Loop Head Lightkeepers house Sleeps 5 - Kilbaha, Co Clare

Situation:

Presentation:

Dogs Allowed

Perched proudly on an enclosure at the tip of Loop Head stands the lighthouse station. Surrounded by birds and wild flowers, cliffs and Atlantic surf, Loop Head offers holiday accommodation with all of the spectacular appeal of the rugged west coast. The surrounding coastline is of a dramatic character with cliffs sculpted by Atlantic storms where rock ledges and caves are home to seabirds, seals and other maritime animals. Loop Head Lighthouse station is a major landmark on the northern shore of the Shannon River. The Lighthouse station is built on a clifftop with 300 degree views of the sea down to Kerry Head and Dingle and across to the Cliffs of Moher.

Please Note: Guests should bring bottled water as there is no mains water supply. The station is reasonably remote, although Kilabha village, with post office, shop and pub, is only 5 kilometres away.

La station du phare de Loop head est fièrement perchée sur une prairie à l'extrémité de Loop Head, entouré par les oiseaux, les fleurs sauvages, les falaises et les vagues de l'Atlantique. Loop Head propose un hébergement de vacances avec tout l'attrait spectaculaire de la côte rocheuse ouest. Le littoral environnant est constitué de falaises sculptées par les tempêtes de l'Atlantique où des saillies rocheuses et des grottes abritent des oiseaux de mer, phoques et autres animaux marins.

La station du phare de Loop Head est un point de repère important sur la rive nord de la rivière Shannon. Le phare est construit sur une falaise avec une vue à 300 degrés sur la mer, au sud vers Kerry et Dingle et non loin des célèbres falaises de Moher au nord.

Notez que: Les clients doivent apporter de l'eau en bouteille car il n'y a pas de réseau d'eau potable. La station n’est pas très loin du village de Kilabha qui dispose d’un bureau de poste, une boutique et un pub à seulement 5 kilomètres.

History:

Loop Head Lighthouse station is the major landmark on the northern shore of the Shannon River. The surrounding coastline is of a dramatic character with cliffs sculpted by Atlantic storms. The lighthouse complex is built on a clifftop with 300 degree views of the sea, down to Kerry Head and Dingle, across the Shannon, and up the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher to the north.

There has been a lighthouse at this important navigational location since approximately 1670. The first beacon comprised of a cottage in which the Keeper and his family lived, with a large brazier on the roof, similar in style to the original Howth Head and Old Head of Kinsale lights. Traces of this building still exist in the present day complex. Predictably the light was not reliable and in this remote location, difficult to manage, and it fell into disrepair.

La station de Loop Head est un point de repère important sur la rive nord de la rivière Shannon. Le littoral environnant rocheux, est formé de falaises sculptées par les tempêtes de l'Atlantique. Le phare est bâti sur une falaise avec une vue à 300 degrés sur la mer à travers le Shannon, au sud vers Kerry et Dingle, et jusqu'à la côte de Clare avec les falaises de Moher au nord. La péninsule a toujours été un point d'observation stratégique (il existe de nombreux forts pré-chrétiens le long de la côte) et aujourd'hui il reste un point d'observation exceptionnel pour les baleines et les dauphins, ainsi que les oiseaux de mer et la navigation.

Il eu un phare à cet endroit de navigation important depuis environ 1670. Le phare est composé d'un chalet dans lequel le gardien et sa famille ont vécu, dans un style similaire à l'originale de Howth Head et Old Head of Kinsale. Des traces de ce bâtiment d’origine existent toujours dans le complexe visible aujourd’hui. Comme on pouvait s'y attendre, la lumière n'était pas fiable et ce lieu éloigné, difficile à gérer, est tombé en ruine.

A new light was re-established in 1770 and then the present tower was designed by George Halpin in 1854. The distinctive character of the light - 20 seconds of light followed by 4 of dark - was achieved by rotating a screen around the lamp. This operation was originally manually "wound up" and not replaced by electric until 1971. The station was fully automated in the early 1990s.

