Clare Pride 2026 will take place from Wednesday, September 16, to Sunday, September 20, with a diverse programme of events organised by QuareClare.
Secretary Orla Vaughan shares, “We invite everyone – regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity – to join together in this celebration of joy and solidarity. Together, we continue to build a more visibly inclusive and loving community in Clare”.
This year, QuareClare is collaborating with numerous areas of the county’s community to deliver a programme that has something for everyone.
Firstly, the public speaking club, Shannon Toastmasters, will be hosting a Speaking of Inclusion talk at St. Seanan’s Primary School on Wednesday, September 16. QuareClare explains on social media: “This is a great introduction into what Toastmasters is all about while listening to some engaging speeches…. and even taking the floor for a short topic if you’re feeling brave!”
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A Pride Prayer Service is also taking place at St. Columbia’s Church of Ireland at 6:30pm on the Thursday, followed by an LGBTQ+ Letters and Stripes inclusion workshop at the Shannon Town Centre at 7pm.
Additionally, on Friday, September 18, you can grab lunch at the Pride at the Market event in the Farmers Market, Ennis, from 3pm to 4pm. At the same time, there is an online Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy for the LGBTQIA+ Community session facilitated by Claire Brown and Gerard O’Dea, which can be registered for via Eventbrite. In the evening, from 4pm to 6:30pm, you can let your creativity out at the Culture Night Art Workshop by Kate O’Shea and Evelyn Broderick at the Súil Gallery.
Saturday, September 19, is the biggest day of Clare Pride, starting with the Pride March at 12:30pm at the Barrack near Ennis. After the march, there will be a Family Fun Day from 1pm to 3pm, located at Causeway Link. There is plenty for families to enjoy at the event, such as a puppet show, drag storytime, local craft stalls, performances and kids’ art workshops.
There is also a Bring Your Queer Book Club at Scéal Eile Books from 3pm to 4:30pm the same day, and a screening of the new documentary Lesbian Lines at the Arc Cinema starting at 6pm. The big day will end with an after-party at the Queen’s Hotel from 8pm.
Finally, Sunday, September 20, will be a wind-down day, with the Ballybathers club holding a group swim at Bishops Quarter, 11:30am. The final event of the programme will be a stand-up comedy workshop and show hosted by Brenda Larkin at the Ennis Community Centre, from 2pm to 7pm.
Clare Pride 2026 is coordinated by QuareClare, a grassroots LGBTQ+ group which formed during the Covid-19 lockdown and has continued to grow since.
Secretary Orla Vaughan concludes, “The biggest misconception about Pride events is that they are meant only for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, we are celebrating the growing health and strength of a vibrant, diverse and nurturing community that includes not only ourselves – but our friends, families, employers, co-workers, and allies of all sorts.”
For more information on Clare Pride 2026, check out their social media or contact [email protected].
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