If you are journeying along the Wild Atlantic Way in the month of August ,you will have the opportunity to experience happiness, delight and fascination in the choice of festival’s that are happening on this World Class touring route. From County Donegal to County Cork, people take great pleasure in and are thrilled by the beautiful landscapes, amazing history and renowned friendliness of its communities.
The month of August is the eight month of the year and also the beginning of Autumn.The name August came about when Augustus, the Grandnephew of Julius Caesar won a ferocious battle and became Emperor of Rome. The month of August in world history saw Hawaii become the 50th American State and Thomas Edison inventing the phonograph. Famous birthdays in this month are Napoleon Bonaparte, Alfred Hitchcock and Barrack Obama!
I have chosen nine wonderful festivals and events on the Wild Atlantic Way this August and I hope you will like our selected events.
1-The Daniel O’Connell Summer School takes place on 26-27TH August in Cahersiveen and Derrynane House in County Kerry. This annual event is a celebration of Daniel O’Connell who was a 19th Century Irish political leader best known for Catholic Emancipation. Among many speakers organised will be Former Ireland President Mary McAleese who delivers the keynote address, the 2016 Daniel O’Connell Lecture.
2-The 57TH Yeats International Summer School in County Sligo runs till 8TH August in Sligo. Noble Prize winning poet Yeats was born 151 years ago and this summer school has a full programme of lectures ,seminars ,music and poetry readings celebrating his work,life and legacy.
3-The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival is in its sixth year in Waterville ,County Kerry and is from 25th to 28th August,2016.This will have lots of films ,workshops and street entertainment as well as a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people dressed as Charlie Chaplin in the same spot.
4-Donegal Marathon is on Sunday, 21st August,2016 welcoming runners from all over the world. This is all happening in Letterkenny with full and half marathons as well as a Team Challenge Cup which features four members running 10 km’s each.
5-Schull Regatta 2016 is on 6th -7 th August in the beautiful West Cork town of Schull. Why not enjoy coastal rowing,sailing,parades and outdoor music.
6-Doolin Beer and Roots Festival is on 26th-28th August,2016.This has a wonderful weekend lined up featuring nine brewing companies and many music acts and djs.
7-The Rose of Tralee International Festival is on 17th -23rd August, 2016 in Tralee, County Kerry. Last year, say 1.7 million people watch the two nights of the televised Rose selection show and also to be enjoyed are street entertainment, fireworks and carnival concerts.
8-A Taste of Donegal Food Festival is on 26th -28th August,2016 in Donegal Town. This three day festival is in its 8 year and bring 25,000 people to enjoy food and drink exhibitor stands, celebrity chefs and lots more.
9-Extreme North Quadrathon is from the 11-14TH August,2016 in Inisowen ,County Donegal. This world class endurance challenge features four marathon races over four day which are Kinnego,Malin,Mamore and Muff.Runners have a half (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.3 miles) option and will feature runners from around the planet.