Festifál Donegal
22-24 July: Features local cultural events, Irish dancing, music, visual arts, film, poetry and theatre, all showcased within a welcoming community atmosphere. Other activities include sean nós singing and ceilí dancing, traditional music sessions and world music – including blues, rock, reggae, pop and country – as well as GAA sporting events. There will also be junior and senior visual arts competitions, theatre presentations, a 20-piece Irish Pipe band from Manchester, Highland Radio broadcasts and guided area walks. If that’s not enough, there will be an open mic stage, carnival parade, kayaking, book and poetry recitals, vintage car and tractor displays, and Irish music school performances.
Mary from Dungloe International Festival
23 July – 1 August: In its 49th year, the festival centres on the selection of the “Mary from Dungloe”, which brings young women representing the Irish diaspora from all parts of the world to Co Donegal. There will be music on the street to suit all age groups and tastes. Expect novelty events, such as treasure hunts and the duck race return, along with new events like human Hungry Hippos and a Lego building competition. There will also be a Supervalu Children’s Fun Day. Other events include an Irish dancing Feis, a country music themed day, cultural walks, rock climbing and island hopping tours. Come along for 10 fun filled days in Dungloe. For tickets and more information, see www.maryfromdungloe.com
MUSIC
Brendan Shine
26 July: Head down to Kerry to see one of Ireland’s most famous country singers. Brendan will be performing live in the INEC in Kerry, where he will treat his fans to a selection of his diverse songs. For ticket details and for more information, see www.ticketmaster.ie
Theatre
Factory Girls
21-30 July: Written by award-winning playwright Frank McGuinness, this play focuses on the lives of five women in Co Donegal and is set in the 1980s. Faced with losing their jobs, the women stage a lock-in in the shirt factory where they work. You can see the play at The Everyman in Co Cork. Tickets cost €26 – call the box office on 021 4501673 or visit www.everymancork.com for more.
Dancing diary
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, Sun 24th July, Lisa McHugh
Galway: Tuam, Ard Ri Hotel, Sun 24th July, John Hogan
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam, Sat 23rd July, Michael English
Leinster
Louth: Carlingford, Four Seasons, Sun 24th July, Declan Nerney
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA Complex, Sun 24th July, Pat Daly
Kilkenny: Rhu Glenn, Sat 23rd July, Declan Nerney
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, Sat 23rd July, Mike Denver
Waterford: Tramore, O’Sheas Hotel, Thurs 11th August, Declan Nerney
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, Fri 22nd July, Jim Devine
Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, Wed 27th July, Brendan & Patricia Lee
Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, Wed 27th July, Dermot Lyons
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, Sun 24th July, Mike Denver
Limerick: Caherconlish, Millennium Centre, Sat 30th July, PJ Murrihy, Sat 6th August, The Indians
Tipperary: Thurles, Premier Ballroom, Sun 24th July, Checkers
Tipperary: Holycross, Holycross GAA Pitch, Sun 24th July, Host of artists, 1-7pm
Tipperary: Newport, Aherns, Sat 23rd July, Cupla
Ulster
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, Fri 22nd July, Gerry Guthrie, Sat 23rd, Lisa McHugh, Sun 24th, Jim Devine
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, Sat 23rd July,Patrick Feeney
Monaghan: Monaghan, Four Seasons Hotel, Sun 24th July, Patrick Feeney
Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, Fri 22nd July, Mike Denver
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, Sat 23rd July, Jimmy Buckley
Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown Hotel, Mon 25th July, Robert Mizzell
Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies Country Tavern, Fri 22nd July, Robert Mizzell
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