Events in Ireland.

24 September 2009 - 27 September 2009

It was the first week of September in 1953 and the worried manager of the Great Southern Hotel, Brian Collins, was looking at his near empty hotel. How could he extend the tourist season into September? Later that day, while discussing menus with the head chef, it was suggested that oysters should be on the menu as they had just come into season.

An idea came into Brian’s head –“why not celebrate the opening of the oyster season with a festival?” – “In September 1954 we will have an oyster festival!” True to his word with help from local businessmen and Guinness, the first festival took place the following September with 34 guests attending the first Oyster Festival Banquet and from such humble beginnings grew what is now regarded as one of the most celebrated and longest running festivals in the world.

The Galway International Oyster Festival has now been voted one of the 12 greatest shows on earth! A weekend of non-stop entertainment which features top-class national and international artists, cabaret and dancing from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th September. Galway City will come alive as thousands of people travel from the four corners of the world to enjoy a remarkable festival celebrating the oyster, a food known for it’s mysterious luxury and passion.

The Festival of the Connemara Pony is a celebration of the Connemara Pony breed with week-long activities including a visit to the Connemara National Park, culminating in the famous Connemara Pony Show.

The festival begins on Sunday, 16th August, with the Show Queen Competition. Education Day is on Monday, 17th August, where the Societies herd of ponies will be on display in the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. Tuesday is International Day where ICCPS delegates will meet in the Station House Hotel for a meeting; Wednesday is Performance Day.

29 August 2009 - 01 September 2009

A spectacular 4-day meeting with a mixture of flat and national hunt racing.

The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival has for many years been established as a premier event of top-class international entertainment accompanied by fine culinary delights.

A week-long entertainment event incorporating a traditional market day, golf outings, art exhibitions, yacht races, fine wine and gourmet evenings.

This festival is not one to be missed! Since its inception in 1954 when 34 people attended the very first festival at Paddy Burke's, Clarenbridge, the festival has gone on to represent all that is good about life, namely Good Company, Good Food, Good Entertainment,

Clifden Community Arts Week is celebrating its 32nd anniversary in 2009, and is a great celebration of the Arts which includes poetry reading, lectures, recitals, traditional music, all enjoyed in a wonderful relaxed atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places on the West Coast.

03 October 2009 - 11 October 2009

The 168th Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival is a 9-day event to cater for equestrian lovers, family entertainment, music and fun.

There is something at this Fair & Festival to suit all tastes. Horse and pony events, showjumping, street stalls, fireworks, tug-o-war, street & vintage parade, music and children's events. The Show begins with family fun and street theatre on Saturday, 3rd October; Gullane's Hotel carnival parade; announcement of 2009 King of the Fair.

Every breed of horse and pony is on display in the fairgreen on the Sunday and Monday, 4th and 5th October. Included are the famous Connemara ponies, eventers, hunters, stallions, mares with foals, trotting ponies, skewbalds and the Irish draught.

There will be displays of arts and crafts, street music and theatre. The following are the Equestrian days - Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 3rd, 4th and 5th October, Saturday 10th October is Country Fair Day - Horse & Foal Fair featuring All-Ireland Foal Competition in Shopwgrounds.