Une nouvelle lumière a été rétablie en 1770, la tour actuelle a été conçue par George Halpin en 1854. Le caractère distinctif de la lumière - 20 secondes de lumière suivie par 4 secondes de noir - fut obtenu en faisant tourner un écran autour de la lampe. Cette opération été réalisé manuellement à l’origine, et ne fut pas réalisé électriquement avant 1971. La station a été entièrement automatisée dans les années 1990.

Restauration:

When taken on by The Irish Landmark Trust this lightkeeper's house had been unoccupied for some time. The building was suffering badly from water ingress due to the harsh Atlantic climate, and some previous inappropriate repairs.

The brief was to restore the original fabric of the house in a sensitive nature while adapting the building to accommodate modern living facilities without destrying the original character of the building. The emphasis was to restore rather than replace wherever possible, and endeavour to make interventions in an appropriate manner through the use of suitable building materials.

Lorsqu’elle fut prise en charge par Irish Landmark Trust, cette maison du gardien de phare demeurait inoccupée depuis un certain temps. Le bâtiment était sévèrement touché par des infiltrations d'eau en raison de la rigueur du climat de l'Atlantique, et quelques réparations antérieures inappropriées.

La mission consistait à restaurer le tissu original de la maison au cœur d’une nature sensible, tout en adaptant le bâtiment pour accueillir des installations modernes de confort, sans altérer le caractère original du bâtiment. Dans la mesure du possible, l'accent fut mis sur la restauration plutôt que sur le remplacement des éléments. Irish Landmark trust s'efforça d’utiliser des matériaux de construction appropriés.

The first job was to make the structure watertight and introduce an adequate level of ventilation into the building. The building was re-roofed in a natural slate and all lead flashings were renewed. The original cast iron gutters were cleaned down, repaired and missing sections were replaced with specially cast sections to match the existing profiles. The two previously dismantled chimneystacks on the gable walls were re-built according to the original construction drawings.

Le premier travail consista à assurer l'étanchéité de la structure et d’obtenir un niveau correct de ventilation dans le bâtiment. Il a été couvert de tuile en ardoise naturelle et tous les solins en plomb ont été remplacés. Les gouttières d'origine en fonte ont été nettoyées, réparées et les sections manquantes ont été remplacées par des sections spécialement fabriquées pour correspondre avec le style existant. Les deux conduit de cheminés préalablement démontés des murs pignons ont été reconstruit selon les plans originaux de construction.

Most of the original doors and skirting boards and other internal fittings were intact and salvaged despite the damp conditions within the building. The original timber built-in cupboards were restored and used as a template for any new storage or kitchen units. All the original timber sash windows were carefully repaired, draught-proofed and restored to full working order.

There were originally only two windows on the south face of the buildling looking towards the sea. It was decided to avail of the southern sea views by introducing two modern loop windows to both the kitchen and living room on the ground floor. These loop windows are purposely very different to the existing windows with their modern clean lines, lack of glazing bars and storm glazing providing added protection against the harsh weather of the Atlantic Ocean. The size of the loop window on the outside is quite small, retaining the defensive inward looking nature of the house, while on the inner face the walls splay dramatically capturing both the natural light and views across to Kerry Head.

La plupart des portes d'origine, plinthes et autres aménagements intérieurs étaient intacts et ont pu être récupérés malgré les conditions d'humidité à l'intérieur du bâtiment. Les placards d’origine en bois ont été restaurés et utilisés comme modèle pour les nouveaux équipements de stockage de la maison et les meubles de cuisine. Toutes les fenêtres d’origine en bois et à guillotine ont été soigneusement réparées et remis en état de marche.

