The 40th Clifden Arts Festival Welcomes Literary Heavyweights to Explore a New Chapter of Education, Entertainment And Enchantment President Michael D. Higgins to Officially Launch Festival A stellar line up of literary heavyweights will be welcomed to Clifden this year as Ireland’s longest running arts festival will celebrate 40 years of continued success. Above: Launching the Clifden Arts Festival programme of events 2017 are festival chairman Des Lally, 2FM Radio Presenter Ciara King, creative director Brendan Flynn and festival secretary Karen Mannion . The Clifden Arts Festival is Ireland’s longest running arts festival, celebrating 40 years this year. The festival features over 200 events including: arts, theatre, music, literature, exhibitions, workshops and