Local Festivals

Local Festivals are an integral part of life in Lahinch. See listed below a number of the more popular festivals.

Burren Cycling Club – Tour de Burren
The Burren Cycling Club has done an excellent job of promoting cycling through the magnificent landscape of The Burren. The Tour de Burren was set up in 2001. The first Tour de Burren was incorporated in June 2002 and from there the club has gone from strength to strength with over 85 members .

The 2012 Tour de Burren runs on Saturday 23rd June. The proposed new and exciting routes for the 12km Family Spin, The 66km Black Head Challenge, The Burnin Burren 108km Spin and The Fr.Ted’s Day Out 166km Spin are promised to be full of challenging category 1,2 & 3 climbs in the beautiful, famous and breath taking Burren in Co. Clare.

Check out the new proposed routes here
www.burrencyclingclub.com

Willie Clancy Summer School – Miltown Malbay
Learn of the traditional culture, arts, language and literature that County Clare is renowned for during this weeklong exposition. During the week, nearly a thousand students from every part of the world attend daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. In addition, a full program of lectures, recitals, dances (céilithe) and exhibitions are run by the summer school. All events happen in the town Miltown Malbay in County Clare, west of Ireland, during the week beginning with the first Saturday of July. The weekly registration includes six classes, all lectures and recitals (except the Saturday concert) and reduced price admission to céilithe. Lectures, recitals, concert and céilithe are open to the public. And I’m sure you can start to imagine the craic in the evenings! The festival is held in memory of the famous local piper Willie Clancy.
www.setdancingnews.net

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Looking for some unique festivals in Ballyvaughan and surrounds? The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival sees thousands of hopeful singles descend on the town annually from late August through October. A huge singles event that has been held for 150 years, it originated when local matchmakers would invite eligible sons and daughters of farmers in the area to get acquainted at Lisdoonvarna. The modern festival features lively celebrations, including the Lisdoonvarna Meeting, a horse race for amateur jockeys, and many parties and singles events, including the latest trends such as speed dating. The festival closes with a grand final, in which the best-matched couple are chosen and awarded the titles of ‘Mr Lisdoonvarna’ and ‘Queen of the Burren’.
www.matchmakerireland.com