A New Chapter at The Booley
Our Gather dinner series has now come to an end. What began as a way of bringing people together around food helped us discover the potential of The Booley as a place for conversation, connection and shared experiences.
We are now beginning a new chapter, opening the space to artists, makers and other creative collaborators for exhibitions, workshops and occasional gatherings rooted in nature, place and the changing seasons.
This September, The Booley will host three events as part of the 2026 Clifden Arts Festival.
THE SUMMER KEEP
17 - 20 September · 10am–5pm daily
Created by Superfolk, The Summer Keep is a temporary gathering place inspired by the Irish booley, the seasonal settlement where families once moved with their cattle to upland summer pastures.
Part exhibition, part workshop programme and part meeting place, it explores the ways we try to preserve summer through art and craft, the things we make by hand and the memories, skills and experiences we share.
The exhibition is free to visit, with a programme of printmaking, pattern and casting workshops for adults, children and families.
Discover The Summer Keep and book workshops
UNDERSTORY
18 - 26 September · 11am - 4pm daily
Karlan Lemmen is a photographer living in Connemara, originally from the Netherlands. Understorey
is a collection of photographs exploring the woodland world beneath the canopy, inviting a
closer look at the life it holds.
Open daily in the Garden Room, entry is free
GHOSTIS
24 September · 6–8pm · €10
Visual artist Jennie Moran brings Ghostis to The Booley for an evening exploring the art of welcome.
This warm and hopeful touring conversation looks at the customs, stories and rituals of hospitality found in communities old and new. We will gather to listen, talk and consider the systems people across the world have created for welcoming strangers. Snacks will follow.
Find out more and book tickets
Creative Hospitality Workshop with Jennie Moran
25 September · 10am - 1pm · €30
Join artist Jennie Moran for a hands-on workshop exploring the philosophy of hospitality and how we can create spaces within our creative practices where people feel welcomed, connected and invited to participate.
Through discussion and practical exploration, the workshop will consider what it means to welcome strangers into our work. Together, participants will explore ideas of risk, atmosphere, systems of welcome and creating space for interruption, while considering how our creative practices can respond to and exist within the wider cultural landscape.
Attendees are also invited to bring along a food or drink item to share during the coffee break, creating a Potluck Breakfast as part of the workshop.
This workshop offers an opportunity to think differently about creativity, connection and the role of hospitality in our work.
