Events

Walking Festival

Leenane Development Association is pleased to announce that plans are in place for the first Leenane Walking Festival. Enjoy a unique combination of mountain and sea as Leenane is situated on the edge of Killary Harbour and surrounded by mountains in all directions. Read more...

Connemara marathon

Comprising of a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and a 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon all taking place on the one day in late March or early April. Entry fee for 2008 is €70.00(Euro). The 2007 event attracted a sell out of 3,600 entries with representation from 30 Countries

Currach Racing

Every June, Leenane hosts the Killary Currach Festival. Races are held in the harbour and 2008 marks the 17th annual races. Teams accumulate points at these events as part of the National Championship. Heats are held in Boys, Girls, Seniors, Fear agus Bean and Niamhog. Despite the changeable May weather, rowers strip down to ply the oars and send the currachs skimming across the waves on Killary

The building of a currach is a master craft, and the tarred canvas hull stretched taut over a framework of seasoned wood lends itself to a simple vessel of supreme buoyancy. It is usually manned by three rowers. The Killary Currach Racing Festival carries on a long tradition of local races. Every fishing village and every island boasted a “team”, usually consisting of three rowers, who could outrace all others. To-day, throughout the spring and summer, races are held around Ireland.

Blackface Sheep Show

has now been running for 38 years. Farmers travel from South Connemara and North Mayo in June to enter ewes and rams. It is very much about the sheep; the two judges may spend a considerable time in debating a winner, but there is little ceremony about the awarding of prizes. Sheep farmers are a shy bunch and most are a bit embarrassed by the attention! The children’s dog show is the highlight of the fair for many a child with much competition for the ‘best behaved dog of the show‘!

The Ram Fair

In late October and November, the rams are let out; “tupping time”. Farmers will change rams every couple of years to avoid inbreeding, and the Annual Blackface Ram Fair is held in Leenane on the 23rd of October. It is a huge social occasion. The first farmers arrive at five in the morning, and the early birds can be seen moving through the morning darkness with torches to get a first look at the stock available By midday, most of the serious deals have been done. This does not imply speed; it would be the height of bad manners to try to buy an animal without first having a long chat.

Gaelforce

Gael Force returns for a 3rd year of adrenalin, action and adventure in the Wild Wild West! With nearly 400 adventurers taking part in last year’s event Gael Force has become the most popular adventure sports event in the country in just two years. Join in this year and experience the challenge of the race, the camaraderie, stunning scenery and fresh Atlantic air as we welcome you to Westport in glorious county Mayo, for Gael Force 2008!

Choose from two events;

GF6 - the classic one-day multi-sport challenge for solo participants or teams with biking, running, trekking and kayaking.

GF12 - featuring GF6 on the Saturday and then continuing with a “second stage” team event on the Sunday involving ropes, boats and navigation.

Both events take place on the weekend of 23rd & 24th of August 2008.

For full details check out our website at – www.gaelforcewest.ie

Or email at info@gaelforcewest.ie 

Phone: 098 28324 / 28316
 

Maam Turk Walk

An Annual challenging walk along the length of the Maam Turk Range, organised by NUIG Walking club.  For further details see www.mountaineering.ie