West Cork Festivals & Events
Whatever time of the year you visit West Cork, there is always something going on! Listed below are some of the festivals that take place in West Cork annually.
Look out for posters and adverts for exact dates and details of these festivals. For full details of events and festivals happening in West Cork, pick up a copy of the monthly free paper, West Cork People.
May
The Baltimore Fiddle Fair is a festival that celebrates world-class traditional music by presenting national and international acts in a very intimate setting in the beautiful seaside village of Baltimore. It features quality acts from all over the world. It is one of the most eagerly awaited traditional music festivals of the year in Ireland. www.fiddlefair.com
The Fastnet Short Film Festival is an independent festival in Schull dedicated to bringing together established and first-time filmmakers in a forum to celebrate the short film. www.fastnetshortfilmfestival.com
JUNE
The Jim Dowling Uillean Pipe & Trad Festival — The sound of the uilleann pipes takes centre-stage in the picturesque village of Glengarriff with a festival of great music to beat them all. www.jimdowlingfestival.ie
Bantry Walking Festival is on the June Bank Holiday Weekend – expert guides lead treks along the Sheep’s Head Way, around Whiddy Island, and along the shores of Bantry Bay. www.bantrywalkingfestival.ie
The Michael O’Dwyer Tin Whistle Festival in Allihies is a celebration of the renowned musician, who lived in the Ardgroom area of Beara.
The West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Bantry welcomes a star-studded cast of international musicians. Concerts take place from morning to late night in Bantry House and St Brendan’s Church with workshops and masterclasses. www.westcorkmusic.ie
JULY
West Cork Garden Trail is an annual event that is a highlight of the Irish gardening year, giving an opportunity to view the beautiful and diverse gardens of West Cork. www.westcorkgardentrail.com
The South of Ireland Band Championships is one of the most prestigious events in the brass band calendar for participants and bands alike. Fantastic festive weekend in Clonakilty full of music, puppet shows, face painting, street entertainment, recitals and lots more. See www.soibandchampionships.ie
The much-loved Courtmacsherry Harbour Festival takes place every year in the last week of July thought the August Bank Holiday, with every day jam-packed with fun. The main event of the festival is Regatta Day when the village is bursting with the competitive spirit of participants in the street races, rowing races, swimming races, pillow fights and the greasy pole. The festival concludes with magnificent fireworks display. www.courtmacsherry.ie
Eyeries Family Festival in July has a host of activities, live music and craic go leor for all ages happening in and around the village.
The West Cork Literary Festival, Bantry showcases the best of Irish and international literature. www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie
Skibbereen Arts Festival presents the best local, national and international artists, across all genres, in an affordable and accessible manner. See www.skibbereenartsfestival.com
AUGUST
The Masters of Tradition Festival, Bantry showcases the best of Irish and international traditional music. www.westcorkmusic.ie
Timoleague Harvest Festival This ten day harvest festival with live music, competitions and amusements.
Castletownbere Festival of the Sea is a family-friendly event with live music, food and activities for days on end.
Allihies Family Festival is a weeklong festival held annually in August. Visitors may enjoy the varied selection of events on offer, from markets and craft fairs to sheepdog trials, beach parties and traditional Irish music. One for all the family.
SEPTEMBER
Courtmacsherry Storytelling Festival — Lovely weekend of storytelling and music which takes place in the three pubs and one hotel in the village. www.courtmacsherry.ie
Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival, originally founded in 1994 to keep the Irish tradition of storytelling alive, is now world renowned for showcasing top class storytelling on the incredibly beautiful island of Cape Clear. The festival is held over three days. Find the programme at www.capeclearstorytelling.com
Clonakilty Guitar Festival — The weekend comprises of workshops, live music on the streets, concerts exhibitions and performances by top internationally renowned acts. www.debarra.ie
Skibbereen Walking Festival Weekend is held annually on the last weekend of September and features guided walks through quiet country roads with some off-road sections, something for walkers of all abilities. See www.skibbereen.ie/skibbereen-walking-festival/
Bere Island Arts Festival is an island festival offering a wide range of events in breathtakingly beautiful scenic locations. It celebrates the local as well as the national and brings you a hugely talented field of creative people with a chance to have your own voice heard also. All information and bookings for events can be found at www.bereislandartsfestival.ie
The Drimoleague Singing Festival is a weekend long celebration of the human voice featuring the best in Irish and international talent. www.drimoleaguesingingfestival.ie
DECEMBER
Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon is a beautiful scenic run. See www.runclon.ie for more information.