DONEGAL events: Upcoming festivals in Ireland’s county Donegal

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Donegal from 20 March to 1 May 2026, drawing from confirmed schedules across towns, villages, and islands. This spring period highlights traditional Irish music, singing, cultural heritage, live performances, and community gatherings along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Music & Arts Festivals

Inishowen Singing Weekend 2026 (20-23 March): The longest-running festival of traditional singing in Ireland (now in its 36th year), held in Ballyliffin and Clonmany. It features sessions, concerts, workshops, lectures, and a grand concert celebrating local, national, and international folk song traditions.
F√©ile na hInse 2026 (24-26 April): A festival of traditional Irish music, song, and dance in Buncrana, Inishowen, honouring the legacy of Dinny McLaughlin (1935-2024). It includes performances, instrumental workshops, concerts, and festival club sessions.
Falcarragh Music Festival (24-26 April): A vibrant weekend of live music and community vibes at Ionad Naomh Fionn√°n in Falcarragh.
Scoil Chois Cla√≠ 2026 (24-26 April): Held at Arranmore Community Centre on Arranmore Island, this event focuses on traditional Irish music and culture, alongside elements of political education, workshops, lectures, and debates (in English and Irish) on topics like climate, anti-imperialism, and alternatives to capitalism.
The 23rd Cup of Tae Music Festival (starts 1 May): An annual traditional Irish music celebration in Ardara honouring fiddle legend John ‘The Tae’ Gallagher. It kicks off on the May Bank Holiday weekend with pub sessions, concerts, music classes, and cultural events (continues into early May).
Rebel Fest Donegal 2026 (starts 1 May): A multi-day festival at Se√°n √ìg’s Live in Gaoth Dobhair, featuring Irish rebel songs, folk music, and lively performances (runs Friday-Sunday).
Bealtaine Festival (starts 1 May): A nationwide arts initiative celebrating creativity in ageing, with local events across Donegal programmed by Donegal County Council’s Culture Division.

Special Events & Performances

Spring Equinox Silent Pilgrimage (21 March): A meditative silent walk to Grian√°n (An Grian√°n of Aileach), starting early morning from the An Grian√°n Hotel.
The Incredible Grease Brunch (21 March): A fun, themed brunch inspired by the musical “Grease” at the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.
Lough Derg 2026 Open Day (28 March): A unique “behind-the-scenes” opportunity to visit the historic spiritual island of Lough Derg, aimed at the public and local businesses.
F√©ile Cro√≠ na mBan (28 March): A community event celebrating women, heritage, and connection at Jackson’s Hotel, Stranorlar.

Live Music & Shows

The Whistlin’ Donkeys (20 March): Live performance at An Grian√°n Theatre, Letterkenny.
Meadhbh Walsh (28 March): An evening of captivating live music at An Ch√∫irt Hotel, Gweedore.
Strawman Album Launch (28 March): Alt-rock singer-songwriter Strawman launches his new album ‘Victory has a Hundred Fathers’ with a full band at the Lifford Old Courthouse.
The Tumbling Paddies (5 April): Live show at The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town.
An Evening with Robbie Fowler (18 April): A special appearance and event at the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.

Outdoor & Community Events

Claudia Buckley Dancing Weekend (24-26 April): A music and dance-focused weekend at The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town..
Crolly Festival Easter Saturday Event (4 April): Featuring live music by One for the Road at Teach Paidi √ìig in Crolly.
April Country Music Weekend (10-12 April): A dedicated country music weekend with performances at The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town.

Annual & recurring festivals

County Donegal is famous for its rugged landscapes and deep-rooted musical and cultural traditions. Here are the recurring and annual festivals in County Donegal:

Letterkenny TradWeek (January): A week-long celebration of Irish traditional, folk, and world music featuring concerts, workshops, and school events in Letterkenny.
Awaken the North (March): A St. Patrick’s weekend festival in Buncrana and the Inishowen area featuring music, light installations, and community parades.
Cup of Tae Festival (May): A traditional music festival in Ardara dedicated to the memory of famous local fiddler John “The Tae” Gallagher, focusing on workshops and pub sessions.
North West Garden Show (May): A major horticultural event in Castlefin showcasing garden designs, floral displays, and local artisan food.
Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival (June): Thousands of fans gather in Ballyshannon, the birthplace of the legendary guitarist, for a four-day rock and blues festival.
Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival (June): A massive beachside festival in Bundoran that combines world-class surfing competitions with a high-profile lineup of pop, rock, and dance acts.
Cruit Island Music Festival (June): An intimate festival celebrating traditional and contemporary music on the scenic Cruit Island.
Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival (July): A ten-day community festival in Dungloe featuring music, street carnival events, and the famous crowning of the “Mary.”
Earagail Arts Festival (July): A premier multi-disciplinary arts festival with events moving across the county, including bilingual theatre, circus, visual arts, and outdoor concerts.
Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival (August): One of Ireland’s oldest folk festivals, featuring headline concerts, street sessions, and talent competitions in Ballyshannon.
A Taste of Donegal Food Festival (August): A three-day food lover’s event in Donegal Town showcasing local producers, celebrity chef demonstrations, and wine tastings.
Clonmany Festival (August): Ireland’s longest-running family street festival, famous for its country music nights, outdoor markets, and community competitions.
Inishowen International Folk Song Festival (October): A world-renowned gathering in Ballyliffin for traditional singers and scholars, featuring sessions and workshops in the art of unaccompanied singing.
Donegal Bay Film Festival (October): A showcase of independent cinema held in Bundoran, focusing on short films and local filmmaking talent.
Ghostly Manor at Oakfield Park (October): A popular Halloween event in Raphoe featuring “train rides from hell,” light shows, and family-friendly spooky installations.