Cleggan Fringe Festival
Friday 11th September - Sunday 13th September 2026
The Cleggan Fringe Festival takes place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026. Located in the picturesque fishing village of Cleggan, Connemara, this vibrant community event celebrates the area's rich music, arts, and seafood heritage.
The Connemara fishing village of Cleggan has always had appeal for writers and artists, notably the poet Richard Murphy and novelist John McGahern who both lived here. The actress Jeananne Crowley has also called Cleggan ‘home’ for many years.
Cleggan also offers many stunning local beaches and lots of walking trails.
Festival Highlights & Events
The weekend features a mix of traditional and contemporary cultural events organized in association with local venues:
- Live Music: Gigs, album launches, and open sessions hosted throughout the village.
- Traditional Arts: Traditional Irish music sessions, Sean Nós dancing, and interactive community craft workshops (such as wool spinning).
- Food & Drink: Seafood highlights, local cuisine, and festival specials available all day.
- Country Market: Food and artisan craft stalls set up at the village market space.
- Family Fun: Dedicated children's entertainment, family-friendly events, and outdoor activities.
Venues & Admission
- Participating Hubs: Festival events are primarily distributed among Cleggan’s local bars and restaurants, including Oliver's Seafood Bar, Newman's, and Joyce's.
- Cost: Admission to festival events is free of charge, though optional donations at the door are appreciated to support the community initiative.
2026 Schedule Of Events
| FRIDAY 11th | ||
|---|---|---|
| Joyces: | 19.30: | PELLT |
| Joyces: | 21.00: | The Well Below |
| Newmans: | 22.30: | Galway Jam Circle |
| SATURDAY 12th | ||
| Oliver's: | 11.00: | Sketching Workshop with Caroline Canning |
| CCC Tent | 15.00: | Kids Disco, Face Painting & Food Truck |
| CCC Tent | 17.30: | Galway Jam Circle |
| Joyces: | 19.30: | Dogz Bol Ukes |
| Joyces: | 21.00: | THE LOVELY BOYS |
| Newmans: | 23.00: | Richie & Friends |
| SUNDAY 13th | ||
| TBC: | 11.30: | Dance Workshop with Emma O'Sullivan |
| Newmans: | 14.00: | Galway Jam Circle |
| 16.00: | ROB STRONG | |
| 18.30: | Parting Glass Open Mic hosted by Conor | |
Event Details
Organiser
Location
Cleggan Fringe Festival
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.