SUMMER IS HERE! READ OUR GUIDE TO DONEGAL’S GREATEST FESTIVALS

The weather is set to take a turn for the better and with summer finally here, it means that festival time is nearly upon us.

Here in this article for donegaldaily.com KATRINA DEVINE rounds up some of the best Donegal festivals this year.

Sea Sessions Bundoran 24^th-26^th June: Donegal’s very own camping, music and surf festival. The highlights of this year’s line-up include Ziggy Marley, Bell X1, Grandmaster Flash and The Go! Team. Day and weekend tickets are available from Xtra Vision, HMV or online.

Rory Gallagher Festival 2011 2^nd-5^th June: This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the festival that celebrates the international legend. This year’s line-up includes the Eric Bell Band, Jan Akkerman Band and Martin Carthy. Joining those greats are many tribute acts performing at various locations in Ballyshannon.

Seafest 1^st-3^rd July: The land based activities of Seafest such as walks, games and theatre will happen in Rathmullan. On the water, there will be the Lough Swilly Regatta and the Saldanha Cup Regatta. There will also be taster lessons in wind surfing and paddle boarding. The festival also aims to promote local produce so there will be plenty of food on offer.

Buncrana Music Festival 21^st-24^th July: Donegal’s second biggest town hosts one of the most eclectic mixes of traditional and modern. This year’s festival includes Bobby Kimball of Toto and Irish sensation Mundy. The music runs alongside daytime events like treasure hunts and the annual festival 5k.

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival 29^th-31^st July: After Ballyshannon recovers from the Rory Gallagher festival; the town will host a weekend of folk and traditional music. This year’s line-up includes Frankie Gavin & De Dannan and Finbar Furey. The festival will also hold instrument workshops and other events.

Rathmullan festival 29^th-31^st July: The August bank holiday also plays host to the Rathmullan Community Festival. The festival features music, workshops and a parade. There are plenty of activities for children including a treasure hunt. The programme has not been finalised yet but it is safe to say there will be something for everyone.

Moville Regatta 31^st July-1^st August: Yachts, dinghies, drontheims (Greencastle Yawl), foyle class punts, rowing races and kayaking can all be enjoyed at the annual event. Monday the 1^st of August will have children’s sports on The Green. There will also be music and craic to be enjoyed over the weekend in the hotels and pubs of Moville.

Kilcar Fleadh 6th-13^th August: This is a must for all traditional music lovers. The annual weeklong Fleadh hosts some of the best Irish music performers in Donegal. There will workshops in fiddle, accordion and tin whistle. There are also workshops in traditional singing and dancing.

A taste of Donegal Food Festival 2011 26^th – 28th August: Seanator David Norris will open the festival on Friday 26^th and Barbara Edwards will provide music. The Marquee will be open from 11am on Saturday and will feature exhibiters from Donegal and all over Ireland. There will also be cookery demonstrations and celebrity chef appearances. It is a great opportunity to experience some of the best artisan food producers that Ireland has to offer.

Donegal Shore Festival 1^st-5^th September: Daniel O Donnell will open the festivities in Kincasslagh. The other line-up highlights include Hugo Duncan, Margo, Shaun Cuddy, John McNicoll and Micheal English. A must for Daniel fans near and far.

* Are you involved in community events or festivals? Send the details to us on info@donegaldaily.com

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