SIGNS and hoardings, banners and flags, are flying high in Scariff in advance of the Annual Harbour Festival this Bank Holiday weekend.
The increasingly popular four day family festival with an events programme packed to the brim with activities from high octane riverside and hurling pursuits to reflective historical walks and talks with fun activities for children and street music for evening revellers.
“We are delighted to put Scariff on the summer festival map and welcome people of all ages to enjoy our bumper lineup”, said Mike Rodgers, the Festival’s Co-Founder. “Each year the festival is the end-result of the work of a small core team but is hugely supported by a wider network of helpers, sponsors and patrons. We are extremely grateful to each and every one who has contributed and we look forward to seeing big crowds in Scariff,” he continued.
The festival’s best-loved acts and events return this year along with some new elements. Highlights include the Camino of Hope Walk to Cappabane, a historical walk through the town, a locally-made and directed film on Palestine, a talk on the shops of Scariff in years gone by, old photos of east Clare, a cookery demonstration by a high-profile TV chef, free boat tours, free genealogy sessions with the usual arts & crafts workshops, scouting activities, open days with music from Qween, Jack L, Eirfoyl, The Kilkenny’s and Cnoch na Gaoithe Céilí Band among others.
In keeping with the festivals links to the North since 2003, the festival will be officially opened by Council of State Member, Linda Ervine MBE on Friday 31 st July 6.30pm at Scariff GAA Park. She will be joined by her husband Brian, brother of the late David Ervine, Leader of the PUP and who jointly opened the first Scariff Harbour Festival in 2003 with the then SDLP Leader, Mark Durkan. The celebratory event is open to all.
In the true spirit of North/South integration at community level, a group of U17 hurlers will travel from East Belfast GAA Club to play in the Barry Nash Memorial blitz. ‘This is where friendships and genuine understanding can develop among young people with a deeper appreciation of diverse viewpoints,’ said the former President of East Belfast GAA, Linda Ervine.
Linda holds three honorary degrees and an MBE for her extraordinary commitment to and promotion of the Irish language in east Belfast. She will be joined on stage by Éanna Rowe, Operations Controller, Waterways Ireland; Harry O’Meara, Co-founder of the Harbour Festival Committee, FF Cllr Joe Killeen, Mayor of Clare, ending with a special rendition of Leaving Dal Riada composed and sung by Brian Ervine. Jim Collins of Scariff Bay Community Radio will MC the evening.
Scariff Harbour Festival 2026 runs from July 30th to August 2nd beginning on Thursday evening with Voices of Ireland – Don Stiffe, Ger O’Donnell and Trevor Sexton in the local Church of the Sacred Heart.