Il n’y avait à l'origine que deux fenêtres sur la façade sud du bâtiment face à la mer. Il fut décidé de profiter de la vue sur la mer au Sud en introduisant deux nouvelles fenêtres circulaires dans la cuisine et la salle de séjour au rez de chaussée. Ces fenêtres sont volontairement très différente de celle existantes avec leurs lignes modernes, l’absence de barres de vitrage et l’ajout d’un vitrage tempête assurant une protection supplémentaire contre les intempéries de l'océan Atlantique. La taille de ces fenêtres à l'extérieur est assez faible, tout en conservant à l’intérieur le caractère défensif de la maison, tandis que sur la face intérieure des murs, capture considérablement à la fois la lumière naturelle et les vues sur le Kerry.

Approach to Interior design at Loop Head The interiors of these idiosyncratic lightkeeper buildings demanded a slightly different approach to that adopted at other Irish Landmark properties. The buildings are modest and vernacular in character with a functional approach to design, and they had been inhabited almost continuously and until recently, so there was eclectic and mixed evidence of previous interior design history.

L’Approche du design d'intérieur à Loop Head L'intérieur de ces bâtiments de gardiens de phare exige une approche légèrement différente de celle adoptée pour les autres propriétés d’Irish Landmark Trust. Les bâtiments sont d’un caractère modeste et vernaculaire avec une approche fonctionnelle de la conception, et ils furent habités presque continuellement jusqu'à récemment, il y avait donc des preuves éclectique et mixtes de l'histoire du design d'intérieur précédente.

Colours Often, fragments of colour surviving in Irish Landmark houses provide the key to new design schemes. At Loop, apart from the blue and yellow combination on the stairs, there was very little evidence of older paints and pigment. Whites and off-whites seemed to have been used predominantly. During redecoration, a similarly muted palette was chosen for the walls and woodwork, with a black finish to the floors (of which we did find evidence). Strong colour was introduced through the fittings and furnishings - cherry rugs, aquamarine slip covers, and maritime port and starboard lights. The distinctive dark green exterior doors and bright lighthouse red gates were retained - the standard colour scheme of Commissioners of Irish Lights. Les couleurs Souvent, les fragments de couleur qui survivent dans les maisons d’Irish Landmark irlandais fournissent la clé pour concevoir la nouvelle décoration. A Loop, à l'exception de la combinaison bleu et jaune des escaliers, il y avait très peu de restes d’anciennes peintures ou pigments. Le Blanc et crème semblait avoir été utilisés principalement. Pour la redécoration, une palette semblable a été choisi pour les murs et les boiseries, avec une finition noire aux étages (dont nous avons trouvés des preuves). De vives couleurs ont été introduite pour les équipements et le mobilier - tapis couleur cerise, housses aigue-marine. Pour les portes extérieures le traditionnel vert foncé et rouge vif a été retenu, c’est le jeu de couleurs standard décidé par les commissaires de phares irlandais.

Kitchen The original kitchen had been small with warrens of ancillary pantries and washrooms, so it was decided to open them into bigger rooms in which people could comfortably eat. The pine kitchen tables are from old houses while the sugán chairs are still made nearby in Kilrush, Co. Clare.

La cuisine La cuisine d’origine était très petite avec des garde-manger auxiliaires et des toilettes, il a donc été décidé de l’ouvrir dans une plus grande pièce dans laquelle les gens pourraient manger confortablement. Les tables de cuisine en pins proviennent de vieilles maisons, tandis que les chaises Sugan sont toujours fabriquées à proximité à Kilrush, dans le Conté de Clare.

Living Rooms Most of the living rooms at our lightkeepers' houses have either an open fire or stove as they would, historically, have had. The living room at Loop is furnished in a comfortable style with a Victorian sofa and armchairs. Rugs and upholstery fabric are used to introduce colour, and there are also plenty of books, both old and new in the property. All the original shutters were restored or replaced so eliminating the need for curtains, which would have detracted from the fine timber and joinery of the windows, many of which are the 150-year-old originals. Period light fittings and lamps add to the ambience of the reception rooms.

