Sunshine and Summer Festivals in Skibbereen and West Cork

The wonderful weather looks set to stay with us for the forthcoming weekend, which is great news if you are in the area to enjoy some of the festivals, events and many things to do in West Cork. Sunday 21st July – The Sherkin Island Regatta will be taking place, which is a wonderfully busy day on the island and attracts hoards of visitors, as crews from rowing clubs in the surrounding neighbouring villages and towns compete against one another within Baltimore Harbour. Also taking place on Sunday 21st July – The Union Hall Festival by the Sea, which officially begins after a Gathering Mass in the church, when Hollywood actor and West Cork local Jeremy Irons opens the ten-day summer gathering that includes a family sports day, a fancy dress parade led by the Millstreet Pipe Band and St Fachtna’s Silver Band and a whole host of other activities such as sports, music, games, dancing, angling and delicious local produce that will showcase to both locals and visitors the very best of what the fishing village has to offer. Then from Monday 22nd July - The Arts Festival, beginning with the Skibbereen Children’s festival from Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th July and the Skibbereen Arts Festival from Friday 26th – Sunday 4th August. This vibrant festival is renowned for attracting world class international and local acts to feature in its packed programme of events, and this year things are no different with the announcement that Valgeir, who is known for his collaborations with Björk, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Camille, CocoRosie, Ben Frost, Howie B, Kronos Quartet, The Magic Numbers, múm, Feist and Nico Muhly to name but a few will be playing on Sunday 4th August in the Abbeystrewery Church.

All of these festivals are a short drive from our hotel in West Cork so when you are passing this weekend, why not pop in to see us and enjoy some freshly cooked local produce in our bar or restaurant in Skibbereen or treat yourself to a scrumptous pizza in skibbereen.