Burns Weekend in Donegal celebrates Scottish food, music, poetry and dancing

Burns Weekend is making a welcome return ‘home’ to Harvey’s Point and there is a fantastic programme in place to celebrate the famous Scottish poet. 

The celebrations take place in Harvey’s Point and in Whoriskey’s, Cashelard on Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28.

Organiser Deirdre McGlone said: “Join us for a fun weekend in celebration of the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns and the shared bond between Donegal and Scotland.”

There will be a lovely line-up of festivities hosted at Harvey’s Point on both the Friday and Saturday evenings as well as the traditional Haggis Hunt in Cashelard on Saturday afternoon. 

The weekend will feature the usual mix of wit, wine, whisk(e)y and wisdom, accompanied by fine flavours of Scottish food, music, poetry and lots of dancing.

Eamonn Gillespie, Guest Relations Manager at Harvey’s Point  has planned the first ever Highland Concert Experience on Friday evening, with performances from Seamus O’Sullivan, The Donegal Tenors and special guest, Matt Mc Granaghan.

On Saturday at noon, there will be a guided walk in Cashelard – ‘Ramble with Rabbie’ in search of the elusive Haggis that may be hiding in the bushes!

This is a special event for Harvey’s Point guests and the entire community of Cashelard and beyond. Everyone is welcome. 

Following the Haggis Hunt, return to Whoriskey’s pub for a cup of cock-a-leekie soup and a bit of banter and dancing, organised by Richard Hurst.

The main event, the Burns Supper, will be hosted by Harvey’s Point on Saturday evening, starting with a welcome reception to the sounds of St Naul’s Pipe Band, Ardaghey, followed by fun, formalities and a delicious three course dinner. 

Later on in the evening, tuck into a light Scottish supper, followed by dancing into the wee hours with the great Gary Blair Ceilidh Band. 

Deirdre said: “Experience an unforgettable evening of merriment and making memories – arrive as guests and depart as friends!”

The first Burns Supper was held at Harvey’s Point twenty years ago and the event was born from an idea of the late Joe McGlone who had a passion for all things Scottish. 

Robert Burns (1759 – 1796) wrote over 300 songs and a variety of poems. He is widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet and the date of his birth in January is celebrated worldwide.

Harvey’s Point is offering a special Burns Weekend accommodation package

Tickets for the Burns Supper are €69 and can be booked by calling Harvey’s Point at 074 9722208.

The spokesperson said: “Everyone is welcome to enjoy a wonderful weekend at Harvey’s Point and as Rabbie Burns would have said, ‘We cannae wait tae see ye.’”

Friday, January 27

Highland Concert Experience, 9pm in The Garden Suite, Harvey’s Point

Hosted by Eamonn Gillespie, featuring Seamus and Brian O’Sullivan and the Donegal Tenors with special guest, Matt Mc Granaghan

Saturday, January 28

Haggis Hunt, 12 noon at Cashelard, Ballyshannon

Guided walk with return to Whoriskey’s Pub for Cock-a-Leekie soup and a bit of banter

Scottish Dance Workshop with Richard Hurst
Burns Supper, 7pm at Harvey’s Point. A gala evening of fine Scottish fare with music, poetry, song and lots of dancing to the great Gary Blair Ceilidh Band. Prize for the best dressed Lady and Gentleman in Scottish attire