Séjour La plupart des salons de nos maisons de gardiens de phare disposent soit d’un feu de cheminée soit d'un poêle comme à l’époque. La salle de séjour à Loop est meublée dans un style confortable avec un canapé et des fauteuils victoriens. Les tapis et tapisserie d'ameublement en tissu sont utilisés pour introduire de la couleur, et il ya aussi beaucoup de livres, à la fois ancien et nouveau dans la maison. Tous les volets d'origine ont été restaurés ou remplacés afin d'éliminer la nécessité de rideaux, qui masquait la finesse du bois et de la menuiserie des fenêtres dont un grand nombre sont les originaux de 150 ans. Les luminaires et les lampes d'époque ajoutent une ambiance particulière aux salles de réception.

Nautical Paraphernalia There are various objects throughout the house that are relevant to shipping and lighthouses - some decorative, others informative: ships in cases, maritime prints and paintings, brass ships' lamps and illustrated maps. There are books on lighthouses, as well as on birds, dolphins and whales. There is also a whale and dolphin identification chart, and binoculars.

Thème de la Mer Dans ces maisons, on trouve de nombreux objets spécifiques de la navigation et des phares, certains décoratifs, d'autres informatifs, on trouve par exemple des petits navires et des dessins et peinture maritimes. Il ya également des livres sur les phares, ainsi que sur les oiseaux, les dauphins et les baleines. Il ya aussi une carte pour l’identification des dauphins et des baleines, et des jumelles. Bedrooms

There are a mixture of brass, cast iron and timber beds throughout. Wardrobes, where they fitted upstairs, and simple mahogany chests furnish the bedrooms. Again, the approach is simple and colour introduced through the bedspreads, rugs and pictures. Fireplaces were retained, but are non-functioning in the bedrooms. Traditional and comfortable tufted mattresses are used on the beds, and in a departure from other Irish Landmark properties, duvets are used instead of blankets.

Les chambres Il y a un mélange de fonte, de laiton et de bois dans la construction des lits. Les armoires sont encastrées à l’étage et de simples coffres en acajou meublent les chambres. Encore une fois, l'approche est simple et la couleur introduite par les couvre-lits, les tapis et les photos. Les cheminées ont été conservées, mais ne peuvent être utilisées dans les chambres. Traditionnels et confortables, des matelas tuftés sont utilisés sur les lits, et des couettes sont utilisées à la place de couvertures. Tourist attractions Loophead lightkeeper house Kilbaha, Co Clare

Carrigaholt, Kilkkee, Kilrush

Aillwee Cave Web: www.aillweecave.ie Email: [email protected] Phone: (+353 0) (65) 7077036 Address: Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland

Dolphin Watching Web: www.dolphinwatch.ie Email: [email protected] Phone: (+353 0) 65 9058156 Address: Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, Ireland

West Clare Railway Web: www.westclarerailway.ie Tel: +353 (0) 65 905 1284 Mob: +353 (0) 87 7919289 Email: [email protected] Address: The West Clare Railway, Moyasta, Co. Clare

Loop Head Lighthouse Web: www.loophead.ie Kilkee Tourist office (June, July, August) +353 (0)65 9056112 Ennis Tourist Office (all year round) +353 (0)65 6828366 Address: Kibaha, Kilrush, Co. Clare

Caherconnel Fort Web: www.burrenforts.ie Email: [email protected] Phone: +353 65 7089 999 Address: Caherconnell Stone Fort, Kilfenora, Co. Clare, Ireland

Kilkee Waterworld Web: http://www.kilkeewaterworld.ie/ Tel: +353 (0) 65 9056855 Email: [email protected] Address: East end, Kilkee, Co. Clare

Scattery Island Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ShannonRegion/ScatteryIslandCentre/ Telephone No: +353 65 682 9100 (Ennis Friary Contact No.) Email: [email protected] Address: Kilrush, Co. Clare

Dolphin Discovery Web: http://www.discoverdolphins.ie/ Tel: +353 (0)65 9051327 Local 065 9051327 Email: [email protected] Address: Geraldine Cahill, Scattery Island Ferries Ltd, Cappa Upper, Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland.

