Cruinniú na mBád Festival 2024
Galway Hooker Festival in Kinvara ⛵
2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara which is expected to take place from 16th to 18th August 2024. The festival celebrates the living tradition of the sailing of beautiful Galway Hookers, this fabulous regatta hosts the legendary turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers.
The Gathering of the Boats ⚓
Up to 100 Galway Hookers boats, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway. Since its revival in 1979, the festival has become one of the most unique and successful weekend festivals in Ireland. The continuity of traditional sailing festivals, and especially Cruinniú na mBád, is very important for the survival of the craftsmanship of traditional boat building, sail making, etc.
Ⓒ Images from Cruinniú na mBád facebook.
The festival also promotes the art of traditional sailing and the culture that surrounds it, e.g. sean nós singing, the Irish language and more.
It will include a series of races for the four types of Galway Hookers. They include: the Bád Mór, which is the largest vessel measuring between 35 to 44 feet in length; the second largest, the Leath Bhád , has a hull length of roughly 32 feet; the Gleoiteog; and the diminutive Púcán. During the festival the pubs in Kinvara are alive with the sound of music, as this festival attracts the very best traditional Irish musicians.
This year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever with great music acts, kids activities such as a kids disco, a fancy dress party for kids of all ages and circus skills workshops.
What to expect at Cruinniú na mBád in Kinvara
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Cruinniú na mBád FAQs
What is the Cruinniú na mBád festival?
The Cruinniú na mBád festival in Kinvara, County Galway, is a vibrant gathering that brings together up to 100 Galway Hooker boats, once essential workhorses along the Connemara and North Clare coasts. Revived in 1979, this event has evolved into one of Ireland’s foremost weekend celebrations, playing a crucial role in sustaining traditional boat building, sail making, and various crafts that are vital for preserving cultural heritage.
Other than boat races, what else happens at Cruinniú na mBád festival?
Beyond boat races, the Cruinniú na mBád festival pays homage to various aspects of traditional sailing and associated cultures. It showcases elements such as the Irish language and sean nós singing, emphasizing the broader cultural heritage associated with traditional maritime activities.
What types of races are featured in the Cruinniú na mBád festival?
The Cruinniú na mBád festival features races for each of the four Galway Hooker varieties, ranging from the sizable Bád Mór to the compact Púcán. The festival transforms Kinvara into a lively hub of music and celebration, with the tunes of the best traditional Irish musicians filling the air. The bars in Kinvara become vibrant spaces, adding to the atmosphere throughout the duration of the event.
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