Ring of Kerry - Festival & Events

Ring of Kerry Events - 2012

Portmagee Set Dancing and Music Weekend : 4-6 May

A lively weekend of set dancing, live music and craic

Valentia Island Triathlon : 19 May

An annual event for tri-athletes from all over Ireland and beyond to endure a 750 metre swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Feila Na Greine – Solstice Arts Festival : 21-23 June

Come and enjoy this lively 3 day celebration of the arts – visual, dramatic, literary and musical – held at Tech Amergin in the heart of Waterville village. Events are held both inside and outside and include music, song and set dancing, as well as workshops in photography, singing and writing. The festival ends with St John’s Eve bonfire – an ancient Irish and European tradition.

Waterville Children’s Festival : 29 June – 01 July

The main emphasis of this festival will be on children's activities (face painting, bouncy castle, puppet show, kiddies disco) but plenty of fun for the whole family is guaranteed.

29th Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 7th July

The 112 mile leisure cycle takes place around the picturesque Ring of Kerry starting in Killarney - join the 1,000s of cyclists young and old - full support all the way round

Valentia Island King Scallop Festival : 14-15 July

The Valentia Island King Scallop Festival is a showcase of the unique King Scallop which is sourced locally. What makes this festival a success is the range of events taking place. Highlights this year include on-street cooking demonstrations, a junior triathlon, cricket match, craft fair, angling competition, blessing of the local fishing boats, live street music and the all-important crowning of this year's Mr King Scallop.

Cahersiveen Festival of Music & The Arts : 03-05 August

Now in its 17th year, this annual celebration shows the very best of musicians, performers and street entertainers. Musicians and dancers come from all over the country for this event. The main attraction is the stage in the centre of town where great free open air concerts take place over the weekend. Entertainment for all the family – children’s play area, bouncy castle and animal farms for the younger kids plus bar man’s races, stilt walkers, busking, Guinness and Oysters, music sessions, fireworks and much more. You won’t want to miss it.

Puck Fair, Killorglin: 10-12 August

No-one knows the real origin of this annual 3 day fair, when locals go up into the mountains and catch a wild goat. Brought back to the town, the goat is crowned "King Puck" by the Queen of the Puck Fair - traditionally the oldest virgin in the small town. The goat is then caged on high in the middle of the town and the fair starts in earnest - there is music, singing and dancing but mainly drinking as the pubs stay open until 3.00 in the morning. On the opening day there is a horse fair and on the 3rd night the fair ends with a firework display.

Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival : 23-26 August

The village of Waterville (the Kerry seaside village that Charlie Chaplin loved), with the patronage of Josephine Chaplin, along with other patrons, friends and local businesses, is holding this festival to honour the life and work of the master comedian and film maker whose legacy remains both relevant and influential to comedy today. This 4 day celebration is packed with events including film screenings, cultural talks and creative art workshops, live music, stand-up comedy, street entertainment, street market and Ireland’s national circus – Fossett’s Big Top. Guaranteed fun for all the family.

Norish Fest : 12-14 October

Come to Waterville and celebrate Norish Fest, a Norwegian-Irish initiative to strengthen the cultural, social and business links between Norway and Ireland.