Dolphinwatch Web: http://www.dolphinwatch.ie/ Email: [email protected] Tel. +353-(0)65-905-8156 Address: Carrigaholt, Loop Head Peninsula, Co. Clare

Shanon Castle Line Web: http://www.shannoncruisers.com/index.php?module=site&show=contact_us Telephone: +353 61 927042 Email:[email protected] Address: Williamstown Harbour, Whitegate, Co Clare, Ireland

Shanon Ferry Group Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 65 9053124 Address: ShannonFerry Group Ltd, Killimer, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland

North of Kilbaha

Cliffs of Moher Web: www.cliffsofmoher.ie Email: [email protected] Phone: (+353 0)65 7086141 Address: Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher Cruises and Doolin2aran Ferries Web: http://www.doolin2aranferries.com/cliffs-of-moher.html Tel: (065) 7075949 Mob: 087 2453239 Email: [email protected] Address: Doolin Pier, Co. Clare. Ireland.

Doolin Ferries Web: http://www.doolinferry.com/ Address: O'Brien Line Cruises, Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co.Clare, Ireland Tel : +353 (0)65 707 5555 / +353 (0)87 958 1465 Email : [email protected]

The Burren Centre Web: www.burrenbeo.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (+353 0) 91 638096 Address: The Burren Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare, Ireland

Doolin cave Web: www.doolincave.ie Email: [email protected] Doolin Cave, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland Tel: +353 65 7075761 – Email: [email protected]

Burren Smokehouse Web: www.burrensmokehouse.ie Email:[email protected] T: +353 65 7074432 Address: Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Ireland

Dysert O’Dea Web: www.dysertcastle.com Tel:+353-(0)65-6837401 (castle) E-mail:[email protected] Address: Dysert O'Dea Castle & Clare Archaeology Centre, Corofin, County Clare, Ireland

Lahinch Seaworld Web: www.lahinchseaworld.com Phone: 065 7081900 Aquarium Supervisor: [email protected] Pool Supervisor: [email protected] Event Organiser: [email protected] Address: The Promenade Lahinch, Co Clare

Moher Hill Open Farm Web: www.moherfarm.com Tel: 065 7081071 / 065 7086867 Mobile: 087 2258347 Address: Moher Hill Open Farm, Cliffs of Moher Road, Liscannor, Co.Clare.

Michael Cusack Center Web: www.michaelcusack.ie E-mail: [email protected] Phone : + 353 (0)65 7089944 Address: Michael Cusack Centre, Carron, County Clare, Ireland.

Burren national Park Web: http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/ Address: Burren National Park Information Point, Clare Heritage Centre, Corofin, Co. Clare Tel: +353-65-6827693 Email: [email protected]

Clare Heritage centre and Genealogical Centre Web: http://www.clareroots.com/ Tel: + 353 (0) 65 6837955 Fax: + 353 (0) 65 6837540 Email: [email protected] Address: Genealogical Centre, Church Street, Corofin, County Clare, Ireland

East of Kilbaha

Atlantic Airventure Aviation Visitor Centre Web: www.ailweecave.ie Email: [email protected] Telephone: +353 (0)657077036 Address: Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Web: www.shannonheritage.com Tel: +353 (0)61 360788 Address: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Ireland

Craggaunowen The Living Past Web: www.shannonheritage.com Tel: 061 360788 Address: Near Kilmurry, Co Clare

Clare Museum Web: www.clarelibrary.ie Tel: 065 6823382 Address: Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare

Bunratty Castle And Folk Park Web: www.shannonheritage.com Phone: (+353 0)61 711200 Address: Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland

East Clare Heritage Centre Web: www.eastclareheritage.com Phone: 061-921351 [email protected] Address: Tuamgraney, County Clare.

