Ballybunion is buzzing…
With a host of indoor, street and beach events throughout the year, Ballybunion is a brilliant spot for partaking in some unique activities and events.
Ballybunion is an ideal location for beach art with its vast stretches of beautiful fine sands and the natural viewing points from the cliffs, walkways and Castle Green. In May, the Wild Atlantic Way Sand Art Event brings a host of national and international sand artists to Ballybunion’s beaches to showcase examples of spectacular sand art on a large scale over several
days.
Ballybunion has the most perfect beaches for Sand Art, with the cliffs as perfect viewing points. Sand Art is a fantastic form of meditation for the artist, but also for the viewer. With hundreds of people watching the art and taking photos throughout the week, social media exploded with interest, queries and beautiful comments from near and far.
Part of the event sees local children and community groups embracing the beach as a canvas for unleashing their creativity, guided by the pros. In 2019, 207 children and adults helped to create 2 new world records: The most people to make sand art on a beach at the same time and the most circles that have ever been drawn on a beach. 8280 circles were drawn using wild
bamboo sticks and rakes. In 2020, it is intended to officially break the world record with the Guinness Book of Records in attendance to verify the figures.
The main event involves numerous artists working simultaneously on each of Ballybunion’s four beaches – the Long Strand, Men’s Beach, Ladies’ Beach and Nuns’ Beach – each with their own unique creations, from mandalas to Celtic knots, sea creatures to swirls and spirals. Who knows, one day you might see an enormous sea monster stretching from the cliffs all the way
down to the Cashen.
Discover MOYA, a festival of Meditation, Ocean, Yoga and Art in breath-taking Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Way. Let your troubles sink in the golden sand as you inhale invigorating sea air. Reconnect with your creativity and intuition through an array of workshops. Experience rejuvenation and healing with experts in the fields of holistic therapy, nutrition, yoga and
meditation. Embrace your artistic side with art classes on the beach, mindfulness with art or creative writing. Listen to amazing inspirational speakers, including explorer and adventurer Pat Falvey.
Feel the vibes with Tibetan singing bowls and drumming workshops. Get your energy flowing with yoga flow or wild swimming. Find a love of dance or taste beautiful, wholesome food. Immerse yourself in MOYA and all it has to offer.
The MOYA Wellness Festival takes place over the May Bank Holiday each year.
This is a wonderful trail of food taste stops in some of the many and varied food providers and restaurants in Ballybunion by the Sea. Relax and enjoy the fabulous tastes of Ballybunion, from an amazing seafood plate at Strollers to Duck Bon Bon at the Marine, Pulled Pork sliders at The Bunker to Chicken Toscana at Coast. Finished with a macaroon from Gourmandises or a waffle
and coffee from Seaside.
Ballybunion restaurants, cafes and bakeries offer a very high standard of unique, delicious foods to all the lucky visitors to this wonderful town.
The annual Women In Media Conference takes place in the opulent setting of Kilcooly’s Country House in April. The conference offers an impressive range of media-themed events and discussions, championing in particular the role of Irish Women in Media. Each year guarantees a thought-provoking panel of high-calibre speakers. Previous panellists include Justine McCarthy,
Sarah Carey, Anne O’Leary, Aisling Ryan, Bertie Ahern, Fr. Peter McVerry, Caitriona Perry, Mary Dundon and Miriam O’Callaghan.
A gala dinner and awards ceremony takes place in Kilcooly’s Country House on the Saturday of the conference.
The 2019 Award Winners were:
Mary Cummins Award – Katie Hannon
Joan Kennelly Award – Photographer Valerie O’Sullivan
Social Media Award – Celine Crawford
The conference is open to the public and a variety of ticket options is available
A shot of some 280 yards to hit the ball from cliff to cliff is, in itself is a huge feat and beyond the capabilities of most amateur players, though it is possible. However, getting the ball to remain in the air for a carry of some 330 yards does seem like “Mission Impossible” but there are those who are willing to try. While all this is going on, local musicians perform in the caves close by, where the acoustics are tremendous.
Every Easter crowds descend on Ballybunion to participate in Run Ballybunion. Taking place annually on Easter Saturday, with options of a Half Marathon or a 10km Road Race, runners are guaranteed a challenge but also a rewarding experience, whatever their level of fitness. The route starts outside Kilcooly’s Country House in town and takes you along stunning coastline on Kerry’s stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, winding your way up and down hills and through lush North Kerry farming country.
If the race doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will for around each corner is a view more beautiful than the last. And, once you’ve availed of the complimentary hot food in Kilcooly’s, you might muster up the motivation to celebrate your achievement in one of Ballybunion’s many watering holes on possibly the busiest night of the year.
Teams from all over Ireland, with many players originally from further afield, will descend on Ballybunion in August to battle it out when the Beach Volleyball Ireland Tour comes to town. This two-day tournament takes place on Ladies’ Beach, one of Ballybunion’s two Blue Flag beaches and often described as a “natural amphitheatre”, making it an ideal location.
The beach volleyball tournament promises plenty of action and excitement so come along and cheer them on.
Recent live acts include Christy Moore in Concert, comedy from Pat Shortt, as well as numerous musicals, pantos and theatrical performances. It can cater to conferences and groups and is available for local events and fundraisers. It also hosts Bingo every Monday night throughout the year. Conveniently located in town, just off Church Road, there is ample car parking and bus parking.
