Clean Coast Education and Outreach with Olivia Jones

The Clean Coasts programme works with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life. Olivia Jones, Clean Coast Co-ordinator for the North West region will be speaking about the seashore and the wonderful wildlife that lives there. She will also be chatting to students about the different types of litter that end up in the ocean, and how children can do their bit to keep it a litter free zone.

Artist Workshops with Artists Lelia Ní Chathmhaoil and Aoife Casby

Schools visits by independent artists. Artists Lelia Ní Chathmhaoil and Aoife Casby will run a series of art workshops within 4 local primary schools. Children will create sculptures out of material washed up on our shores. These will be installed and lit by Twisted Lane for the Night Lights exhibition.

Lelia Ni Chathmhaoil is an enthusiastic and motivated textile artist and weaver with decades of professional and voluntary experience in fabric production, the arts and community sectors. Her current practice explores eco-systems, place, home and challenges the way we see materials. Her artistic practice is both studio and community based with some site-specific work. She has been on artists residencies in Donegal (2016); Artfarm (2018); Áras Éanna, Inis Oirr (2018). She is a member of Cúl an Tí, Contemporary Arts Collective.

Aoife Casby works as a writer and visual artist. She holds a PhD from Goldsmiths University. Aoife’s current work considers material language and those relationships between land, word, image and object creating installations. She uses the materials of the seashore, words and local knowledge to explore ideas of ritual, history and how our fields are shaped and shape us. Aoife has received bursaries from the Irish Arts Council, Galway Co. Council and was selected to attend the Kelp Congress as part of Lofoten International Arts Festival, 2019.

Atlantiquarium Education and Outreach with Sibéal O’Regan

Sibéal Regan, Education and Outreach Officer and Marine and freshwater biologist at Galway City’s Atlantiquarium, will pay a visit to local schools. Pupils will embark on a voyage of discovery and learning. Sibéal will share her passion and knowledge about marine and freshwater life in a fun and engaging way.

Active Age Nature Bingo and Lunch

Fri 20 Oct, 13:00
Location: Picnic Room, Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park will host local Active Age groups in a fun-packed game of Nature Bingo, followed by lunch. There will be lots of prizes, so eyes down and pens at the ready.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Biodiversity Walk

Sat Oct 21, 10:00
Location: Meet at the Hungry Hiker Café, Connemara National Park at 10:00

This walk will start outside the Hungry Hiker Café where you will be greeted by your guide. The route will follow the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail and introduce you to the flora, fauna, history, geology and archaeology of Connemara National Park.

We recommend you wear good walking shoes and rainwear for all our walks. This walk will take approximately 1hr.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Presentation by Noeline Kavanagh, former artistic director of Macnas
followed by a workshop by Seçil Yaylalı of PASAJ

Sat Oct 21, 10:00
Location: Interface, Inagh Valley H91 VW58

Noeline Kavangh was the Artistic Director and CEO of Macnas Spectacle & Street Company from 2009-2022. In 2020 Macnas was awarded The Irish Times special Tribute Award for outstanding contribution to Irish culture. A graduate of the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Noeline also attended Central School of Speech & Drama, London. Noeline worked as an intern for Bread & Puppet Theatre in the USA, Theatre Du Soleil in France, Rough Magic Theatre Company, Druid Theatre Company and Mu-Lan Theatre Company, UK.
“Kavanagh has pioneered a new form of theatre – large-scale kinetic sculptures – pushing the boundaries in performance and interactivity – combining theatre with spectacle.” The Irish Times

PASAJ is an artist initiative founded in December 2010 by a group of artists and art enthusiasts in Istanbul, Turkey. Its aim is to provide a space for exchange between Turkish artists and international artists. PASAJ promotes contemporary art in the context of socially engaged and relational art practices.

This workshop we will start with an exploration of the historic and social context of mask wearing and mask making. Participants will produce masks using natural found materials. They will use the masks to explore associations with disguise, confessions, conflicts within themselves or with their surroundings.

