Discover the Galway International Arts Festival – Stay at Fairhill House Hotel, Clonbur Every July, Galway transforms into one of Europe's most vibrant cultural destinations as the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) takes centre stage. From 13th to 26th July 2026, the city will come alive with world-class theatre, live music, visual art, circus, dance, opera, comedy, and thought-provoking talks, welcoming artists and audiences from across Ireland and around the globe.  Whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or simply looking for a memorable summer getaway, the Galway International Arts Festival offers an unforgettable experience. A Festival with International Recognition Founded in 1978, the Galway International Arts Festival has grown from a small local celebration into one of Europe's leading multidisciplinary arts festivals. Today, it attracts hundreds of artists and performers and welcomes visitors from around the world, showcasing both internationally acclaimed productions and exciting new Irish talent.  For two weeks each summer, Galway's streets, theatres, galleries, parks and public spaces become stages for creativity, making every corner of the city feel alive with music, colour and performance. What's On at the Galway International Arts Festival 2026 The 2026 festival promises another outstanding programme, featuring something for every taste and age. Highlights include: Live music at the iconic Heineken® Big Top, with performances from artists including James, The Saw Doctors, Bell X1 and Cian Ducrot. International theatre productions alongside new Irish premieres. Large-scale street performances and spectacular outdoor events that transform Galway's public spaces. Visual art exhibitions featuring acclaimed Irish and international artists. Circus, dance and opera performances throughout the city. First Thought Talks, bringing together leading writers, thinkers and public figures to discuss culture, society and current affairs. Family-friendly performances and interactive events throughout the festival.  Many exhibitions are free to visit, while ticketed performances take place across a variety of unique venues, giving visitors countless opportunities to experience something new. Why You Should Visit The Galway International Arts Festival is an opportunity to experience Galway at its creative best. Visitors can enjoy: Award-winning theatre and live performances. International music concerts in unique venues. Inspiring art exhibitions and installations. Street theatre, circus acts and public spectacles. Literary discussions and cultural talks. Galway's renowned cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs, all buzzing with festival energy. The festival creates a unique atmosphere where creativity spills onto every street, making Galway one of Ireland's most exciting destinations during the summer months. Whether you're attending a headline concert, exploring a gallery, or discovering an unexpected street performance, every visit offers something memorable. Explore Beyond the Festival While enjoying the excitement of the Arts Festival, why not take time to discover the breathtaking scenery surrounding Galway? A short drive from the city, you'll find the picturesque village of Clonbur, nestled between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and perfectly positioned for exploring Connemara, Cong and the Wild Atlantic Way. After a busy day of exhibitions, performances and city life, it's the ideal place to relax and recharge. Stay at Fairhill House Hotel, Clonbur Make your Galway International Arts Festival experience even more memorable with a stay at Fairhill House Hotel in the heart of Clonbur. Offering elegant accommodation, peaceful dining and genuine Irish hospitality, Fairhill House provides a peaceful countryside retreat within easy reach of Galway City and all the festival venues. It's the perfect base for combining world-class culture with the natural beauty of Connemara and Mayo. Festival accommodation fills quickly each July, so be sure to book your stay early. Let Fairhill House Hotel be your home away from home as you experience one of Ireland's most celebrated cultural festivals. BOOK NOW HERE

