Over the West Fest

What to Expect

Over the West Fest is now in its third year on Arranmore Island, run by the Over the West Creative Collective as a platform for original Irish music rather than a covers-heavy party weekend. The bill mixes established and emerging acts across folk, indie, rock, rap, funk, Americana, traditional and singer-songwriter styles, deliberately eclectic rather than built around one genre. Daytime sets happen at The Dock, overlooking the water on the island’s harbour side, which gives the main stage a backdrop that is part of the draw in its own right. On the Saturday the music does not stop when the daytime programme wraps: a late-night session moves to Early’s Backroom for a second round of live music into the evening. The festival’s small scale and island setting keep it closer in feel to a house-party weekend than a big-field festival, which is very much the point for a collective built around promoting independent and original Irish acts rather than chasing a big-name headliner.

Good to Know

Dates: Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026. Daytime programme at The Dock, Arranmore Island; Saturday late-night session at Early’s Backroom. A weekend ticket costs 20 euro, booked through Ticket Tailor rather than at the door, so buying ahead is the safer option if a specific act is the draw. For line-up updates and any last-minute changes, the festival’s Facebook page is the main channel; for direct queries, contact +353 85 734 8727 or mariamccormackmusic@gmail.com.

Getting There

Arranmore is reached by ferry from Burtonport on the mainland, a crossing of around 15 to 20 minutes, with Burtonport itself about 15 minutes from Dungloe on the N56. Given the festival runs across a full weekend with a late finish on Saturday, checking the ferry timetable in advance matters more than usual here; day-trippers need to plan their return sailing around the music rather than the other way round, while those staying over should book island accommodation early given the island’s limited bed stock.