Places are limited. Please book your place by emailing interfaceinagh@gmail.com

Sponsored by Interface Inagh.

Traditional Irish Music Workshop with Marie Walsh

Sat Oct 21, 12:30-14:00
Location: Connemara National Park Picnic Room

Music maestro and teacher, Marie Walsh will be on hand to share her knowledge and experience of playing music. This is a mixed instrument workshop for children under 18. Participants will need to have some experience in playing their instrument, so this workshop is not suited for complete beginners.

Don’t forget to bring your instrument!

Sponsored by Connemara West.

Power to Change: Community Native Woodland Workshop

Sat Oct 21, 14:00-16:30
Location: ATU Campus, Letterfrack H91 AH5K

The Atlantic Technological University in Connemara will host a presentation and workshop highlighting the importance of  trees from ecological, climate and economic perspectives.  The presentation is centred on the Community Native  Woodland which was established in 2013. The value of that woodland from a biodiversity and carbon sequestration perspective will be outlined. The challenges and opportunities of woodland establishment will be discussed.
The workshop will consist of a demonstration on the  conversion, seasoning and utilisation of Irish-grown timber in  ATU timber research centre.

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.

This event is free but booking is required.  BOOK NOW

This initiative is part of the Community Climate Action  Programme funded by the Department of the Environment,  Climate and Communications.

Sponsored by Atlantic Technological University, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Biodiversity Walk

Sun Oct 22, 10:00
Location: Meet at the Hungry Hiker Café, Connemara National Park at 10:00

This walk will start outside the Hungry Hiker Café where you will be greeted by your guide. The route will follow the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail and introduce you to the flora, fauna, history, geology and archaeology of Connemara National Park.

We recommend you wear good walking shoes and rainwear for all our walks. This walk will take approximately 1hr.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

The History of Skin Boats in Europe by Claidhbh Ó Gibne, Boyne Currach Centre

Tue Oct 24, 13:00
Location: The Library, ATU Connemara, Connemara West Centre

The traditional Boyne Currach is the last of an ancient tradition of skin covered river and sea currachs. Their history stretches over many countries and eras, from as far back as Herodites, the ancient Greek philosopher. Claidhbh Ó Gibne presents the first in a series of talks on this rich and innovative part of Irish culture and heritage.

Sponsored by Atlantic Technological University

Movie: The Vanishing of the Bees

Tue Oct 24, 19:30
Location: AV Centre, Connemara National Park

Imagine half a million adults skipping their houses and leaving their children behind. Picture an opened suitcase filled with bundles of cash at a bus stop and yet no robber wants to snatch it. The apiary science mystery known as “Colony Collapse Disorder” displays these very symptoms. Not only do the bees abandon their hive but the queen and the brood as well. Unnatural. Unheard of. Even the predators that usually raid the hive for honey stay away. At first, this occurrence sounds like an urban legend or an exaggerated tale. Except it’s not. Bees are disappearing all over the planet and no one knows why. Since this nearly year-long investigation first began, thousands of beekeepers around the globe have come out of the bee yard, and admitted to the same problem, with some reporting losses of more than 90 percent of their colonies. And there are no dead bees to be found. It is estimated that CCD has resulted in the death of more than one quarter of the 2.4 million bee colonies in at least 35 states across the U.S.The film looks at the CCD from the viewpoint of the beekeeper, as well as from the perspective of hard science, while keeping in mind the mythical spirit of the honeybee.

Sponsored by Letterfrack Hardware

Oyster Shell Painting Workshop

Wed Oct 25, 11:00
Location: Picnic Room, Connemara National Park

We invite adults to come along and join a local artist who will guide you through the art of oyster shell painting. The shells have been sourced locally and can be used for many purposes such as trinket dishes, hand-written baby name tokens, miniature scenes and lots more. We look forward to seeing your creative designs!

The workshop will start at 11:00 and run until 12.30.

This is a free event and all materials will be supplied.

