
Ireland is renowned for it’s reputation as a country that knows how to celebrate! The Beara Peninsula is no exception. Throughout the year festivals, street carnivals, music and “craic” can all be found on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork.
There are probably too many events to mention here but I will just include some of the main attractions for your information.
The village of Allihies hosts a family sports and horse racing event each year in August. The Michael Dwyer festival takes place in May and throughout the year great music sessions take place in O’Neill’s, Jimmy’s bar and The Lighthouse pub. www.michaeldwyer.ie
Bere Island which is just 2km offshore from the town of Castletownbere has a thriving community and offers a wide range of events. It has a very interesting history with remnants of British Imperialism still visible throughout the Island. www.bereisland.net
The Bere Island Festival is held in August each year.
Castletownbere or Castletown Berehaven hosts the Festival of the Sea and Regatta each year in August over the bank holiday weekend and the week that follows. There is a terrific carnival atmosphere in town for this occasion. Net mending competitions, fancy dress, best dressed dog, open air set dancing, pillow fights, pub quiz, cookery demonstrations and seafood barbeque are just some of the activities taking place. It’s all good fun and great entertainment.
Eyeries, another of the villages on the Wild Atlantic Way, has a street festival each year in July. www.eyeries.com It’s a wonderful family festival with lots of activities and fun things to do.
Beara Arts Festival www.bearaartsfestival.com which usually takes place in August, showcases the work of local artists living and working on the Beara Peninsula. The festival includes a wealth of local literary, musical and artistic talent. Talks, readings, workshops and performances take place in local venues. The Castletownbere Library and the Sarah Walker Gallery on the pier in Castletown host events while the exhibition itself is usually held in the Community School.
Beara is home to some of the finest artists and ceramicists in Ireland. Rachel Parry’s work is among the most creative and unique work out there. Rachel is one of those artists “who make art only because it needs to be made” www.rachelparryartist.com
Tim Goulding, www.timgoulding.com has been living near Allihies, West Cork since 1969. He has exhibited extensively in Europe and the USA.
Cormac Boydell www.cormacboydell.com creates unique hand formed ceramics in terracotta. In making his work Cormac uses no tools, “relishing instead the direct contact between hands and clay.”
John Brennan www.millcovegallery.com His work can be seen at the Millcove Gallery where there is a magnificent sculpture garden, it’s a must visit!
Jenny Richardson www.jennyrichardson.net creates beautiful creatures on driftwood and is a magnificent fine artist.
Marianne Klopp www.mklopp-pottery.ie lives close to Ardgroom on the Beara Peninsula. Marianne creates dynamic and unique hand thrown stoneware pottery. Her work can be bought in local shops or give yourself a treat and visit her pottery studio. Coast Road, Ardgroom, Beara, Co. Cork.