Clifden Arts Festival

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Arts & CultureClifden
Dates17–27 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration11 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsIts defining feature is using the entire
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EUR
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Clifden Arts Festival in Clifden

Founded in 1977 by John and Brenda Kelly, Clifden Arts Festival runs every September across the Connemara market town, mixing readings, concerts, exhibitions and walks. Long promoted as Europe's most westerly arts festival, it remains a volunteer-run, community-scaled event rather than a commercial production. Programming spans readings, concerts, exhibitions and guided walks through the surrounding Connemara landscape.

John and Brenda Kelly started a small arts weekend in Clifden in 1977, and it has run every September since, making it one of the longest-established community arts festivals in Connemara.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Its defining feature is using the entire small town of Clifden as a venue simultaneously, church, community hall, hotel rooms and shopfronts all host events in the same week, so the festival and the town's daily life visibly overlap rather than the event being cordoned off in a single arena or campus

02

The mystery stays covered

Guest writers and musicians over the decades have often combined a festival appearance with the same walks and coastal views festival-goers themselves enjoy, since the Twelve Bens and Sky Road sit within easy reach of the town centre

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival has run continuously every September since its 1977 founding by the Kelly family

Water and renewal

Living ritual

making its long

The sacred route

Living ritual

unbroken community run itself a point of local pride

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

17–27 September 2026

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Casual, weatherproof layers, walking events and outdoor exhibitions call for practical clothing more than festival attire.

Safety

Clifden Arts Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Clifden you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map53.49 N, 10.02 WOpen in Google Maps

Clifden, Connacht, Ireland

Nearest airportNOC — Ireland West Airport Knock
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Clifden you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Clifden via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Clifden, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, weatherproof layers, walking events and outdoor exhibitions call for practical clothing more than festival attire.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ireland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Clifden Arts Festival?

Clifden Arts Festival is listed for 17–27 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Clifden Arts Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Clifden, Ireland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

11 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Clifden, Connacht, Ireland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLclifdenartsfestival.ie
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates17–27 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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