Experience the Magic of the Galway Races – Stay at Fairhill House Hotel, Clonbur Every summer, County Galway comes alive with one of Ireland's most iconic sporting and social events – the Galway Races, running this year from Monday the 27th of July to Sunday the 2nd of August 2026. Combining world-class horse racing, vibrant fashion, live entertainment, and an electric atmosphere, the Galway Races have become a highlight of the Irish calendar, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year to Ballybrit Racecourse. Whether you're a lifelong racing enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience, the Galway Races offer something for everyone. A Rich Racing Tradition The story of the Galway Races dates back to 1869, when the first official race meeting took place. Over more than 150 years, the festival has grown from a local sporting event into one of Europe's best-loved racing festivals while retaining its unmistakably warm Galway character. Today, the seven-day Summer Festival is regarded as one of the highlights of both the Irish horse racing and social calendars.  The festival is unique because it blends both Flat and National Hunt racing, offering thrilling competition throughout the week on the famous undulating Ballybrit course. Legendary races such as the Galway Plate and the Galway Hurdle continue to attract some of Ireland's finest horses, trainers and jockeys each year.  More Than Just Horse Racing While the racing is the star attraction, the Galway Races are equally famous for the incredible atmosphere surrounding the event. Each day brings its own unique character: Opening Day kicks off Race Week with excitement and anticipation. Galway Plate Day is one of Ireland's premier jump racing occasions. Ladies Day is perhaps the festival's most glamorous event, where stunning fashion, elegant hats and best-dressed competitions are as eagerly anticipated as the racing itself. Friday's Most Stylish continues the fashion celebrations heading into the Bank Holiday weekend. The Weekender offers fantastic racing alongside live entertainment. Mad Hatters Family Fun Day closes the festival with activities for all ages.  Beyond the racecourse, Galway City buzzes with live music, excellent restaurants, bustling pubs and a lively festival atmosphere that continues long after the final race each day. Why You Should Experience the Galway Races The Galway Races aren't just for seasoned racing fans, they're an authentic Irish summer experience. Visitors come to enjoy: Exciting world-class horse racing. A unique mix of sport, fashion and entertainment. Live music and festival celebrations. Great food and hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere that Galway is famous for. A fantastic excuse to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and Connemara before or after Race Week. Whether you're placing a bet, dressing up for Ladies Day, or simply soaking up the atmosphere with friends, there's an energy during Race Week that's hard to match anywhere else in Ireland.  Stay at Fairhill House Hotel, Clonbur After an exciting day at the Galway Races, escape the crowds and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Fairhill House Hotel in the picturesque village of Clonbur. Located within easy reach of Galway City while perfectly positioned to explore Connemara, Cong and Lough Mask, Fairhill House offers the ideal balance of comfort, relaxation and genuine Irish hospitality. Enjoy beautifully revovated rooms and a warm welcome after a day of racing and celebration. If you're planning your Galway Races getaway, book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. Let Fairhill House Hotel be your home away from home during one of Ireland's most unforgettable summer festivals. BOOK NOW

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark marked its official ratification as a UNESCO Global Geopark on Thursday 23rd April, a major moment for the communities, businesses and landscapes of the region. For visitors staying in Clonbur, it is a perfect time to explore the area with fresh appreciation. The geopark tells a geological story that spans more than 700 million years, with rocks, landscapes and heritage woven together across the region.   Clonbur’s natural character: Clonbur Woods are one of the area’s highlights, with an easy woodland walk that follows the south shore of Lough Mask. The trail features mixed woodland, scenic lake views and striking limestone pavement, which is one of the many geological features that make the geopark communities so rewarding to explore.   The limestone pavement is especially distinctive because it reflects the karst landscape beneath your feet, turning a simple walk into a chance to experience the region’s deeper geological story. Around the wider geopark, that story is expressed through mountains, lakes, woodlands and ancient rock formations.    What is there to do in Clonbur?   When you stay here with us at Fairhill House Hotel, Clonbur offers plenty to enjoy beyond the scenery.   Walk the Clonbur Wood Loop Trail: This 7.4 km loop is an easy walk that takes around 2.5 hours and offers woodland, shoreline and lake views. Take in views from Mount Gable: The summit rises to 425 metres and gives views over both Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. Spend time in the village itself: Clonbur has local hospitality and visitor services well worth making time for! These are just a few of many activities within walking distance of Fairhill House Hotel - see more here. Clonbur sits beautifully between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, offering the perfect place to explore the UNESCOGeopark, stretch your legs on local trails and enjoy the village’s relaxed hospitality.

Share your views on nature and wildlife in Clonbur/Cloghbrack Click HERE to fill out the short survey.   Clonbur Cloghbrack Pride of Place are creating a Biodiversity Action Plan for the local area. Your voice is important to ensure the plan is relevant and effective.   You can also join the mailing list HERE for updates and also a chanceto win some fantastic wildlife related prizes!     For more information see Clonbur Cloghbrack Pride of Place Facebook Page

We here in the Fairhill house are priding ourselves on safety of all guests. We hace recently completed the Fáilte Ireland Saftety charter and have received our green tick.

As you would have seen advertised recently on tv promoting Staycations in ireland. We have joined up  all you need to do is visit www.Irelandhotels.com, click on which card you wish to purchase. Then you can redeem them here with us on your arrival. You can search us on the Ireland hotels website just search for The Fairhill House Hotel.

Now sailing from Lisloughrey Pier Cong Co Mayo

As we are in unchartered times, why not treat yourself and the family to a three night stay in the Fairhill house hotel, kids under 16 will eat fo free every evening....