Booking is necessary and can be done by emailing siobhan.geoghegan@npws.gov.ie or calling 087 2919721 on or before 4.30pm on October 21st.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Night Lights Exhibition

Wed Oct 25, 19:00
Location: ATU Connemara, Connemara West Centre, H91 AH5K

A spectacle of lights, colour, music and creative energy!

Prop designer and maker Tommy Casby works with students from Youthreach to create a light installation that will take centre place in the village of Letterfrack. Drummer Anthony Harrigan will lead an atmospheric and expressive drumroll. Students from ATU and pupils from local schools will display their Night Light props. Currachs on the green will light the way!

All objects used for this exhibition are reclaimed or upcycled.

Sponsored by Galway County Council, GRETB and the Wild Goat Cafe

Active Age Dinner in Rosleague Hotel

Thu Oct 26, 13:00
Location: Rosleague Manor House Hotel

Mark Foyle and his team at Rosleague Manor House Hotel will welcome members of the local Active Age groups to a sumptuous Sea Week meal with a strong focus on the finest and freshest locally sourced ingredients and produce.

Music and entertainment is provided by the legendary singer-songwriter Don Stiffe and flute player Marcus Hernon.

Sponsered by Rosleague Manor House Hotel and Forum Connemara.

Biodiversity Walk

Sat Oct 28, 10:00
Location: Meet at the Hungry Hiker Café, Connemara National Park at 10:00

This walk will start outside the Hungry Hiker Café where you will be greeted by your guide. The route will follow the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail and introduce you to the flora, fauna, history, geology and archaeology of Connemara National Park.

We recommend you wear good walking shoes and rainwear for all our walks. This walk will take approximately 1hr.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Climate and Biodiversity Seminar

Sat Oct 28, 10:00
Location: AV Centre, Connemara National Park

This conference will bring a range of expert speakers who will address issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, its impact on our seas, and discuss solutions to bring hope for a better future. Speakers include renowned environmentalist Duncan Stewart, Sven Habermann from Conservation Letterfrack, Fiacc O’Brolchain from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, and Atlantic Technological University, marine ecology researchers,  Emilie De Loose and Patricia Navarro Gonzalez. This event will be accompanied by poetry from Tedd and Annie Deppe and traditional music performance.

Read more about the speakers >

Price: €10, students free. Price includes tea/coffee at interval.

Booking essential   BOOK NOW

Sponsored by Renvyle House Hotel and Galway County Council.

Children’s Pond Dipping Workshop

Sat Oct 28, 11:00
Location: Visitor Centre, Connemara National Park

Have you ever wondered what lives in the pond at Connemara National Park? Join us on Saturday, 28th October to find out!
This event is suitable for children aged 7 years and upwards. An adult must accompany the child/children at all times.

This is a booking only event and places are strictly limited to 25 children.
Please contact carole.reynolds@npws.gov.ie to make a booking.
Booking will close at 5pm on Thursday, 26th October.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Hidden Lakes of Connemara – Research Presentation

Sat Oct 28, 14:00
Location: AV Centre Connemara National Park

Since 1975, what happened to the numerous lakes and wetlands of the fascinating coastal landscape of Connemara?

In 1975 four Dutch ecology students investigated the effects of the sea, bedrock and land use on the lakes and wetlands in the coastal fringe of Connemara. They kept repeating that journey and research at regular intervals. They developed an everlasting love for the landscape, its people and its rich history. In this presentation, they report on changes they witnessed and recorded. Their beautiful book, The Hidden Lakes of Connemara was produced to record their journey.

The research team are:

• Jan van Groenendael was professor Aquatic Ecology Radboud University Nijmegen.
• Ton Roozen was deputy director of Gelderland Trust for Natural beauty and Historic houses.
• Marijke van Mansfeld was teacher of biology and science at “Veluws College”
• Apeldoorn Madeleine van Mansfeld is landscape ecologist and process manager sustainable development.

This event will be opened by Rosina Joyce, newly appointed Biodiversity Officer with Galway County Council.

Sponsored by Letterfrack Country Shop.

