The nights are drawing in, but there’s no excuse to stay on the couch. From roaring trad sessions in Clifden to a brutal mountain race from Maam to Leenane, Christmas shopping at Kylemore Abbey and a packed weekend of gigs in Galway, here’s what’s on in Connemara and Galway this weekend, 13–15 November.
Where to hear live music in Connemara this weekend
Clifden is still the beating heart of trad music in the west, even in November.
- Lowry’s Bar, Market Street, Clifden – billed as the home of Irish music in Connemara and voted Best Traditional Bar in Ireland three times. It runs live music seven nights a week during the season, so ring ahead for this weekend’s line-up.
- MC McGrath’s Bar, Bridge Street, Clifden – one of the town’s oldest family-run pubs, with more than 200 years of history. It advertises live music every night from 9pm to 11pm, from trad to country and bluegrass, according to Galway Tourism.
- Guys Bar and Mannion’s Bar, Clifden – two long-standing family-run favourites for a pint and a bite after a day on the Sky Road.
Winter hours and line-ups change, so it’s worth checking each pub’s Facebook page or giving them a quick call before you head out.
Saturday: the Western Way 30K and Ultra, Maam to Leenane
Not for the faint-hearted. On Saturday 14 November, the Irish Mountain Running Association takes runners along the Western Way from Maam to Leenane over some seriously tough terrain. It’s aimed at experienced trail runners, but the scenery makes it one of the best spectator spots in the west. Details are on the Connemara events calendar.
Saturday and Sunday: Christmas shopping at Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey lists its Christmas Shopping Weekend for Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, and The Big Choir Christmas Concert is listed for Sunday. It’s the perfect excuse to get a head start on presents with one of Ireland’s most beautiful backdrops. Check Kylemore Abbey’s events page for times and tickets before you travel.
Sunday: Leenane 5 Mile Run, Jog or Walk
For something gentler, the Leenane/Maam branch of the Irish Red Cross is hosting a 5 Mile Run, Jog or Walk through Leenane on Sunday 15 November. Bring the family, and support a great cause in one of the most scenic villages in Connemara, right on Killary Harbour.
Gigs around Galway this weekend
Heading into town? Here’s the line-up, according to Galway Tourism’s gig guide:
Friday 13 November
- The Frank and Walters – Róisín Dubh
- Deuce – Monroe’s Live
- Dan McCabe – Loughrea Hotel
Saturday 14 November
- find-joy – Róisín Dubh
Sunday 15 November
- Michael English – Town Hall Theatre
- Seamus Fogarty – Róisín Dubh
- Mullingual and local acts – The Dew Drop Inn
Comedy fans: Monroe’s lists Andrew Ryan on Friday and Saturday, with at least one show marked sold out, and the Outpost Comedy Club on Sunday night.
Coming up: Christmas in Clifden
Put it in the diary now. Christmas in Clifden kicks off on Friday 27 November with a Schools Spectacular on the square at 5pm and the lights countdown at 6pm. The festival runs until 13 December with markets, workshops, music and Santa visits, supporting Galway Hospice.
Running an event, gig or session in Connemara? Send it to us through our Facebook page and we’ll include it in next week’s guide. For more local news, visit our Connemara & Galway section.
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