The communities of the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark region organise a range of festivals and events throughout the year.
Eanair/January
Feabhra/February
- Lá Feile Bhríd (St Brigid’s Day) marks the traditional start of spring. Celebration in various towns and villages
Márta/March
- Seachtain na Gaeilge, National traditional culture festival, takes place on first two weeks of March, events vary from year to year.
- Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking festival, walking festival, BAILE AN TOBAIR, Mayo
- Lá Feile Phádraig (St Patrick’s Day) parade and celebration in various towns and villages
Aibreán/April
- World Cup Trout fly fishing championship, angling competition on Lough Mask, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
- Connemarathon (Half, Full and Ultra marathon), start points AN TEACH DÓITE, Lough Inagh & AN LÍONÁIN, Galway
- Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Saturday, Tourmakeady, Mayo
Bealtaine/May
- International Mayfly festival, angling festival on Lough Corrib, UACHTAR ARD, Galway
- Connemara Walking festival, AN LÍONÁIN, Galway
Meitheamh/June
- Oughterard trails festival, walking festival, UACHTAR ARD, Galway
- Leenane Blackface Sheep show, AN LÍONÁIN, Galway
- Ballinrobe races Ladies Day, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
- Headfest, music festival, ÁTH CINN, Galway
- Cong to Galway Sailing Race, CONGA, Mayo
- Cornamona 50 mile sponsored cycle, Corr na Móna, Galway
Iúil/July
- Oughterard Regatta Ladies’ day, UACHTAR ARD, Galway
- Queen of the lakes festival, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
- Joyce Country Challenge (hillwalking), Finny, Mayo and Galway
- Maam Cross Pony & Livestock Show, AN TEACH DÓITE, Co Galway
- Domhnach na Cruaiche (Reek Sunday), pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber to Westport, Mayo
Lúnasa/August
- Ballinrobe Agricultural Show, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
- Mám Éan pilgrimage, Maam or Recess, Galway
- Oughterard Agricultural and Horticultural show, UACHTAR ARD, Galway
- Ceol na Locha, traditional music classes and festival, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Maigh Eo
- National Heritage Week, Events in various places in the country, vary from year to year
- Tourmakeady Agricultural Show, Tourmakeady, Co Mayo
- Féile na Sléibhte, AN FHAIRCHE, Galway
Meán Fómhair/September
- Cong Food Festival, Food market and festival, CONGA, Mayo
- Culture Night, National event on a Friday evening, varies from year to year
Deireadh Fómhair/October
- Leenane Blackface Ram fair, AN LÍONÁIN, Galway
- Maam Cross fair, Connemara Ponies fair, AN TEACH DÓITE, Galway
Samhain/November
- Congregation, festival for idea sharing and connecting, CONGA, Mayo
- Samhain (Halloween) celebration in various towns and villages
Nollaig/December
- Nollaig (Christmas) fair and markets in various towns and villages
Regular events:
Cottage market, every second Saturday of the month, 10:30 to 14:00, ÁTH CINN, Galway
Ballinrobe country market, every third Saturday of the month, 11:00 to 16:30, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
Ballinrobe races season with multiple fixtures from mid-April to September, Horse racing, BAILE AN RÓBA, Mayo
Gaelforce, extreme sports events (mountain running, Triathlon, fjord swim, mud run) in the region of Killary Harbour from July to November