Clifden Connemara Pony Show (Festival of the Connemara Pony)
Wednesday 19th August 2026
The highlight of the week is the Connemara Pony Show on Wednesday, this is a world famous event attracting visitors from all over the world. With a history dating back to 1924, there are over 400 ponies on show. It is the largest display of Connemara Ponies anywhere in the world.
Visitors are treated to the spectacle of seeing the ponies under the watchful eye of experienced judges and a win is always a source of great pride for the pony’s owner.
The Connemara Pony is a distinctive breed with excellent qualities: strong, intelligent and very hard working, perfect for the wild unforgiving landscape of Connemara, the Galway region that gave them their name. Their genial disposition makes them excellent pets while their powerful build makes them good jumpers and great show ponies.
In addition to the pony competitions, the festival also features a variety of non-pony activities, such as a dog show, an Irish dancing exhibition, and domestic arts and craft stalls with regional competitions for baked goods, jams, and more. 2026 marks the 101th Connemara Pony Show, a truly historic milestone. A full show programme will take place over four days, featuring all the traditional show elements alongside exciting new additions to celebrate the centenary.
Below is a breakdown of the events scheduled for Wednesday: (For up-to-date information see the Event Website.)
Connemara Pony In-Hand Classes
Ring One - The Showgrounds | 8.30am Approximately
- Class 1: Yearling Colt, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 2: Yearling Filly, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 3: Two-Year-Old Colt, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 4: Two-Year-Old Filly, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 5: Three-Year-Old Filly, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 6: Three-Year Old Colt, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 7: Junior Championship – Confined to the 1st and 2nd in classes 1 to 6
- Class 8: Four-To-Six-Year-Old Stallion
- Class 9: Seven-Year-Old and over Stallion
- Class 10: Four and Five-Year-old Mare – with or without foal (Highest Place two mares with foal {from top 4} eligible for Broodmare Championship- Class 13)
- Class 11: Six to Nine-year-old Mare – with foal at foot (Highest Place two mares with foal {from top 4} eligible for Broodmare Championship- Class 13)
- Class 12: Ten to Fifteen-year-old mare – with foal at foot (Highest Place two mares with foal {from top 4} eligible for Broodmare Championship- Class 13)
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Class 13: Supreme Champion & Broodmare Championship of The Show
- Supreme Champion of Show – 1st and 2nd eligible from Classes: 7, 8 ,9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 21, 22,and 23.
Winner; Perpetual Trophy and €600, Reserve; €400
Breeders Prize: 1st €300, 2nd €200. - Broodmare Championship – broodmare Champion with foal at foot; classes 10, 11, 12, 17, and 23 top two mares with foals at foot.
Winner; Perpetual Trophy and €600, Reserve; €400
Breeders Prize: 1st €300, 2nd €200.
- Supreme Champion of Show – 1st and 2nd eligible from Classes: 7, 8 ,9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 21, 22,and 23.
- Class 14: Three-Year-Old and Over Gelding (at 1st January 2026). Must be of Class 1 Status.
- Class 15: Young Handlers (10-15yrs old, at 1st January 2026). Registered Connemara Pony, mare or gelding four years and over. Mare with foals at foot are not eligible for this class. Correct helmet with adjustable chin strap – must be worn, See Notice to Exhibitors and Competitors.
- Class 16: Mini Young Handlers (Handlers aged from 3-9yrs, at 1st January 2026). Registered Connemara Pony, mare or gelding four years and over. Mare with foals at foot are not eligible for this class. Correct helmet with adjustable chin strap – must be worn, See Notice to Exhibitors and Competitors. Entry Fee €20
- Class 17: 138cm and under mare with or without foal (Highest Place two mares with foal eligible for Broodmare Championship Class 13). Please state whether with or without foal. The height recorded in the pony's CBPS valid passport shall be accepted by The Connemara Pony Show – Clifden CLG as the pony's official height. Notwithstanding this, the Show reserves the right to request that a pony be measured by a veterinary surgeon on the day of the competition where there is reasonable doubt regarding the pony's eligibility for a height-restricted class.
- Class 18: Colt Foal, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 19: Filly foal, the progeny of Registered Connemara Pony and Registered Connemara Stallion
- Class 20: Champion Foal (1st and 2nd from Classes 18 and 19 are eligible).
- Class 21: Six-to-Nine-Year-old Mare without foal at foot
- Class 22: Ten-to-fifteen-Year-old Mare without foal at foot
- Class 23: Sixteen-Year-Old and Over Mare with or without foal. (Highest Place two mares with foal {from top 4} eligible for Broodmare Championship- Class 13)
- Official Show Opening
- Domestic Arts, Crafts & Produce Show
Celebrate local creativity with home produce, handcrafted items, and garden produce competitions. Pre-entry only - All entries must be on display no later than 10:15 am. - The Dog Show - 2:00 pm
The always popular competition for various breeds of dogs. Entries are welcome on the day starting at 12:00 pm, the competition commences at 2:00 pm. - Best & Most Appropriately Dressed Competitions - 1:00 pm
Dress to impress! Fabulous prizes await those who stand out for elegance, creativity, and flair. Register at the Marquee between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm. Judging from 1:00 pm. - Irish Dancing Competition - 2:00 pm
Enjoy the tradition of local Irish dancers as they perform and compete. Entries accepted on the day. - The All-New Show Marquee
Enjoy some food & beverages in the all-new Show Marquee! Also, be sure to visit our stand here at the marquee.
Clifden Town & Market Square
- Street Traders & Family Fun! - All Day
See the stalls with crafts, local produce, and artisanal delights along with fabulous face-painting for kids (and kids at heart!)
Clifden Station House Hotel
- The Showdown - 8:00 pm
Get together for music, drinks, and a relaxed evening.
Event Details
Location
Clifden Connemara Pony Show (Festival of the Connemara Pony)
This event listing is compiled for informational purposes only and is correct at time of publication. All event information may be subject to change by the organisers and you are advised to contact the organisers directly for the most up to date information before you travel. ConnemaraIreland.com cannot be held responsible for any alterations to the listed information.