Events
Aran has retained many of its old traditions as well as embracing the modern ones. Some of the festivals they celebrate have long since been lost on the mainland or have always been exclusive to the Islands.
Patrún Festivals
Each of the Islands have their own Patron Saint and celebrate this day as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The day is action packed and includes activities for all age groups, including swimming, children's competitions on the beach, Tog o' war, donkey racing, music and dancing on the pier. The high-light of the day is always the Hooker Boat racing in the bay.
- Patrún Inis Mór 2008 27th/28th/29th June
- Patrún Inis Méain 2008 1st/2nd/3rd August
- Patrún Inis Oírr 2008 15th/16th/17th August
Bonefire Night - 23rd June 2008
This is an old tradition that was customary throughout most of Ireland but is only found in rural and Gaeltacht areas nowadays. Fires are lit on the eve of St John and are generally communal with villagers moving from one fire to another. The fires are lit during prayer and the evening continues with music and games.
Inter-Islands Football 2008 - 13th/14th September - Inis Mór
This is an annual competition held every September between the various Islands of Ireland. The competition is held on a different Island every year. This year Inis Mór plays host.
Craiceann Festival - 23rd to 27th June 2008 - Inis Oírr
This festival celebrates the unique Bodhrán summerschool and takes place annually at the end of June on Inis Oirr. Craiceann (pronounced- 'cracken')is actually the Irish name for skin and refers to Goats skin used in Bodhrán making.
The friends of Ted Festival - February 2009 - Inis Mór
The Fr. Ted Festival popularly known as Ted Fest, is a celebration of the life of comedian Dermot Morgan and his 1990's cult TV sitcom Father Ted. The Friends of Ted event sees a huge influx of Father Ted fans, most dressed as characters of the show, taking part in an array of themed events associated with the comedy series including fancy dress, five-aside football (nuns against priests), toilet duck comedy awards, buckaroo speed dating, lovely girls contest and A Song For Europe.
The 2009 festival is on the 26/27/28 February and the 1st March. See the Ted Fest web site for more information