Hidden Lakes of Connemara – Book Launch with Duncan Stewart

Sat Oct 28, 16:00
Location: Books at One, Letterfrack

Hidden Lakes of Connemara is a publication by four Dutch environmentalists, who have conducted a 35-year study of Connemara lakes. In his foreword to the book, wetland ecologist, Jim Ryan, writes that the book “analysed the botanical and chemical changes which have occurred in their vegetation plots over the 35 years and have identified the main causes of such changes. To my knowledge this is one of the very few long-term studies of this kind in Ireland and is unusual even on a world stage.” The book contains original watercolour illustrations, poems, and essays, describing changes in the lakes and the landscape highlighting the special nature and beauty of Connemara. While the subject matter is quite specific, the book is designed in such a way that it will appeal to a general audience who share a deep appreciation of their environment.

The book will be formally launched by renowned environmentalist, Duncan Stewart.

Hidden Lakes of Connemara is published by Artisan House Editions. 

Sponsored by Books at One Letterfrack, Galway County Council and Renvyle House Hotel.

Conamara Sea Week Small Works Exhibition

Sat Oct 28, 18:00
Location: Visitor Centre, Connemara National Park

This beautifully curated exhibition sees established and emerging artists submit works which reflect on the theme of biodiversity. Each art work is no larger than A3 in size and is presented anonymously, only signed on the back.
The exhibition attempts to allow art to be accessible to everyone with all works sold at a fixed price: €90 unframed and €130 for framed works.

The exhibition will be officially opened at 18:00 by Duncan Stewart and will feature young local musicians Billy Carey on guitar and vocals and Liam Tierney on button accordion. The exhibition will run until 19th November.

The organisers of Conamara Sea Week Small Works Exhibition would like to thank all artists for their continued support of this special event.

Sponsored by Galway County Council.

Farm Walk

Sun Oct 29, 10:00
Location: Meet at the Hungry Hiker Café, Connemara National Park at 10:00

Your meeting point for this walk will be just outside the Hungry Hiker Café. Your guide will take you along the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail to see some of our native Irish breeds of cattle, sheep and ponies, while also learning about our wild goats and Tamworth pigs.

We recommend you wear good walking shoes/rainwear for all our walks. This walk will take approximately 1hr.

Sponsored by Connemara National Park.

Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue Sea Week Fundraiser

Sun Oct 29, 10:00-15:00
Location: Ellis Hall, Letterfrack

You’ll find bargains galore at this fundraiser and every sale goes directly to support this wonderful charity. There’s books, clothing, toys, bric a brac, Christmas decorations, raffle, lots of eclectic merchandise and even a posh stall! There’s tea and coffee and why not treat yourself sumptuous homemade cakes, jams and goodies.

Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue accept donations on Saturday 14th and 21st from 11:00 – 14:00 in their base at the back of the Ellis Hall. They cannot take any donations on the day of the sale. Please remember that donations must be in GOOD AS NEW condition, but no electrical goods.

Guided Shore Walk

Sun Oct 29, 12:00
Location: Meet at White Strand, Renvyle

Local marine biologist Darwyn O’Halloran, will lead a walk along the Renvyle shoreline, introducing a variety of nutritional foods from the sea.

In conjunction with Clean Coast, participants will be encouraged to do a beach clean as they roam the beautiful sandy beaches of Connemara.

Sponsored by Connemara Carpets.

Mini Regatta

Sun Oct 29, 15:00
Location: Visitor Centre, Connemara National Park

A regatta like you’ve never witnessed before! Vessels must be made from upcycled materials, no more than 30cm long and be sea-worthy! The winner will be the first vessel to navigate the perilous and dragon-infested waters of the upper pond in Connemara National Park!

The artist Harry Kernoff and his Connemara Connection – Presentation by Vitor Vicente

Sun Oct 29, 16:00
Location: AV Centre, Connemara National Park

Harry Aaron Kernoff (1900 – 1974) was an Irish genre-painter who most famously depicted Dublin street and pub scenes and landmarks. He also produced landscapes, woodcut illustrations, portraits, and set designs, some of which were inspired by the Connemara landscape. This presentation by author and researcher Vitor Vicente, will take the audience through some of Kernoff’s works inspired by the Connemara landscape and its people.  Vitor will also read some prose poems inspired by Kernoff’s paintings from his book “Harry Kernoff’s Guest”.

