Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) is a festival that takes place in August, in Kinvara, Co. Galway to celebrate the living tradition of the sailing-boats known as the 'Galway Hookers'. Up to 100 of these boats, once the workhorses off the coast of Connemara and North Clare, gather for a weekend of racing and celebration.
The regatta hosts the legendary turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers. It includes a series of races for the four types of Galway Hookers. They include: the Bád Mór, (big-boat) which is the largest vessel measuring between 35 to 44 feet in length; the second largest, the Leath Bhád (half-boat), has a hull length of roughly 32 feet; the Gleoiteog; and the diminutive Púcán. During the festival the pubs in Kinvara are alive with the sound of music, as the festival attracts the very best traditional Irish musicians. Reference: http://www.galwaytourism.ie/news/Cruinni-na-mB-d-Kinvara-20th-22nd-August-2010-n75.html