Festivals

Doolin has long been famous for the Mico Russell Music Festival in February, but the last few years have seen a big increase in the number of interesting festivals in the area. Here are a few of the ones we're aware of...

Doolin Writers Weekend



The 2nd Annual Doolin Writers weekend took place in March 2014. Workshops in short story writing, poetry and novel writing, lectures and readings by some of Ireland’s leading writers - a weekend for aspiring writers as well as literary fans & published authors to get together and celebrate everything that is good about Irish Literature. Includes the Doolin Short Story Competition. March

The Burren Tolkien Society Festival
Apparently JR Tolkien was a visiting lecturer at Galway University and had several visits ito the Burren with friends. Some seem to think the rocky landscape helped inspire his description of the barren land of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings books. Since 2013 the Burren Tolkien Society has hosted a festival with a variety of Tolkien-inspired goings-on - from guided walks around prehistoric forts and holy wells, to fancy dress events and film screenings or just having a few pints in the Roadside Tavern. August



Doolin Folk Festival



This is a three day festival that takes place in a marquee on the lawn of Hotel Doolin. The 2014 line-up included Damien Dempsey, Solas and Kila, the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, Lisa O’Neill, Liam O'Flynn (Planxty) & fiddle player Paddy Glackin (The Bothy Band) plus many more. The idea behind the festival was to bring back to Doolin any traditional & folk musicians who have had a connection with the area over the years.. June

Doolin Craft Beer Festival
Billed as a celebration of Irish craft beer, Irish music and Irish artisan food. Held at Hotel Doolin 22nd to 24th August. Tickets will be €10.00, which includes a free commemorative Craft Beer Festival Glass. Over twenty craft beers. August