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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Donegal: Six fun-filled ways to spend the long weekend
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 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 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.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Meath: Five fun things to do in the Royal County this weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. ADVERTISEMENT The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Five things to do in Meath this bank holiday weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
