August bank holiday in Donegal: Six fun-filled ways to spend the long weekend

Irish Independent

2 days ago

Across Donegal, there are lots of events organised with something for everyone to enjoy.
Here is a guide to some of the events happening over the weekend:
The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival
The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is a community based festival which has been held annually since 1967 in Dungloe, County Donegal.
This year's festival runs from July 26 to August 3 with some of the big names in country music taking to the stage including Daniel O'Donnell, John Mc Nicholl, Dominic Kirwan, Shawn Cuddy, Conor O' Donnell and Sinead Black.
It is family friendly with a wide variety of musical, cultural, child, sporting, artistic and novelty events. Irish diaspora communities from around the world, as well as Irish counties and towns, participate by nominating a young woman to represent their area.
The winner, crowned 'Mary From Dungloe' holds the title for a year and acts as an ambassador for the festival, Dungloe & Donegal.
For the full line up, visit maryfromdungloe.ie.
Get ready to tap your feet, clap your hands, and sing along as the 48th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival bursts onto the scene from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025.
This year, the festival is truly 'On the Move,' bringing an electrifying lineup of traditional and folk music to every corner of Ballyshannon.
Throughout the festival, there will be performances from The Highstool Prophets, Luka Bloom, Porter Bellies, Muddlers Club, Phoenix, Seamie O'Dowd, Leonard Barry, Andy Morrow and Suil.
Add to the mix some great street entertainment all weekend with lively pub sessions with the Ballyshannon Folk Trail, fringe events and workshops - this leading festival still has something to cater for all tastes 48 years later!
Resident artist, Barry Britton will launch his exhibition on Thursday, July 31 at 7pm in the Abbey Arts Centre and will be live in the centre until the end of August 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to view the Barry's artworks on display locally.
Muff Féile
The Muff Féile is back for another year this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The event runs from July 31 to August 4, 2025 and it kicks off with the opening parade with dozens of events planned throughout the weekend.
Organisers cater for all ages, aiming to create a Féile weekend full of fun events that entertain the residents of the area and visitors alike.
From the popular opening parade to bonny baby to glamorous granny comps, live music, sports events, treasure hunts, gaming and retro arcade, fun fair amusements, craft fair, bake off's, art displays, workshops, films there is an action packed something for everyone.
The Féile is a new event and a reimagining of the popular Muff Festival which began in the village in 1980.
This year's Muff Feile marquee is destined to be a hive of musical activity. Situated down at The Ardmore Bar at The Treehouse Restaurant, Muff, there really is something for everyone.
FRIELDAYS – A homecoming 2025-2029
An unprecedented five-year theatrical celebration building to the centenary of one of Ireland's great literary figures, Brian Friel (1929-2015).
Beginning with a 35th anniversary production of his most celebrated play, Dancing at Lughnasa, staged just fifty metres from the house in which it is set, and close with a combined 50th anniversary celebration of the work of Ireland's greatest poet – and Friel's close friend - Seamus Heaney.
Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, 35th Anniversary Year, will be held from August 1 to 17, 2025 at The Canteen Hall, St. Columba's School, Glenties.
Faith Healer by Brian Friel will be held on August 8 to 10 and 15 to 17.
Bus Meeting Point – Market Hall. Glenties at 4.30pm. (Act 1 – Edeninfagh / Act 2 Portnoo / Act 3 Ardara / Act 4 Glenties).
A unique journey by bus through the Bluestack Mountains and west Donegal coastal scenery to visit three small community halls, dramatically finishing in the ballroom bar of the Highlands Hotel.
Includes special Tennessee Barbecue at the interval on Portnoo Pier.
Translations by Brian Friel. 45th Anniversary Year. August 22 to 25, 2025 at the Dunlewey Centre, Dunlewey at 7.30pm.
Arrive early (5.30-6.45pm) and book your mini-bus seat to the early 19th century Glentornan ghost-village, plus experience a special silent prelude at the Weaver's Cottage – prior to evening performances only.
For more information, visit artsoverborders.com.
Glencolmcille Agricultural Show 2025
The annual Glencolmcille Agricultural Show will take place on Sunday, August 3,2025.
There will be cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, poultry, craft and produce.
There will also be trade stalls, childrens activiities, a dog show and a best dressed lady and gent competition.
The annual show is extremely popular and has something for everyone to enjoy.
Sheepdog trials will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 with entry on the day.
Meenacross Agricultural Show
The Meenacross Agricultural Show will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The popular event kicks off at 11am and is sure to be a fun filled day.
The day will include the traditional cattle, sheep and horse sections.
The committee has put a lot of work into the children's classes this year and there will be categories for the young handler in the cattle, sheep, ponies and the dog section with some fantastic prizes.
They have also added some great classes and cups to the vegetable section, home baking, arts and crafts and photography.