Connemara ponies evaluated for natural jumping prowess – all without a rider. Don’t miss the All-Ireland 3 Year Old Loose Jumping Championships. Free entry.

101st Show Welcome Reception
6.00pm – 7.00pm
Join us at the Show Marquee for live music by The Connemara Ramblers, drinks & nibbles. All welcome – locals and pony community alike. Free entry.

Connemara Pony Show Photography Exhibition
A selection of memorable Connemara Pony Show moments, captured by photographer Rynes Walker, celebrating the ponies, people and atmosphere that make the Show so special.
@RynesWalkerPhotography

CLIFDEN TOWN & MARKET SQUARE

Best Window Displays
Have a ramble through the town to see all the themed entries for the Window Display Competition.

STATION HOUSE MUSEUM

‘Connemara and its Ponies’ – Screening Daily
12.00pm – All Week
‘Connemara and its Ponies’ (1971) by David Shaw Smith is a rare archival documentary 30 mins in length. Free entry.

WEDNESDAY – 19TH

THE SHOWGROUNDS

The Traditional ‘In-Hand Classes’ Pony Competitions
From 8.30am
The traditional and day long series of Connemara ponies being judged on conformation, breed characteristics, and overall presentation while led by a handler.

Official Opening of The Show 2026
Official Opening of Show 2026 by Minister Dara Calleary TD & Champion Trainer Willie Mullins.

Domestic Arts, Crafts & Produce Show
Celebrate local creativity with home produce, handcrafted items, and garden produce competitions.
Pre-entry only – all entries must be on display no later than 10.15am.

The Dog Show
2.00pm
The always popular competition for various breeds of dogs. Competition commences at 2.00pm. Entries welcome on the day from 12 noon.

Best Dressed Competition
1.00pm
Celebrating style, suitability and sustainability – Step out in style and celebrate the timeless tradition of the Connemara Pony Show! Judging from 1pm – Fantastic Prizes. This year’s categories are Best Dressed (Male or Female), Most Appropriately Dressed Female, Most Appropriately Dressed Male and Most Sustainable Outfit (new category for 2026).
Register for free at the Show Marquee between 12pm & 1pm.

Irish Dancing Competition
2.00pm
Enjoy the tradition of local Irish dancers as they perform and compete. Entries accepted on the day.

THE SHOW MARQUEE

• Enjoy some food & beverages in the Show Marquee!
• Also… be sure to visit our stand here at the marquee for the limited edition Show assorted merchandise.

CLIFDEN TOWN & MARKET SQUARE

Street Traders & Family Fun!
All Day
See the stalls with crafts, local produce, and artisanal delights along with fabulous face painting for kids (and kids at heart!)

Can You Tame Connie the Rodeo Pony?
11.30am to 5pm

THURSDAY – 20TH

THE SHOWGROUNDS

Ridden and Working Hunter Classes
From 7.30am
Exciting ridden & working hunter competitions, including the Champion Ridden Pony & Irish Green Hunter Final.

CLIFDEN TOWN & MARKET SQUARE

Can You Tame Connie the Rodeo Pony?
5.30pm to 10pm
Climb aboard and hold on tight as Connie twists, turns and bucks! Test your riding skills, challenge your friends and see who can stay in the saddle the longest in this fun-filled experience for all ages.

Facepainting
6.00pm
Fabulous face painting for the kids & big kids at heart!

Magician On the Square
6.00pm
Be amazed by a magical performance on Clifden Square – Fun for all the family!

DJ O’Malley on the Gig Rig
6.00pm
Enjoy the town square atmosphere of the 101st Connemara Pony Show with DJ Colin O’Malley – lively entertainment on Clifden’s Gig Rig.

‘The Porter Belllys’ – Band on the Gig Rig
8.00pm
Soak up the Show atmosphere with one of Ireland’s leading Folk-Rock Bands – @ThePorterBellys live on the Gig Rig.

STATION HOUSE THEATRE

International Societies Reception
7.30pm
A warm welcome for International Connemara Pony Societies to meet breeders, judges, and fellow pony enthusiasts.

Tribute to Pat Lyne
This year there is a special tribute to Pat Lyne – a renowned author, breeder, and international judge of the Connemara pony. Speaker on the night is Tom McLoughlin, author, historian and former CPBS president.

Connemara Pony Tales Live Podcast
9.00pm
Join podcast host of the show Connemara Pony Tales Lucinda Kelly & breeder Joe Burke for a special Live recording. Lucinda will be joined by a panel of winners for the week, international guests and breeders to discuss individual stories and share highs from Show Week.

CLIFDEN TOWN & MARKET SQUARE

Trad on the Gig Rig
5.30pm
Enjoy local live trad music, song & dance.

The Parade of Champions
6.00pm (approx.)
Grand showcase through the streets of Clifden of The Show’s top Connemara ponies, celebrating their success.

The Evergreen Brothers – Band on the Gig Rig
7.30–9.30pm
The penultimate event of the Friday of Show Week is the Evergreen Brothers – a Galway folk band drawing from American roots, country, Irish traditional elements and blues.

CONNEMARA PONY SALES @ CLIFDEN MART

Day 1 of Connemara Pony Sales
From 9.30am
Visit the Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden running for 4 days (Friday to Monday) 21–24 August, with over 700 lots, top-class ponies for every discipline, and global buyers. Pony sales catalogues available at Swamore? OW Service Station, Galway Road, Clifden.

MULLARKEY’S

Bar Barn Dance
From 9.30pm
Enjoy a Barn Dance at Mullarkey’s Bar featuring foot stomping bluegrass and country classics from some of Connemara’s finest talent. Fancy Dress Welcome!

FRIDAY – 21ST

THE SHOWGROUNDS

Working Hunter Classes
From 7.30am sharp
Connemara ponies jump fences and show good manners, testing their ability and suitability as a safe, reliable hunter.

Clifden High Performance Competition
Elite ponies demonstrate jumping ability, movement, and breed excellence.

Y… Rider Derby
New for 2026!
A fast-paced timed challenge for riders aged 16–25, taking on a thrilling course against the clock!

Puissance (High Jump) Competition
A thrilling showjumping spectacle where Connemara ponies attempt to clear increasingly high jumps.

SATURDAY – 22ND

CLIFDEN TOWN HALL

Connemara/Ukrainian Market
3.00pm to 6.00pm
Celebrating Connemara and Ukrainian culture with a pony-themed market, local crafts, live music, kids’ activities, and free tea and coffee – a fun, family-friendly event!

CONNEMARA PONY SALES @ CLIFDEN MART

Day 2 of Connemara Pony Sales
From 9.30am
Day 2 of Ireland’s leading & largest sale of Connemara ponies & horses continues.

Enjoy Live Music in Clifden’s Great Pubs

SUNDAY – 23RD

CONNEMARA PONY SALES @ CLIFDEN MART

Day 3 of Connemara Pony Sales
From 9.30am

MONDAY – 24TH

CONNEMARA PONY SALES @ CLIFDEN MART

Day 4 of Connemara Pony Sales
From 9.30am