Cruinniú na mBád is one of Ireland’s longest running traditional sailing festivals, located along the Wild Atlantic Way is held every August in the beautiful picturesque harbour village of Kinvara.

Cruinniu na mBád (the gathering of the boats) was founded in 1979 to revive interest in the wooden hookers, the traditional boats of Galway Bay.

2026 marks the 47th anniversary of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara which is expected to take place on the 7-9 August 2026. 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 delight of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers.