in inishowen

Festivals & Events

Throughout the year Inishowen hosts a wide selection of festivals and events with something to surprise and entertain all ages and tastes. From music, art, drama to cultural, historical and sporting events not forgetting lots of frolics and fun for the little ones

The Donegal Gathering 2013

The Donegal Gathering 2013, a key initiative of the Donegal Diaspora project will bring together young and old, from near and far, for a truly unique experience. This year-long tourism initiative will showcase some of the major cultural events and festivals that will happen throughout County Donegal during 2012, extending a heartfelt welcome to both native emigrants planning a homecoming holiday, and first-time explorers embarking on a truly unique adventure. We will showcase the best that Donegal has to offer a visitor throughout the year. Events will be happening throughout Inishowen and Donegal to celebrate 'The Donegal Gathering'. donegalgathering.com/

Carndonagh Easter Monday  Parade 1st April 2013

CARNDONAGH is getting ready for the return of its 3rd Annual Easter Parade. A local committee was recently formed to revive the old tradition in the North Inishowen market town to give people a boost of fun and colour in the recession.This family-friendly event will include a parade, fancy dress and a number of fun activities including Best Easter Bonnet competition..

Donegal Fleadh Cheoil 10th-12th May 2013

http://comhaltas.ie/locations/detail/s_mac_giolla_bhride/
Fleadh Cheoil Dhún na nGall with Competitions, Concerts, Festivals, Sessions and Dancing to be held in Culdaff, Inishowen

The Magnificent 7th Guth Gafa Film Festival, Malin 9th-19th May

Guth Gafa, The Magnificent Seventh, will take place in two locations between the 9th and 19th May 2013. The hub of the 7th International Documentary Festival and main screening venues will be in Malin village, and a series of satellite film events will be held in Derry. With a 6 year track record attracting the newest and best award-winning international and Irish documentary films to the North-West, Guth Gafa explores themes of human rights, social issues and the environment. donegalgathering.com/may-june/may-2013/the-magnificent-seven-guth-gafa-festival-2013/

Féile Grianán Áiligh 21st-22nd June 2013: A Cultural Celebration at Grianán of Áiligh

Féile Grianán Áiligh celebrates the importance that the Grianán of Áiligh Fort has in Irish history. The Féile will tell the story of the arrival of St. Patrick, who baptised “Prince Eoghan” (Owen), son of Niall of the Nine Hostages and Ri of Ireland, who came to Aileach and gave his name to Inish Eoghain (i.e. Island of Eoghan). This will be done through folklore/storytelling, ancient song, music, dance and carnival/drama/pageant in and around the Fort on the day. It will also consist of many exhibits, such as Basket Making, Wattle Making, Yarn Spinning, Falconry, Blacksmith /armoury, illustrating the life of the area at that time in history. donegalgathering.com/may-june/june-2013/feile-grianan-ailigh/

Buncrana St Patricks Weekend Festival 15th-17th March 2013

As part of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ Buncrana St. Patrick’s Festival are inviting thousands of people around the world to participate in one of the Northwest’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.Come along and enjoy the craic, people and atmosphere. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere; feel the energy, wave to the audience along the 1 km route and best of all once you have finished you can marvel at the spectacular street performances, music and parade. Build lifelong memories, display your Irish pride, celebrate all that is good about Ireland and being Irish (even if you are just an honorary Irish person for one day!) and savour your unique journey through historic Inishowen – the journey of a lifetime! We hope to see you there! donegalgathering.com/march-april/march-2013/buncrana-st-patricks-weekend-festival-2013/

Colgan Heritage Weekend 27th-30th June 2013

The Colgan Heritage Festival will be an occassion for emigrants and locals to enjoy an array of events with special emphasis on the life and times of the Franciscan monk John Colgan who was born in Carndonagh and after whom our parish hall was named.
This is the 4th year of the festival and it has been gaining in strength since its inception in 2010.Our theme for this year will be ‘Hearth and Home- Bringing them back’ and our programme will include walks, talks, story- telling, traditional song and dance, concert, drama, film craft fair and country market to be held out doors in Diamond followed by exhibition by Inishowen Carnival Group. donegalgathering.com/may-june/june-2013/colgan-heritage-week/

Buncrana Music Festival 11thJuly - 14thJuly 2013

The new Buncrana Music & Arts Festival will celebrate the artistic talent and energy the town has always been renowned for, with an amazing variety of local, national and international artists. The programme will be crammed with events including concerts, workshops and drama sketches. 2013 will see late night gigs with the top class artists from all over the country. The fun and frolics of festival time in Buncrana include a full Carnival style party with kids from all over Donegal making their way through the Main Street in Buncrana before moving to Swan's Park where there will be a family party with live music and entertainment. There will be a feast of entertainment in one of Ireland's gems, Buncrana, the gateway to the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula. donegalgathering.com/july-august/july-2013/buncrana-music-festival/

Clonmany Music Festival 4th-11th August 2013

Sunday the 4th August signals the start of the much loved annual Clonmany Festival. We are now in our 46th year. Once again this family event is a week of summer fun for all ages. This is Irelands longest running and best known family festival and is situated in the beautiful village of Clonmany. Year after year thousands of holiday makers and locals alike enjoy the many events, live music, natural beauty and facilities which go hand in hand with the festival. From raft races and cycling events to treasure hunts and talent competitions, the festival has something to offer everyone and is an event which you will find yourself returning to again and again.

Muff Festival 2nd-5th August 2013- "The Homecoming"

Muff Festival 2013 welcomes you to a feast of family fun, sports, spectacle, live music and dance. This four day extravaganza hosts a veritable galaxy of daft competitions, street partying, parades and pageantry. An eclectic programme of over 30 events is staged over the August bank holiday weekend.donegalgathering.com/july-august/august-2013/muff-festival-2013-the-homecoming/

National Heritage Week 17th - 25th August 2013

National Heritage Week is from the 17th - 25th August. Pick up your copy of the National Heritage Week Event Guide. Complete event listings for Inishowen can be viewed shortly, in the August section of Festival and Events. Whale watching, Heritage Trails, Historical Talks and Tours. www.heritageweek.ie/

October Charles Macklin Autumn School Culdaff 10th-14th Oct 2013

Charles Macklin (26 September 1690 – 11 July 1797), originally Cathal MacLochlainn, was an actor and dramatist born in Culdaff, a village on the scenic Inishowen Peninsula of County Donegal. He was one of the most distinguished actors of his day, equally in tragedy and comedy. He gained his greatest fame in the role of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. The Charles Macklin Autumn School was founded in 1990 with Brian Friel as patron with Events including concerts, book launches, lectures, music recitals, writing workshops, art exhibitions and lunchtime talks. www.charlesmacklin.ie