Local Festivals and Events

Every village and town in Ireland has its own distinctive programme of parades, festivals and other events. Dunfanaghy is no different, having an impressive line-up, which serves to entertain tourists and locals alike.

The BAND Festival, Dunfanaghy

4th - 8th June 2020

https://www.thebandfestival.com/

This will be the 4th annual Bluegrass And Nashville Dunfanaghy music festival, set in the charming village of Dunfanaghy, surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of Donegal. The BAND Festival is celebrating the roots of Bluegrass and Nashville music and the dramatic cross-Atlantic influence they have throughout music today.

Set on the backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way the festival will be combining the beautiful wilderness of County Donegal with the talent of the many musicians, from both near and far, who continue to bring Bluegrass and Nashville music to life.

Earagail Arts Festival

9th - 26th July 2020

http://www.eaf.ie

The Earagail Arts Festival is an annual venue-based music and arts festival with eclectic and alternative music, visual artssssss, circus and theatre programmes alongside spoken word, film, family and children-centered events, bringing inspiring performers to this captivating European frontier, showcases artists from the area and provides opportunities for cultural exchange. Venues range from purpose built theatres and galleries, to village halls and outdoor venues created for the occasion, serviced by professional technical crew and production management.

Celebrating the best in international and local artists has produced a rich vein of collaborations and partnerships

Oideas Gael – Irish Language & Cultural Activity Holidays

March - October 2020

http://www.oideas-gael.com/en/irish-courses/

Oideas Gael has been recognised, on a number of occasions, as one of Ireland’s unique cultural education providers and was the 1997 winner of the National Rural Tourism Award sponsored by Bord Fáilte, The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Allied Irish Banks. They also achieved the distinction of being the winner of the BARR 50 businesses in Irish, from the daily Irish language paper LÁ and sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge in 2006.

Oideas Gael offers a range of courses in Ireland’s language and culture. Irish language courses are for adults at all learning levels as well as activity courses in hillwalking, flute, bodhrán and harp, archaeology, painting and others.

Courses begin around St Patrick’s Day and continue until Halloween. The schedule offers courses every week in June, July and August.

Contact

Straid,
Gleann Cholm Cille,
F94 R94W

Phone: 353749730248 
Email: oideasgael@eircom.net 
Website: www.oideas-gael.com/en 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oideas.gael 
Twitter: twitter.com/OideasGael 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/oideasgaelbeo

Loinneog Lúnasa, Gweedore

August 2020

This Festival celebrates the Musical and cultural heritage of Gaoth Dobhair.

Loinneog Lúnasa – a community-based festival celebrating the music and culture of the Donegal Gaeltacht.

There are few areas in Ireland that can boast such a wealth of internationally renowned musical acts. Just think of Enya, Clannad, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh and Altan to name but a few. Then Brendan de Gaillí has danced his way around the world with Riverdance.

But Gaoth Dobhair is not just about the music! It’s the place itself. There’s the sea and the coast, the islands the tradition and of course the Irish language. So come and enjoy a weekend of music, culture and craic in Gaoth Dobhair during “Loinneog Lúnasa”.

For more information, visit https://www.amharclann.com/event/loinneog-lunasa-oscailt-na-feile/

Easily described as one of the “Best Family Festivals” in Donegal, the Burtonport Summer Festival keeps the whole family in mind – from an action packed selection of children’s activities & outdoor adventures for all the family, street music throughout the day and Island adventures that will create unforgettable childhood memories.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Burtonport-Festival-134919063235837/events/?ref=page_internal

Ireland County Peaks Challenge,Errigal Mountain

1st - 3rd August 2020

Andrew Goulding, Peter Knox, David McKelvey, are aiming to climb the highest peak in each of the 32 counties in Ireland in aid of Make-A-Wish-Ireland and Make-A-Wish-UK (Northern Ireland). Beginning with Mweelrea in County Mayo Thursday 1st August and finishing with Errigal in County Donegal Sunday 4th August. Hiking/Running/Walking/Crawling a total distance of 169km and climbing a total of 10,435m.