Imecofarm Web: www.imecofarm.com Email - [email protected] Phone 065-6841552 , 0874000393 Address: Imecofarm, IslandMcGrath, Clarecastle, Co. Clare

Irish Seed Savers Web: www.irishseedsavers.ie Email: [email protected] Tel: 061 921856/921866 Intl +353 61 921866 or +353 61 921856 Address: Irish Seed Savers Association, Capparoe, Scarriff, County Clare, Ireland.

Killakoe Heritage and Brian Boru Centre Web: www.shannonheritage.com Tel: +353 (0)61 360788 Address: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Ireland

Vandeleur Walled Garden Web: www.vanderleurwalledgarden.ie Address: Vandeleur Demesne Killimer Road Kilrush , Co. Clare Phone: ++353-65-905-1760 Fax: ++353-65-905-1782 E-Mail: [email protected]

Aister Park Web: http://www.mountshannon.com/index.php/local-features/aistear-park/ Phone: 061 927237 Address: Aistear Park, Mountshannon, Co Clare

Knappogue Castle and Walled Garden Web: http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/KnappogueCastleAndWalledGarden/ Tel: +353 (0)61 360788 Address: Shannon Heritage Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Ireland

Quin Abbey Web: http://www.clare.ie/attractions/view/historic_buildings-14/quin_abbey-489.html Phone: 065 6828366 Address: Quin Abbey, Quin, Co Clare

Galway and east of Galway:

Dún Aonghasa Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/dunaonghasa/ Email: [email protected] Telephone No: +353 99 61008

Galway Atlantaquaria Web: http://www.nationalaquarium.ie/ Tel: 091 585 100 Email: [email protected] Address: Galway

Galway City Museum Web: http://www.galwaycitymuseum.ie/ Tel: (091) 532 460 Email: [email protected] Address: Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway, Republic of Ireland Leisureland Web: http://www.leisureland.ie/index.html Tel: +353 91 521455 Email: [email protected] Address: Leisureland, Salthill, Galway, Ireland

Pure Skill-Fusion of Sport Web: http://pureskill.ie/contact-us.html Tel: +353 (0) 91 515510 Email: [email protected] Address: Galway West Retail Park, Western Distributor Road, Knocknacarra, Galway, Ireland

Turoe Farm and Leisure Park Web: www.turoepetfarm.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 091 841580 Address:Turoe Pet Farm, Bullaun, Loughrea, , Co.Galway, Ireland.

Oranmore Castle Web: www.oranmorecastle.com Tel: 086 600 3160 Address: Castle Rd, Oranmore, Co. Galway

Portumna Castle and Gardens Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/portumnacastleandgardens/ Tel: +353 90 9741658 Email: [email protected] Address: Portumna, Co. Galway

Kiltartan Gregory Museum Web: http://www.gortonline.com/gregorymuseum/ Tel: 091 - 632346 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Kiltartan Gregory Museum & Millennium Park Kiltartan Cross, Gort, Co. Galway.

Dungaire Castle Web: http://www.kinvara.com/dunc.html Tel: 061360788 Address: Kinvara, Co.Galway

Dunsandle Castle Web: http://www.dunsandlecastle.com/ Address: Dunsandle Castle and Woods, Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co Galway

Athenry Castlee Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/athenrycastle/ Tel: +353 91 844797. Email: [email protected] Address: Athenry, Co. Galway.