Vitor Vicente was born in Portugal and has lived in Spain, Ireland, Poland and Hungary since 2006. He currently lives in Dublin. He has published 12 books in various literary genres, with the theme of travel running through all his work. He contributes with a sports column to The Echo.

Sponsored by Clifden Station House Hotel.

The Brennans

Fri Oct 20, 22:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Anne and Monica Brennan known as The Brennan Sisters are professional church singers and musicians from Connemara. The girls have a unique style of performance, incorporating beautiful harmonies with a distinctive, unmistakable resonance and offer a service that is second to none. The sisters accompany themselves playing piano and guitar and cover a wide range of styles and genres.

The sisters have shared the stage with some of Ireland’s finest artists including, Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Declan O’ Rourke and Damien Dempsey to name but a few. Monica recently sang for President Higgins in the forbidden city, Beijing with Sharon Shannon and band while he was on a state visit to China and Anne is just back from a five week tour of Germany. For Sea Week, the sisters  will be joined by their father Willie.

Anders Trabjerg (accordion) & Mayo Yanachi (fiddle)

Sat Oct 21, 17:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Anders Trabjerg hails from the west coast of Denmark. Playing the continental 5 row accordion since the age of seven, he became interested in traditional Irish music in his teens, focusing on 1 and 2 row accordions and melodeons. He moved to Galway in 1996 and ever since, has been a fixture in the local music scene. In 2001 he recorded his solo album “Boxed,” for which he received Roots Release of the Year at the Danish Music Awards. Featured on several albums including with his band “GIRO”, where his musical diversity expands to Eastern Europe, Klezmer and Scandinavian music. He can be seen performing daily at traditional music sessions in Galway.

Mayo Yanachi of Tokyo, Japan, began classical violin lessons at the age of seven. She began studying Irish fiddle with Tak Tamura, who had lived in Galway for many years, and who had recorded with Anders Trabjerg. Her passion for Irish music lead her to come to Galway in 2007, completing an MA in Irish traditional music with first class honours at the University of Limerick in 2010. She is one of the founding members of GIRO- Galway International Retro Orchestra, which released two albums in 2014 and 2018. She can be found performing at traditional sessions across Galway City.

The Hernons & Don Stiffe

Sat Oct 21, 22:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Traditional musician, Marcus Hernon, along with his sons Prionsias and Breandan, will perform with Don Stiffe, folk singer/songwriter. Marcus is a renowned flute player, composer and indeed flute maker from Connemara. His sons Prionsias and Breandan are also renowned musicians and dancers in their own right. Don Stiffe, no stranger to Conamara Sea Week, has written many songs including “Missing Galway”, “Grosse Isle”, “The Banks of the Danube” and the award winning song “Somebody Special”. Together, they will  provide an eclectic mix of traditional music, coupled with the folksy country tones of Don Stiffe.

Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella and Declan Corey

Sun Oct 22, 16:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Accordionist/multi-instrumentalist and composer Josephine Marsh is a musician with a highly distinctive and personalised style – her playing being described as loose, free, spiritual, uplifting and flowing. Josephine has toured all over the world as a solo musician/teacher and with her band. Josephine is also a great friend of Conamara Sea Week and no stranger to Letterfrack. She has recorded four albums including, Music in the Frame which includes nine of her own compositions and tunes from the Traditional canon. Josephine’s accordion playing has been featured on albums by Kate Purcell (A Dream Unfolds), Tim Flannery (Tim Flannery’s Album), Gerry Lynch (The Dimming of the Day), and Sean Tyrell (The Orchard). Josephine will be joined by highly respected and acclaimed musicians Mick Kinsella (harmonica and English concertina) and Declan Corey (mandolin bouzouki).

