If you are looking to immerse yourself and experience the Wild Atlantic Way to its fullest, then make sure you schedule in a stop at one of these festivals taking place along the coast of Clare over the summer months. There is no better way to get involved with the culture and community of where you are visiting than to join them in their annual festivals that make up their traditions.
The 26th Doonbeg International Jazz Festival will kick off Clare’s summer festivities in style with their four-day programme. The self-proclaimed ‘best little jazz festival in the west’ kicks off on May 30 and carries on until June 2. It is sure to be a fantastic weekend with performances from bands in Europe, Ireland and the UK filling up the jam-packed programme. The festival is suitable for all ages, and the best part is – it is all free. So, make sure you add the liveliest festival in the west to your Wild Atlantic Way bucket list.
The Doolin Folk Fest makes sure that folk and traditional music stay alive in Clare each year with their three-day programme full of amazing talent. Organised by Hotel Doolin, the festival will take place from June 13 to June 15. This year’s line-up includes John Francis Flynn, De Danann, Brian Finnegan, Muireann Bradley and many more. Tickets are limited and range from €135 to €166, so make sure you book yours soon before you start your journey to Clare. Book your tickets here at https://www.doolinarts.ie/.
Pass on the music knowledge from Clare and enrol your children in the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy/Willie Clancy Summer School for a week, starting July 5 and finishing July 13. The combining of lessons with festivals makes this a unique opportunity for experts to polish their music skills, and for novices, a chance to learn from the best. All classes are €150, and they include lessons in traditional singing or dancing, the banjo, the accordion, the concertina, the fiddle, the flute, the tin whistle, harmonica, and the harp. To register, visit https://www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com/online-registration.
Kilrush Traditional Music & Set Dancing Festival is a celebration of all things traditionally Irish along the Wild Atlantic Way. Dance your way into the week-long festival, July 31 to August 4, of céilís, music, workshops, concerts, dancing, and so much more. The festival this year will feature all sorts of activities that the whole family will enjoy, from interactive music and dance workshops to open-air céilís in the town square. The festival is completely free, giving you another reason to add Clare to your Wild Atlantic Way journey.
Whether you join in the festivities for one day, or stay a whole week, there is sure to be something the whole family can enjoy this summer in Clare with their incredible line-up of events.
