Cruinniu na mBád, meaning "Gathering of the Boats", is a festival held in August each year, which brings us back in time, to when the majestic Galway Hookers used to transport turf/peat to Kinvara. Up to 100 unique Irish boats, the Galway Hookers, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway. Saturday evening features some lively Gleoteoig (small hooker) racing and, on Sunday, the Hooker and Leath Bhad (half hooker) races will take place, against the backdrop of Dunguaire Castle and the Burren landscape of South Galway Bay. Gaelic is the language of the bádóirí (boat people) and sean nós (old style) singing, dancing and music will feature prominently.
