Our Glengarriff events give you wonderful opportunities to experience local music, immerse yourself in our lush natural environment, and savour West Cork’s legendary artisan food. If you need an excuse for a visit to West Cork to mingle with the locals, keep reading …
1) Walking Weekend in Glengarriff [MAY]
Join us in May for a weekend of walks, great company, music and wonderful food in our West Cork village nestled between the mountains and the se. We will introduce you to the varied trails around Glengarriff as its lush landscapes come into their glory, and you’ll be sure to enjoy our warm local hospitality too, after a day out on the hills.
2) Jim Dowling Uileann Pipe and Trad Festival [JUNE]
The Jim Dowling Uilleannn Pipe and Trad Festival acknowledges the long legacy of piping in the area and the talents of musician Jim Dowling, a founder member of Glengarriff Comhaltas. The festival brings together the best Irish and international traditional musicians, combining music from local pipers with guest appearances from some outstanding artists of renown. Workshops and other special events, such as concerts on beautiful Garnish Island, are all part of the programme!
3) Fit-up Theatre Festival [JULY-AUGUST]
The best of modern Irish theatre can be found in our village hall each Summer when the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival brings us its pop-up events, delighting locals and visitors alike.
4) Swim Around Garnish Island with GaddinAbtGarnish [AUGUST]
As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to take to the waters around Garnish Island for this fun, fundraising event in our pristine Atlantic waters – tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss out!
5) Ellen Hutchins Festival [AUGUST]
Enjoy walks and workshops focused on nature and botany as the life of Ellen Hutchins is celebrated around the shores of Bantry Bay where she carried out her groundbreaking work as a Ireland’s first woman botanist and botanical artist.
6) A Taste of West Cork Festival [SEPTEMBER]
Get a taste of Glengarriff at tasty events held in and around the village during A Taste of West Cork Festival each September. The village is the perfect base for a couple of days exploring events to savour around the Beara peninsula, Bantry, and the rest of West Cork – this delicious mini-break should definitely be on your menu!
7) Tour de Beara [SEPTEMBER]
The “Beara 160k” is regarded as one of the “Most Challenging Sportives” on the Irish cycling calendar. With over 2,600 metres of climbing this will challenge the most hardened of cyclists! The circular route begins in Glengarriff with a climb over the Caha Pass, through a series of beautiful hand hewn rock tunnels across the border into the Kingdom of Kerry. The breathtaking route to Kenmare and back around the Beara peninsula is stunning, with views to match this incredible challenge!
8) Culture Night in Glengarriff [SEPTEMBER]
Join us for a memorable night of music, and a celebration of local heritage, in and around Glengarriff village on Culture Night each September.
9) Glengarriff Ghouls Festival [OCTOBER]
Gather with the ghouls in Glengarriff for a weekend of family-friendly spooky fun this Halloween across our village, dark woods and the deep Blue Pool. There’ll be creepy costumes, trick or treating, and hair-raising tales galore!
10) Christmas Shopping Night [DECEMBER]
As the excitement builds for Christmas, head to Glengarriff for a night of festive shopping, with mulled wine and carol-singing to get you in the festive spirit as you browse Irish crafts, clothing and beauty ranges and pick the perfect gifts for your loved ones!
11) Glengarriff parkrun [EVERY SATURDAY]
Every Saturday year-round, locals and visitors gather for a 5k parkrun in Glengarrriff Nature Reserve. Whether you run, jog or walk, you’ll be welcomed in for an active start to your weekend in a gorgeous woodland setting! The most regular event in Glengarriff’s event calendar gives you a wonderful way to get to know our community as well as experience West Cork’s natural beauty.
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