A celebration of one of the great western lakes attracted several hundred people over the weekend of September 20th-22nd) for the first Corrib Féile-FLOW festival.
Ecologists, herpetologists, entomologists, geologists and musicians contributed to the three day event, which was initiated by Corrib Beo in collaboration with the Corrib Catchment Partnership.
The aim of the event was to connect communities around Lough Corrib and inspire collective action to “engage, restore, and protect the lake’s biodiversity and cultural heritage”, according to Corrib Beo.
The festival opened on Culture Night, September 19th, at Oughterard Courthouse with a vibrant evening that shone light not only on the Corrib’s beauty but also on the challenges it faces, Corrib Beo says.
Inchagoill on Lough Corrib Photo Hazel Morrison Pagett
Lough Corrib, Our Legacy – Ár gCroí was the title of the exhibition, which was spearheaded by Philippa Maguire of uachtar ARTS, and involved a curated collection of Corrib-inspired works by its members.
This was followed by the premiere of Voices of Lough Corrib, an interactive video-art installation by filmmaker Dr Stefano Odorico, which brought the stories and voices of lake communities vividly to life with a rich tapestry of voices .
Corrib Beo's group approaching Inchagoill
Local resident and long-time environmental campaigner John Gibbons highlighted the urgent need for increased protection of the Owenriff river, a designated Blue Dot waterbody. He stressed that tthis vital river, home to sensitive species such as stoneflies, mayflies, and the protected freshwater pearl mussel, is under mounting pressure and requires immediate action to safeguard its high-status ecology.
The evening closed with Luke Drea, Senior Community Water Officer (LAWPRO), who emphasised the importance of strong community forums in safeguarding the lake for future generations. He also highlighted the valuable work already taking place across the Corrib catchment, noting how collaboration is driving positive action and creating opportunities to present the key issues affecting the lake directly to stakeholders.
The festival moved onto the mystical isle of Inchagoill on Saturday, when over 60 participants were transported there by Corrib Cruises, run by the Luskin family.
Passengers bobbed across the lively waters of the Corrib from both east (Lisloughrey) and western (Oughterard) shores, and were welcomed by the sound of crackling firewood and the drift of woodsmoke mingled with the strains of traditional music.
The fireside atmosphere was lifted by the voices of Don Stiffe, Prionsias Hernon, and Macdara Curran, while Gerry Lydon from Corrib Beo greeted the passengers by the fireside and introduced the format for the day.
Jo Ruane, ecologist, shared findings from her biodiversity survey of Inchagoill, which has been supported by the Small Recorders Grant administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Ruane wove her passion for plants, fungi, butterflies, dragonflies, trees, and mammals into the island’s story.
Dr Cillian Roden offered a fascinating exploration of the island’s ecology and geology, highlighting both its uniqueness and the pressures it faces from nutrient enrichment.
These talks were threaded together with the wit and humour of David Luskin of Corrib Cruises,whose local insights kept the audience engaged.
Trish Walsh of Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark also spoke briefly, celebrating the area’s recent designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
From left, Phil James, Corrib Beo, Paul Stewar, Corrib Cruises, Molly Curran, Corrib Beo at the first Corrib Féile-FLOW festival Photo: Hazel Morrison Pagett
Passengers aboard the Corrib Queen were serenaded by the enchanting sounds of the Rattlin’ Strings duo — Pierce Lalor on guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, together with Íde Ní Fhaoláin on fiddle — and this created a magical soundtrack for the journey.
Corrib Beo has described the outing as a “true traditional gathering — a day of music, science, storytelling, and community spirit in one of Ireland’s most remarkable places”.
The festival concluded on Sunday, September 21st, at the Commercial Boat Club, Steamers Quay, Galway, with a strong focus on invasive species and biosecurity, supported by Galway City Council and LAWPRO.
Paula Kearney, Biodiversity Officer with Galway City Council, introduced the soon-to-be-launched Galway City Invasive Species Strategy, while Janet Laffey of LAWPRO gave a lively macro invertebrate demonstration, opening up the hidden world of aquatic life.
Expert voices followed, with Dr Frances Giaquinto sharing her engaging “Check, Clean, Dry” approach, while Chantel Carr of the National Biodiversity Data Centre highlighted the importance of recording sightings of invasive species on their national online database.
Dr Cillian Roden illuminated the Corrib’s botany and ecology; Dr Rob Gandola, herpetologist, brought amphibians and reptiles vividly into focus with his infectious passion; and Dr Jan-Robert Baars, entomologist, closed with an exploration of insects’ critical role in our waterscapes.
The inaugural festival proved to be “a moving celebration — blending art, music, heritage, science and community spirit — all set against the timeless backdrop of the Corrib itself”, Corrib Beo says.
Rua at Teampall na Naoimh, built by Augustinians around 1180 on Inchagoill
Corrib Beo and the Corrib Catchment Partnership have paid tribute to Galway City Council, Galway County Council and LAWPRO, stating that their “support and participation made this inaugural festival such a memorable success”.