Athenry Heritage Centre Web: http://www.athenryheritagecentre.com/ Address: St. Mary's, The Square, Athenry, Co. Galway Tel: +353 (0)91 844661

Coole Nature Reserve Web: http://www.coolepark.ie/ Email: [email protected] Tel: (091) 631 804 Address: Coole Visitor Centre, Gort

Dartfield Horse Museum and Park Web: http://www.dartfield.com/ Email: info@dartfield.com Tel: 091 843968 Address: Dartfield Horse Museum and Heritage Centre, Kilrickle, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Event and festival Loophead lightkeeper house Kilbaha, Co Clare

Co. Clare

17 March - St Patrick Day Web: www.discoverireland.ie

2nd-ath March - Ennis Book Club Festival Web: www.ennisbookclubfestival.com Tel: 087 2262259 Address: Ennis, Co. Clare

End of March – Clare Drama Festival Tel: 087 2686764 Address: Scariff, Co. Clare

Beginning of April – Easter Fun and Games at Craggaunowen and Buratty Castle/Folk Park Web: www.shannonheritage.com/specialevents Tel: 061360788 Address: Quin and Bunratty

End of April – The mountain Bike Challenge Web: www.mountainbikechallenge.ie Address: Lough Derg

1st – 31st may – Burren in Bloom Web: http://www.burreninbloom.com/ Tel: +353 (0)65 7077 464

Beginning of May – PJ Hayes Memorial WEEKEND Web: www.peppersoffeakle.com/music

Middle of May – Burren Slow Food Festival Web: http://www.slowfoodclare.com/

Beginning of June – Doonbeg International Jazz festival Web: http://www.doonbegjazz.com/cms/

Middle of June – County Fleadh Web: http://gerandclaire.com/showdown/cl_fleadh.php

Beginning of July – Ennis street Festival Web: http://ennisstreetfestival.com/wp/

Beginning of July – Willie Clancy Summer School Web: http://www.willieclancyfestival.com/

Beginning of July – Kilkee and Loophead Maritime Festival Web: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kilkee-Maritime-Festival/184697178245227

End of July – Doonbeg Seafood Festival Web: http://www.doonbegseafoodfestival.com/

Beginning of August – Scarriff Harbour Festival Web: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Scariff-Harbour-Festival/366624102215

End of August – Dan Furey Weekend Web: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Whats-On/dan-furey-weekend-labasheeda/69688

End of August – Sky Ride Etape Hibernia

Beginning of September – Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Web: http://www.matchmakerireland.com/

Beginning of September – Tulla Traditional Music Festival Web: http://www.tullatradfestival.ie/

End of September – The Burren Peaks Walking Festival Web: http://www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com/

End of October – East Clare Walking Festival Web: http://www.eastclarewalkingfestival.com/

End of October – Ennis Fashion Week Web: http://ennisfashion.ie/

End of October – Willie Keane Memorial Web: http://www.williekeanememorialweekend.com/

Beginning of November - Ennis Trad Festival Web: http://www.ennistradfestival.com/

End of November – End of December: Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Cave Web: http://www.aillweecave.ie/santas-workshop.html

December – Santa at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Web: http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/

Beginning of December – Doonberg Christmas Market Web: http://www.doonbeglodge.com/christmas.html

Co. Galway

17 March - St Patrick Day Web: www.discoverireland.ie

31st March – 15 April - Easter Festival, Galway Web: www.riding-centre.com Email: [email protected] Address: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Loughrea. Co Galway

Middle of April – Clifden Traditional Music Festival Web: www.clifdentradfest.com Email : [email protected] Address: Clifden, Co. Galway

End of April – Cúirt International Festival of Literature Web: www.galwayartscentre.ie/cuirt Email: [email protected] Address: Galway City

Beginning of May – Leenane Mountain Walking Festival Web: http://www.leenanevillage.com/events/mwf.html

Beginning of May – The Joe Heaney Commemorative Festival of Traditional Singing Web: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Whats-On/feile-chomortha-joe-einniu-the-joe-heaney- commemorative-festival-of-traditional-singing-and-music/506404

Beginning of May - The Cuckoo Festival Web: http://www.kinvara.com/cuckoo/index.html

Middle of May – Connemara adventure Challenge Web: http://www.gaelforceevents.com/connemara/

Middle of May – End of September : Trad on the Prom Web: http://www.tradontheprom.com/

