Connemara Garden Trail

From the month of April until August every one one can view the spectacular Connemara Garden Trail. The private gardens vary immensey, despite environmental issues such as salt and a moist climate, acidic and shallow soil, the skilled gardeners and landscapers create stunning displays. Nutrients are added to the earth to make the wonder of some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.

Roundstone Arts Festival

This delightful festival is the venue for artistes from all over Ireland. Guest performers from everywhere perform with those from the vicinity. Dining al fresco is recommended and during a leisurely meal guests can see the Irish fishing boats, including occasionally perhaps the most traditional, the Galway Hooker, and look out to Iinshee Island. The standards of service, the quality of the food and the local peoples' knowledge of the area contribute to a relaxing break.

Clifden Arts Festival

Clifden Arts Festival takes place annually offers a wealth of entertainment each year and welcomes the season of autumn. All forms of literary art such as poetry and readings can be enjoyed as well as dancing, music and drama. The visual arts are also in evidence here as are exhibitions and artwork in schools and other venues which form part of the community. All residents of Clifden help to make the festival so successfull, there are contributions from people of all ages who are proud to help produce this wonderful festival which is enjoyed by all.

Connemara Walking Festival

Outdoor enthusiasts can take part in the Four Seasons Walking Festival each year in Clifden. The beauty of Clifden's highlands and islands can be explored during the four seasons of the year. The Walking Festival is organised according to the Celtic calendar and is for those of varying experience and fitness. One can climb the famous Bens and the Maumturk Mountains or walk on the magical islands of Aran, Isnishbofin and Orney or brave a trek through a peat bog.

Clifden Connemara Pony Show

In what is traditional Irish manner a group of men met in the year 1923 in Vaughan's Hotel in Roundstone and the idea of what is now The Connemara Pony Show was born. A year later the first Pony Show was staged in Roundstone and went on tour to Carna for two years, to Clifton, Oughterard and back to Roundstone . After two years there in 1931 and 1932 it was staged again in Carna and, after twelve years, seems to have settled in Clifden during the 1940s. the Pony Show is now experiencing a revival and proves to be a magnet for children and equestrians.