The Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival, takes place July 27 to 3 August 2025 in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, arguably Ireland’s oldest town. Visitors can anticipate a four-day programme of live music, street performances, workshops, and community events, celebrating Irish folk and traditional music.
The festival opens at the Abbey Arts Centre with “Unplugged Harmonies,” featuring Seamie O’Dowd and Pat McManus, offering an intimate evening of acoustic performances. Evening concerts at the Marquee, starting at 7:30pm, will showcase a mix of established and emerging artists, though the full 2025 lineup is yet to be announced.
Past festivals have included acts like Dervish, Kila, Dan McCabe, and Frankie Gavin & De Dannan, suggesting a similar calibre for 2025. Free street entertainment, including performances by groups like The O’Brien’s and McGrath’s, will animate Ballyshannon’s historic streets, while pub sessions in venues such as McCafferty’s Bar and the Reel Inn foster a lively atmosphere.
The festival’s Legend Sessions, a tribute to musical figures like Donegal fiddler Johnny Doherty, will feature at the Bridgend Bar, with artists like Seamie O’Dowd recreating imagined collaborations. Workshops and a showcase competition, offering a €1,000 prize, provide opportunities for aspiring musicians. Family-friendly activities, such as street performances and open-air concerts, ensure accessibility for all ages. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Sliabh Liag Cliffs, Donegal Castle, or Rossnowlagh Beach, with accommodation options including The Sandhouse Hotel and The Great Northern Hotel in nearby Bundoran.
Founded in 1978, the Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest festival of its kind, now in its 48th year. Initiated by a group of local volunteers, the festival was established to celebrate Ireland’s musical heritage and has since welcomed thousands of visitors annually during the August bank holiday weekend.
Its vision remains focused on promoting traditional and folk music while nurturing new talent through showcases and workshops. The festival’s volunteer-run ethos, supported by sponsors like ESB and Donegal County Council, has sustained its community-driven character. Mary Daly, the current festival director, has overseen its continued growth, maintaining a balance between high-profile acts and local performers. Her leadership has ensured the festival remains a cultural highlight, drawing music enthusiasts to the banks of the River Erne.
The 2025 festival will continue its tradition of blending music with Ballyshannon’s historic charm, offering a welcoming environment for both locals and international visitors. With a capacity for thousands, the event remains intimate, with concerts at the Marquee and Abbey Arts Centre, alongside fringe events like art exhibitions by resident artist Barry Britton. Tickets and further details, including the full lineup, will be available at www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com as the event approaches.
