River and Sea Activities for Arts Festival

Now known as one of the best and biggest festivals in West Cork, the Skibbereen Arts Festival is now in its 6th year. 

This years festival covers all strands of the arts and is jam-packed with national and international talent. Highlights include a very special evening with Mick Flannery, the annual Canon Goodman Gala Concert featuring Liam O’ Flynn & Paddy Glackin. Also featured this year is an inaugural ‘Drama Day’ with four plays taking place in four venues around town as well as performances by contemporary dance company ‘Croí Glan’, the return of the amazing ‘Poetry Marathon’, ‘Mad Pride’ Family Day, ‘Skibb Smiles Youth Festival’. There is also an annual outdoor screening, a day devoted to the Ilen River, workshops, walks, talks, readings and discussions plus hundreds of pieces of art to view all over the town to enjoy as well as some very special events for children, lunchtime sessions every day, film-screenings, sound-installations and some excellent concerts.

For things to do in Skibbereen, taking festival goers down a historical path and showing people the calibre of beauty that lies in the town, Skibbereen’s own River Day will take place today Wednesday 30th July. The River Day will be held in celebration of one of Skibbereen’s dearest treasures, the Ilen River.The day's activities will begin with a trip to the Fastnet, leaving from the Ilen River. Joining the trip is Ger Butler, one of Ireland’s last lightkeepers. Ger Butler was previously an assistant keeper at the Fastnet, Bull Rock, The Old Head of Kinsale and Mizen Head Lighthouse. 

A sea kayaking trip is also available and a river dance will take place at the Steam Mill Quay. Skibbereen musicians from Comhaltas Óg will be performing on a boat as they travel through the town, and will stop at the Quay at 7pm to provide music. Giving a real taste of Irish traditions, later at 9pm, a Séisiún will be held in our hotel in West Cork. 

With so many activities planned, this festival promises not to disapoint for those looking for things to do in West Cork. After a day's activities if you are in search of a restaurant in skibbereen relax and enjoy the wonderful home cooked style meals using local produce or for pubs in skibbereen enjoy the relaxed ambiance and atmosphere at the Ilen Bar.