End of May – Galway Early Music Festival Web: http://www.galwayearlymusic.com/

End of May – Beginning of June: Connemara Bog Week Web: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/connemara-bog-week/58079

End of May – Beginning of June: Clifden 200 Web: http://www.clifden2012.org/

Beginning of June – Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon Web: http://www.triathlonireland.com/index.php?id=107&nid=1074 Middle of June – World Ocean Day – Galway Atlantaquaria Web: http://www.nationalaquarium.ie/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=details&id=74&Itemid=71

Middle of June - Galway Sessions

End of June – Dusty Banjos – Cleggan Music Weekend Web: http://www.dustybanjos.com/cleggan.htm

End of June – Week of Welcome – Ireland Reaching out, South East Galway

Middle of July – Galway Film Fleadh Web: http://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/

End of July – Galway Arts Festival Web: http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/

End of July – Middle of August – Festival of the sea Web: http://www.festivalofthesea.net/

Beginning of August – Galway races Web: http://www.galwayraces.com/

Beginning of August – The Connemara Pony Show Web: http://www.cpbs.ie/contents/index.php

Middle of August - Cruinniú na mBád Festival Web: http://www.kinvara.com/cruinniu/index.html

End of August – Creative Writers Workshop Web: http://www.thecreativewritersworkshop.com/

End of August – Beginning of September – Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Web: http://www.clarenbridge.com/

Beginning of September – Lough Derg Air Spectacular 2012 Web: http://www.loughdergairspectacular.com/

Middle of September – Galway Americana Festival Web: http://www.galwayamericanafestival.com/

End of September – Beginning of October - Ballinasloe Horse Fair Web: http://ballinasloeoctoberfair.com/content/

End of September – Galway International Oyster Festival Web: http://www.galwayoysterfest.com/

End of October – Baboró International Arts Festival Web: http://www.baboro.ie/

End of October – Galway Comedy Festival Web: http://www.galwaycomedyfestival.com/ End of October – Galway Races October Bank Holiday Web: http://www.galwayraces.com/october-race-meeting.asp

Beginning of November – Junior Film Fleadh Web: http://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/

Beginning of November – Spirit of Voice Festival Web: http://www.spiritofvoice.com/

End of November – Tulca Season of Visual Art Web: http://www.tulca.ie/

December – Galway Continental Christmas Market Web: http://www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie/

Co. Limerick

17 March - St Patrick Day Web: www.discoverireland.ie

End of March – Fresh Film Festival Web: www.freshfilmfestival.net Tel: 061 319555

Beginning of April - Headless Horseman Adventure Race and Festival Web: http://www.facebook.com/headlesshorsemanrace

End of April – Eigse Hartnett Literary and Arts Festival Web: http://www.eigsemichaelhartnett.ie/

Beginning of May – Limerick Riverfest Web: http://www.limerick.ie/riverfest/

Beginning of May – Ballyhoura International Walking Festival Web: http://visitballyhoura.com/index.php/2012/04/17/ballyhoura-international-walking-festival/

Middle of May – End of August : Eva International Web: http://www.eva.ie/

End of May – Feile na Maighe Web: http://www.limerick.ie/feilenamaighe/

Beginning of June – Foynes Irish Coffee Festival Web: http://www.foynesfestival.com/

End of June – Twillight Summer Racing Web: http://www.countryracing.com.au/summer-twilight-races

Middle of July – Pig’n’Porter Tag Rugby Festival Web: http://www.pignporter.com/ Beginning of August – The beast of Ballyhoura Web: http://www.beastofballyhoura.com/

Middle of August – Cappamore Agricultural Show Web: http://www.cappamoreshow.ie/

End of August – Limerick Show Web: http://www.limerickshow.com/web/

End of October – Cuisle, International Poetry Festival Web: http://www.limerick.ie/cuisle/

End of December – Christmas Racing Festival