Originally designed to encourage more women to participate in the sport of surfing, and with its roots in a community traditional celebration of 'Michaelmas', the Surf & Sea Festival has now grown to include activities and events for all the family from organised beach games and pony rides for the younger members to a dog show, arts and craft workshops, photo and art exhibitions, extreme sport exhibitions, historical and cultural walking tours as well as eco-friendly coastal walks and workshop advice.
Country markets, food trails, live rescue demonstrations with the involvement of rescue services, musical competitions and participation, martial arts demonstrations, vintage car displays and of course surfing have all now become standard activities over the festivals two weekends. Accommodation packages, special rates and live evening entertainment in the town's hotels, restaurants & pubs are available during the festival dates.
As Michaelmas Day denotes an equinox and change of season, surfing conditions in Ireland improve in the new autumn/winter days, so not only does this festival close the traditional tourism summer season in a seaside resort town, it also celebrates Harvest and a coastal communities involvement with its maritime heritage.
