The Ardara Gathering: Colour & Display: As part of the preparations for The Gathering, five young students from the Comprehensive Scholl in Glenties led by Tamara Payne decided to do special Paintings to highlight what Ardara is all about. The result can be identified by the wonderful display of painting of different features of life in Ardara as is now fitted on the windows of the former Craig Family home on the Diamond. This is truly a wonderful piece of work and a credit to the initiative of these wonderful young ladies.
Additional Events: As part of The Gathering a casual history stroll will start each morning at the Catholic Church at 10.30 a.m. the Walk will be around the Town will take about 45 minutes and should be an interesting event. Further information can be had at the Tourist Office in the Heritage Centre.
Welcome Buffet: Everyone is welcome to our Meet & Greet Buffet in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Saturday 3rd August at 8pm. Admission is €10 and everyone is asked to come along and support this Welcome Evening to get The Gathering off to a good start. Music by Grainne Gavigan and friends. More Information at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel or the Tourist Office in the Heritage Centre. Garden Fete: Rev John welcomes everyone to the opening of The Gathering at the Garden Fete at the Rectory on Saturday 3rd at 2pm. This is always a Special Event and all the more this year.
Ardara Parish Church: Rev John welcomes all to a special Service on Sunday 4th August at 7.00pm in the Parish Church to celebrate a special Anniversary for the Church. Afterwards he invites everyone to the Parish centre at the Church of the Holy Family for refreshments.
Blessing of the Graves: The Blessing of the Graves takes place on Sunday 4th August at 2.30pm. Also Canon Laverty has a special Mass on Sunday 11th August at 11.00 a.m. as we say farewell to The Gathering. Canon Laverty will put on a Special Display the week for The Gathering showing special features of significance to the Church.
A Special Gathering: Rev John Purdy will have at 4pm on Sunday 4th August a special evening of Readings and Hymns at the Dorleen Strand. This is a beautiful event and we hope people will attend and appreciate.
Dancing at the Crossroads: The ever popular Ceili Time will lead the Ceili and Set Dancing on the Diamond as we start the first of our Special Open Air Events, under the Guidance of Clement Gallagher. Dancing starts around 8.45pm and everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun.
Special Bus Tours: On Tuesday 6th August the Bus Tour starts at midday going along the Coast to Killybegs, Kilcar, Glen, top of Slieve League and back to Ardara with a popular Narrator. This event needs to be booked and contact Gerard on 087 6488628 or Denise in the Tourist Office in the Heritage Centre on 087 2868657. The Waterbus Trip on Wednesday 7th August needs to be booked through the same people.
Big Bands in Town: Popular singing star Johnny Brady plays Open Air in the Car Park on Tuesday 6th August. The Show starts at 8pm with Johnny on stage at 9.00pm. Brendan Shine performs in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Wednesday 7th August with doors opening 8.30pm with Brendan on stage at 10.00 pm. The biggest name in Irish Dance Music Derek Ryan plays Open Air in the Town Car Park on Thursday 8th August with the Show starting at 8.00pm and Derek on stage at 9.00pm.
Friday 9th August in Town: Many Ardara businesses are doing something special for the Friday Shopping Day. Example being Gerry the Butcher and Spar have a Special barbecue on Friday morning and everyone welcome. St Shanaghan House: St Shanaghan House have a special Lunch and Craft Display at 1pm. We ask everyone to support the efforts of St Shanaghan House as this is a vital part of our Community. The Lunch is €10 and we ask you to invite friends to this Special Gathering Lunch.. Further details from Breda Boyle 086 1737178.
New York Rose: The Community would like to wish Fiona Molloy good luck in this weeks Mary from Dungloe Competition. Fiona is the daughter of Connie & Eileen Molloy and both her Uncles live in Ardara Anthony and Terence.
Wedding Congratulations: Congratulations to Conal Doherty of the Front Street who married Emma Sanders in Chester England on Friday 25th last. They were joined on their special day by family and friends who made the trip to Chester. The Community wish them a long and happy life together.
Sympathy: The Community extends sympathy to the family of Pat Caffrey, Gortnacart whose wife Shiela died during the week in England.
