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festivals · Saturday 8 August 2026 · All day 
Schull Regatta Festival 2026
At Schull Pier and village · Schull, Co. Cork
At Schull Pier and village · Schull, Co. Cork
The Schull Regatta Festival is one of West Cork’s most genuinely local summer gatherings - two free days on the pier and through the village that pull together sailing races, old harbour traditions, and the kind of street atmosphere that a small coastal town does better than anywhere else. Running on 8 and 9 August 2026, it suits families, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to spend a weekend in one of Ireland’s most striking harbour settings without paying for the privilege.
The regatta has roots going back to 1884, when fishing yawls raced between Schull and Crookhaven and the harbour was lined with spectators who had come down on the tram from Skibbereen. The modern festival was revived in 2014 and has run every August since, growing into a two-day programme that balances water sport and community craic.
On the water, expect sailing and rowing races including the South West Coast Yawl Rowing Association Championships - traditional wooden yawls competing in the style that made the original regatta famous. On land, the programme runs to crab fishing competitions, a treasure hunt, tug of war, net mending, heaving line contests, a raft race, regatta soccer, and an art competition for younger visitors. Local food producers and traders set up along the pier, and there is live music throughout. The Ballingeary Pipers march through the main street in a fancy-dress parade, and the weekend traditionally closes with a fireworks display over the harbour.
Schull sits at the end of the Mizen Peninsula, roughly 100 km west of Cork city. The drive takes around two hours via the N71 through Bandon and Skibbereen, then the R592 out towards the peninsula. There is no direct bus service from Cork, so a car is the practical option for most visitors. Parking in the village can get tight on festival days; arriving early or using spaces on the outskirts and walking in works well.
The village has a good range of independent shops, cafes, and pubs that fill out nicely around a summer festival weekend. The views across the harbour to Long Island and beyond make even a slow walk along the pier worthwhile. There is more to see in Schull and across Co. Cork.
Heading to Schull Pier and village in Schull? Cork has plenty more to see. Read the Schull area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.