Get ready for one of County Galway’s most anticipated community events; the 33rd Annual Clarinbridge Market Day, returning on Saturday, 6th September, from 12pm to 6pm on the picturesque Village Green. This vibrant day out is a celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit, offering something for everyone, from traditional craft demonstrations to live music, artisan foods, vintage displays, and much more.
In addition to being a day where the community comes together for a fun, family-friendly day, Clarinbridge Market Day acts as a tribute to the village’s deep-rooted tradition of markets and fairs. Dating back to 1820, when a patent was granted to host weekly grain markets and quarterly livestock fairs, Clarinbridge has long been a hub for trade, culture, and community gathering. The modern version of Market Day was revived in 1993 by Father Hon Keogh, who kicked off the very first event with a prayer and an oyster tasting. Since then, it has grown into a beloved annual tradition, known for its warm atmosphere, nostalgic charm, and meaningful support for local charities and community groups. For many years, the day marked the beginning of the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival which began in 1954, and Market Day is now held annually on the first Saturday in September.
This year’s Clarinbridge Market Day promises a dynamic mix of live entertainment, family activities, local food, and artisan crafts, all set in the heart of one of Ireland’s most charming coastal villages. A key element of this community-driven market day is also about giving back. With proceeds from the day help fund local charities and organisations, making your visit a meaningful contribution to the Clarinbridge community.
Highlights include:
Live Traditional Irish Music & Dancing: Enjoy the sounds and steps of Ireland with performances throughout the day.
The Local “Food Street”: Savour flavours from Galway and beyond with food trucks offering fresh oysters, seafood chowder, gourmet treats, and Guinness.
Irish Craft & Produce Market: Browse a variety of handmade crafts, artwork, plants, herbs, and locally produced foods.
Demonstrations of Traditional Skills: Watch live demos of wool spinning, bread baking, and butter churning.
Petting Farm & Kids’ Activities: A delight for children with live animals, face painting, and games.
Vintage Displays: Step back in time with classic tractors, vintage cars, and boats lining the main street.
Nestled at the eastern edge of Galway Bay, Clarinbridge is a village steeped in history and natural beauty, with a nearly 8km network of forest trails in the nearby Kilcornan Woods. Known for its world-famous oysters and welcoming community, the village is rich in heritage landmarks like Kilcornan Estate, The Green, Convent and Churches, and a long-standing commitment to education and sustainability.
Clarinbridge is also proud to announce its selection to represent Galway in the 2025 Pride of Place finals, a prestigious national competition celebrating community excellence. Led by the Clarinbridge Tidy Towns group (active since 1979) the village continues to thrive through environmental projects, cultural initiatives, and a shared dedication to preserving its unique charm.
Whether you're a local resident, returning visitor, or discovering Clarinbridge for the first time, Market Day 2025 is your chance to experience the very best of Irish tradition, food, music, and hospitality all in one unforgettable afternoon. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, 6th September, 12pm–6pm, on the Village Green in Clarinbridge, and we’ll see you there!
For more information or to get involved, follow Clarinbridge Market Day on social media @clarinbridgemarketday.
All photos courtesy of Clarinbridge Market Day.
