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 2011 24th/25th/26th June
- Patrún Inis Méain 2011 30th/31st July
- Patrún Inis Oírr 2011 13th/14th August
Bonfire Night - 23rd June 2011
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.
Craiceann Festival - 20th to 24th June 2011 - 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 2012 - 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 2012 festival is on the Thursday Feb 23rd - Sunday Feb 26th 2012. See the Ted Fest web site for more information