Make-A-Wish helps children with life-threatening medical conditions, such as cancer and leukaemia by granting a “wish” to a child. The wishes aim to bring hope and happiness to the child and their families, providing a break from the typical cycle of hospitals, doctors and treatment. Examples of granted wishes include;

· Bringing children to Disneyland and Legoland,

· Providing bedroom makeovers and wheelchair swings, and

· Organising meet and greets with children’s heroes, such as sports stars and actors.c

• T: 447778525706

• E: gouldina@tcd.ie

Mary from Dungloe International Festival, Dungloe

25 July - 03 August 2020

Enjoy a flavour of the Wild Atlantic Way at the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival. In its 53rd year, this Festival attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the best of Donegal through events focused on our traditions, heritage and culture.

A festival with a packed itinerary over a 10 day period, this year’s highlights include Donegal Crafted, an event offering bespoke goods from local artists and food producers. An opportunity to see and partake in traditional Irish music and Dancing. Enjoy an exhibition covering the reasons why so many Donegal women emigrated between 1845 and 1950.

August Fair, Dunfanaghy

The Dunfanaghy August Fair actually runs mostly in July but the main highlights take place over the weekend at the beginning of August. The fair reflects the interests and history of this unusual rural community and it begins with the Sheepdog Trials, a fascinating event which depicts the skill of sheepherders in training their wonderful little Collie dogs, which take place in a local farmer’s field on the Falcarragh side of the village at Rincleaven.

The week unfolds with the crowning of the Fair Queen on the Sunday, the Beetle Drive on the Monday; Road-races, Discos; Car Treasure Hunt; Ceili dances; a Pub Quiz or two throughout the week. Coming into the following weekend the Parade of Floats takes place on the Friday; the annual Dog Show and other attractions can be enjoyed on the Square on Saturday and the Marathon Run/Walk round the Horn Head road circuit on Sunday.

The week-long extravaganza culminates in the actual August Fair proper, which takes place on the Monday afternoon in a large field on the edge of the village, over-looking New Lake. At this hugely popular finale you can enjoy marching bands, all sorts of children’s entertainment, Clay Pigeon and Airgun shooting, Ceili Dancing, Pony and Trap rides, Rare Breeds show, Classic Car and Farm Machinery exhibits and a host of country traditions on display and as much good food as you can eat.  

Shop LK Summer Sessions & Busking Festival, Letterkenny

July - August 2020

T: 353749124866

E: admin@letterkennychamber.com

Ahead of the 2019 Letterkenny Busking Festival, there will be Summer Music Sessions taking place along Letterkenny Main Street and in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre on various dates!

Check out the performance list here:

July 20th - Eamonn Russell and Dallen Davies - Main Street - 12pm to 3pm

August 17th - Townlaw - Main Street - 12pm to 3pm

August 17th - After Eight - Letterkenny Shopping Centre - 12pm to 3pm

Letterkenny Busking Festival – August 24th

To register for the Letterkenny Busking Festival, send an email to admin@letterkennychamber.com or message them through the Letterkenny Busking Festival Facebook page.

Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues weekend

10-14 September 2020

Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues Festival usually takes place on the second weekend in September (see www.dunfanaghyjazzandblues.com).

The line up of musicians set to play at each year’s event just gets progressively bigger and better. Jazz and blues musicians perform a series of free concerts to a growing audience each year. The Dunfanaghy Jazz & Blues Festival features free live gigs from as many as 20 bands on 10 different music stages in pubs and bars throughout the village.

There are often additional activities added to the line up such as Jazz workshops and dance classes as well as singing classes for the younger audience.

Dunfanaghy Country markets

One special local event which should not be missed is the Dunfanaghy Country Market which runs every Sunday morning between Easter and Halloween, both festival dates included.

https://www.facebook.com/Dunfanaghy-Country-Market-156608784368515/

Dunfanaghy Food Festival

26 September 2020

The Dunfanaghy Food Festival returns in September this year with vast array of local artisan food producers with demonstrations, special offers, traditional music and entertainment.

This year's festival aims to be be bigger than ever with even more producers and restaurants. Keep an eye out for updates in the coming months