Summer is well on its way but there’s still lots to do and experience on Inishbofin! Here are our tips for places to be and things to do in August and September.

Forget the Olympics – Inishbofin Regatta is on

The Inishbofin Regatta is taking place on Sunday the 18th of August. This will be an exciting event where teams from different towns compete against each other in traditional currach racing. Last year the 6-oar women’s gold medal went to Carraroe, the 6-oar men’s victory to Rosmuc, the men’s 4-oar gold to Inishbofin/Carraroe, and the 6-oar juniors victory to Carraroe. Will Carraroe wipe the table off trophies this year as well? Join us on Sunday on the New Pier to find out! And of course, save a few cheers for the Inishbofin teams. In the evening we can all gather to The Beach Bar over hog roast and live music to analyse the events of the day.

August full of music

Great entertainment will also be offered by the Doonmore Hotel, as always. This is where you’ll find the amazing Tracy Bruen and the Down the Road Band from Sunday August 18th until Tuesday the 20th, at 9.30pm. Doonmore’s concert venue Murray’s Yard is also bringing us The Ben Reel Band on August 22nd, and Don Stiffe on August 29th. Just before the Desmond O’Halloran Music Weekend on 30th August – 1st September. On top of this, you’ll have your weekly trad sessions and gigs everyday in August in the Doonmore, Wednesday/Friday/Saturday in The Beach Bar, and the early evening 7pm music sessions in the Inishbofin House Hotel (check our events calendar for exact dates). Aren’t we just spoiled for music on Inishbofin!

Sweat with us

On other exciting news – we have a new business on the island! A new favorite for many friends of Inishbofin, Sauna Bò Finne, has opened its doors right at Cloonamore Strand, East End. Offering social saunas or private saunas each day in August, we’ve definitely noticed an increase in people taking a dip in the Atlantic all throughout the day, rain or shine! Operated by islanders David & Bronwyn Lavelle, this new family business is definitely a welcome addition to the outdoor activities on the island.

Playground fundraising in action

Visitors to the island may also notice fundraising buckets and posters all over the island. We’re currently raising funds to repair our island playground which has been closed since this Spring. Keep an eye out for the Cake Sales and raffle tickets! A live music fundraising concert in the Inishbofin Community Centre on the 23rd of August with a secret mystery band revealed on the night is also something to add to your calendar. This will be a nice intimate soiree with no entrance fee.

September – the best month of the year

September is usually one of the nicest months on the island. Relaxed, chilled, and usually dry and sunny. This is when the sea temperature also starts to catch up with the warmth of the summer. September also brings us Bia Bó Finne, Inishbofin island food festival. The Inishbofin Set Dancing and Trad Weekend at the end of September is a weekend full of music and dance – good for the body and soul.