The Bard Summer School explores the Irish myths and goes on a unique journey of discovery for their contemporary relevance. All of these myths have lasted thousands of years and have been handed down through Ireland's oral tradition. There is a place for everyone on the school and for fifteen years Bard has welcomed participants from all over the world.

Clare Island is the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile). It provides a backdrop of megalithic tombs, holy wells and a 12th century Cistercian Abbey. The Festival includes nightly entertainment of music, poetry, song and dance. The Children's Bard also takes place during the festival. The festival hosts island tours and the annual Islander's Night, where we experience local traditions kept alive by the people of Clare Island. The festival finishes with a poetry reading and a Celtic feast.