Matt Keane

Fri Oct 27, 22:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Galway award winning traditional musician and folk singer Matt Keane is one of the renowned Keane family from Caherlistrane in Co.Galway.  In 2007 he recorded his first album in his own right ‘Out In The Fields’ and followed up with a second album featuring his daughter Orlaith entitled ‘Pictures in Time’ in 2008.  Matt is as comfortable singing Johnny Cash or Kenny Rogers numbers as traditional Irish songs as he is a lover of both genres.

Liz and Yvonne Kane with Mirella Murray

Sat Oct 28, 17:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Traditional Irish fiddle-playing sisters, Liz and Yvonne Kane from Letterfrack are much respected musicians and educators. They were taught music by their grandfather, local fiddle player, Jimmy Mullen and Mary Finn, a Co.Sligo musician and teacher. Liz and Yvonne first came to national and international prominence when touring with accordion player, Sharon Shannon as members of her band, The Woodchoppers. They travelled all over the world with her band and are featured artists on Sharon’s album ‘The Diamond Mountain Sessions’ which received rave reviews by Hot Press at the time of its release.

Accompanying the ‘Kane Sisters’ will be award winning accordion player Mirella Murray. Mirella’s father John Joe, a notable sean nós dancer, came from Inishark Island and had a deep understanding and love for traditional music. Mirella also studied the piano accordion with Mary Finn and won the accordion All-Ireland championship and duet All-Ireland championship with Liz Kane. Mirella teamed up with the great fiddle player Tola Custy from Co. Clare and they recorded Three Sunsets, which was voted one of the top five albums of the year by The Irish Times. Mirella performed at the International Women’s Day Festival in Moscow; was featured in the Galway Arts Festival and toured Austria, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Spain, and France. She was a featured soloist in the off-Broadway production of the late Johnny Cunningham’s theatrical production, Peter & Wendy, an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan which garnered two OBIE Awards.

The Monday Club

Sat Oct 28, 22:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Described as Connemara’s finest alternative Country Rock Band, the Monday Club will chase the blues away with an upbeat and eclectic mix of greatest hits and sing-alongs. Bring your dancing shoes!

Daithí Gormley (button accordion) and Elaine Reilly (banjo)

Sun Oct 29, 17:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

With an extensive and much respected repertoire steeped in the rich musical heritage of his native county Sligo, Daithí Gormley is widely regarded as one of the foremost button accordion players of his generation. He has researched, published and lectured on Irish traditional music and is in high demand as an accomplished performer, tutor and lecturer. In 2017 Daithí and fiddler Oisín MacDiarmada published the ‘Fiddlers of Sligo Tunebook’ and in 2018 Daithí released his debut solo album ‘Fiddling without a Bow’ to wide critical acclaim. Daithí is also one of Irelands foremost button accordion tutors teaching extensively both nationally and internationally.

From Granard, Co Longford, Elaine Reilly is one of the foremost tenor banjo players of her generation. She is in high demand as an accomplished and much sought after performer and tutor. She has taught at many events including The Willie Clancy Summer School, IMBOLC, and Scoil Eigse and has toured extensively in Ireland, Britain and North America. In 2020, Elaine was chosen as one of 20 musicians for Trad Ireland’s 20/20 visionaries project and recently recorded with fellow Longford banjo player, Angelina Carberry.

Conor Keane, The Hog, Ciaran & Frank

Sun Oct 29, 20:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer

Conor Keane is an accordion player from Ennis, County Clare. He has recorded and played with bands such as Shaskeen, Arcady and the Four Men and a Dog. He spent two years resident in Brittany where he worked with the legendary Breton singer and writer Gilles Servat. Conor plays the C sharp D accordion, and has a unique style of playing. In recent years he has been composing his own pieces of music for the diatonic accordion. His latest album, is “Joao de Deus” which features original compositions that have a lovely Breton influenced feel to them. Conor will be joined by regular local favourites, The Hog (Michael Casey) and Ciaran and Frank Coyne to ensure Sunday night is alive and kicking!

Conor Keane & The Hog

Mon Oct 30, 18:00
Location: Veldon’s Seafarer