Festival of the Sea 2026
31 July – 10 August 2026
Join us for eleven days of family fun, outdoor adventure, local heritage, music, sport and community events in Claddaghduff and Cleggan. There’s something for all ages, from kayaking and guided walks to craft fairs, regattas, quizzes and live entertainment.
Friday 31 July
Kayaking on Omey Strand
Time: Meet at Omey Car Park, 4:00pm
Cost: €5 per person
Enjoy an evening kayaking on Omey Strand. All equipment is provided. Suitable for ages 12+ (children must be supervised by a parent or guardian).
Contacts: Kenneth DeLappe (083 8266148) or Tom Kelly (086 2569854)
Grand Opening & Seafood Cooking Demonstration
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: €15 per person
Official opening of the festival featuring a seafood cooking demonstration by renowned chef JP McMahon, held in memory of Sean Ward of Dooncastle Oysters. The evening also includes an exhibition and sale of artwork by local artists.
Booking is essential.
Contact Sarah McLoughlin (085 7192511)
Saturday 1 August
Children’s Sports Day
Venue: Omey Strand
Time: 12:00pm
A fun afternoon of outdoor games and activities for children.
Married vs Singles Soccer Match
Venue: Claddaghduff Pitch
Time: 2:00pm
One of the festival’s favourite annual sporting events.
Contact Cormac McDonnell (087 9633885)
Sunday 2 August
Craft Fair
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 12:00pm–4:00pm
Browse a variety of handmade crafts and locally produced goods.
Interested in exhibiting? Contact Angela Coyne (087 4162485).
Community Bingo
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 8:00pm
An enjoyable evening of bingo with great prizes.
Monday 3 August
Exploring Our Islands with Michael Gibbons
Meeting Point: Cleggan Pier
Time: 9:30am
Cost: €60 per person
Join archaeologist and historian Michael Gibbons on a guided exploration of the islands.
Booking essential. No dogs allowed.
Contact Hazel Scullion (087 2163279)
Mary Teresa Gordon-O’Toole Memorial Table Quiz
Venue: Joyce’s Bar
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: €20 per table of four
A fun quiz night for all.
Contact Kenneth DeLappe (083 8266148)
Tuesday 4 August
Dr Brendan O’Connor Children’s Shore Walk
Venue: Aughrusbeg
Time: 11:00am
A fascinating guided shore walk introducing children to the wildlife and ecology of the seashore.
Booking essential.
Contact Laurence Conneely (085 8719111)
Mary Courcey Memorial 5K & 10K Run
Registration: 6:00pm
Venue: Cleggan Community Centre
Entry Fee: €10
Children aged 12+ may participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Presentations will take place afterwards in the Community Centre.
Contact Marty Courcey (086 8161885)
Wednesday 5 August
Children’s Badminton Competition
Entries from: 3:00pm
Contact Laurence Conneely (085 8719111)
RNLI Walk
Starting Point: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 9:00pm
Support the RNLI with an evening community walk followed by refreshments in the hall.
Thursday 6 August
Tribute Night for GAA All-Star Jack Cosgrove
Venue: Claddaghduff Hall
Time: 7:00pm
Celebrate the achievements of local GAA All-Star Jack Cosgrove.
Contact Laurence Conneely (085 8719111)
Friday 7 August
Golf Scramble
Venue: Connemara Golf Links**
- Registration: 4:00pm
- Shotgun Start: 4:30pm
Followed by prize-giving and barbecue in Oliver’s Bar.
Booking essential.
Contact David Mulkerrin (086 3801711) or Peter Higgins (087 2749548)
Saturday 8 August
Connemara Rescue Services Exhibition
Venue: Cleggan Community Centre
Time: From 11:00am
Meet members of the emergency services and learn about their important work.
Cleggan Regatta
Registration: 12:00pm on the pier
Races Begin: 1:00pm
One of the highlights of the festival, featuring exciting races and plenty of family entertainment.
Contact Sarah McLoughlin (085 7192511)
Social Dancing with Kieran Donohue
Venue: Joyce’s Bar
Time: From 9:30pm
Admission: €10
Dance the night away with live music.
Sunday 9 August
Sea-Themed Craft Day for Kids
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 1:00pm–3:00pm
A creative afternoon of sea-themed arts and crafts for children. Parents are required to remain with their children.
Cost: €5 per child or €10 per family.
Contact Hazel Scullion (087 2163279)
Famine Village Walk with Michael Gibbons
Meeting Point: Cleggan Community Centre
Time: 11:00am
Cost: €15 per person
Discover the history of the local famine village on this guided heritage walk.
No dogs allowed.
Contact Laurence Conneely (085 8719111)
Monster Bingo
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 8:00pm
With €2,500 prize money to be won.
The Final Splash
Venue: Sweeney’s Bar, Claddaghduff
Time: From 10:00pm
Finish the festival in style with a late-night disco.
Monday 10 August
Adult Badminton Competition
Venue: Claddaghduff Community Hall
Time: 7:30pm
Contact Laurence Conneely (085 8719111)
