47th Annual Irish Festival
March 11- 17, 2021
Thousands of people come to Clare each year to have a wee bit of fun and enjoy a host of Irish traditions! This year might not include some of the larger events, but there’s still plenty of exciting things being planned to celebrate all things Irish! And, we’re excited to announce that this year is Clare’s 150-year anniversary!
While the larger events, such as the parade were postponed, some of the activities for this year's the event will take place with a new twist.
The Irish Festival Road Race Committee announced that the very popular race will be virtual this year. Registration will be open until Friday, March 12, 2021 at noon. Participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medallion as a part of their entry, and the cost will be $20 +Run signup fees. All signups must occur online as mail-in option will not be an option for this year’s race. New signups will be capped at 250. Click here for info.
One of the most cherished activities is The Kathy Rynearson Memorial Food Drive. In honor of Kathy and all she did as a founding Irish Festival Member and Parade Leader for many years, anyone wanting to carry on her legacy can donate to the Clare County Community Foundation through either of these funds: The Kathy Rynearson Homelessness Prevention Service Endowment Fund #712. This fund grants monies to Clare County Non-Profit Units that work toward Homelessness Prevention. Clare County Community Investment Fund #701. This is the major fund the foundation makes grants to nonprofits via an application. Examples: Rail Depot projects, commercial building façade programs, fire department equipment upgrades, etc. along with the same type of grants to other county communities.
Clare Park & Recreation is once again holding their Irish Pet Photo Contest. Irish-themed pet photo entries can be submitted to their website by March 10th. Top three winners receive prizes. This is a fun contest to help raise money for the Spay-Neuter Animal Project and assist with their 2021 projects and will be judged by the members of S-NAP.
In addition, local restaurants, pubs, and cafés are planning Irish themed food such as Guinness Irish Stew, Reubens, Corned Beef, Irish Tacos, and a variety of St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks!
The retail community is also planning to hold fun activities including scavenger hunts and Gold Dig Slime with an interactive experience with “Lucky the Leprechaun”. Other activities are currently in the works and will be announced as there are developed.
We invite you to get your Irish on and visit Clare March 11-17th - Céad Míle Fáilte!
Please visit the following link for a list of events: 47th Irish Festival
While the larger events, such as the parade were postponed, some of the activities for this year's the event will take place with a new twist.
The Irish Festival Road Race Committee announced that the very popular race will be virtual this year. Registration will be open until Friday, March 12, 2021 at noon. Participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medallion as a part of their entry, and the cost will be $20 +Run signup fees. All signups must occur online as mail-in option will not be an option for this year’s race. New signups will be capped at 250. Click here for info.
One of the most cherished activities is The Kathy Rynearson Memorial Food Drive. In honor of Kathy and all she did as a founding Irish Festival Member and Parade Leader for many years, anyone wanting to carry on her legacy can donate to the Clare County Community Foundation through either of these funds: The Kathy Rynearson Homelessness Prevention Service Endowment Fund #712. This fund grants monies to Clare County Non-Profit Units that work toward Homelessness Prevention. Clare County Community Investment Fund #701. This is the major fund the foundation makes grants to nonprofits via an application. Examples: Rail Depot projects, commercial building façade programs, fire department equipment upgrades, etc. along with the same type of grants to other county communities.
Clare Park & Recreation is once again holding their Irish Pet Photo Contest. Irish-themed pet photo entries can be submitted to their website by March 10th. Top three winners receive prizes. This is a fun contest to help raise money for the Spay-Neuter Animal Project and assist with their 2021 projects and will be judged by the members of S-NAP.
In addition, local restaurants, pubs, and cafés are planning Irish themed food such as Guinness Irish Stew, Reubens, Corned Beef, Irish Tacos, and a variety of St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks!
The retail community is also planning to hold fun activities including scavenger hunts and Gold Dig Slime with an interactive experience with “Lucky the Leprechaun”. Other activities are currently in the works and will be announced as there are developed.
We invite you to get your Irish on and visit Clare March 11-17th - Céad Míle Fáilte!
Please visit the following link for a list of events: 47th Irish Festival
How To Participate
Plan to register for the many events held March 11-17, 2021. For more information and to register contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442.
Where to stay:
Choose one of our fine accommodations:
Doherty Hotel - Clare
Lakeside Waterfront Lodging - Harrison
Lone Pine Motel - Clare
Quality Inn - Clare
Where to Eat:
Irish-themed food and drink specials are available from most Clare restaurants and pubs. While visiting Clare County, sample some of our fine restaurants and local diners. From elegant dinners, cafes with home cooking and fast food, to singing karaoke in one of the area lounges - you have a choice! Click here for some choices.
Plan to register for the many events held March 11-17, 2021. For more information and to register contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442.
Where to stay:
Choose one of our fine accommodations:
Doherty Hotel - Clare
Lakeside Waterfront Lodging - Harrison
Lone Pine Motel - Clare
Quality Inn - Clare
Where to Eat:
Irish-themed food and drink specials are available from most Clare restaurants and pubs. While visiting Clare County, sample some of our fine restaurants and local diners. From elegant dinners, cafes with home cooking and fast food, to singing karaoke in one of the area lounges - you have a choice! Click here for some choices.
Irish Festival Past and Future!
Thousands of people come to Clare each year to have a wee bit of fun and enjoy a host of Irish traditions!
These include parades, bed races, 5K, 10K & kids’ fun run, craft show, musical performances, recipe contest, pet photo contest, and, of course, a Leprechaun contest!
Check out the complete list of events and activities.
These include parades, bed races, 5K, 10K & kids’ fun run, craft show, musical performances, recipe contest, pet photo contest, and, of course, a Leprechaun contest!
Check out the complete list of events and activities.
How Did Clare's Irish Festival Begin?
More than 47 years ago, community members wanted to celebrate Clare's Irish heritage. They wanted to have a fun time and have an event that would endure for generations to come. The Irish Festival was a complete success from the beginning!
In the years following this first festival the event became an extremely popular form of celebrating all things Celtic. The Clare Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this super fun event.
In the years following this first festival the event became an extremely popular form of celebrating all things Celtic. The Clare Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this super fun event.
What Can You Do at at Irish Festival?
In the years following this first fun celebration the event has grown to include:
A Large Parade
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Bed Races
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5K, 10K, 2 mile Walk/Run Road Race
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Recipe Contest
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Pet Photo Contest |
Craft Show |
Food, Fun, and Frivolity! |
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Some of the Fun Events: |