Bar licence granted for Donegal’s newest surf and music festival

An application to transfer a pub licence to a dedicated 8m x 4m marquee bar for the duration of Bundoran’s Saltwater Festival has been granted. 

However, it is on condition ‘that there is no dancing in the marquee.’

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Saltwater Festival is described by solicitor Laura Mullaney as ‘a family-friendly surf and music festival.’

It takes place on Bundoran’s Promenade Road from Thursday to Sunday, September 4 to 7. 

The application before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, July 4 was an occasional licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor at the event. It was made by Declan Madden as nominee of Maddens Bridge Bar Company Limited, Bundoran.

Mr Madden confirmed to the court that he is a director of the company and holder of the on-licence in respect of the Bridge Bar. 

The application relates to a marquee which will form part of a festival village. Operating times for the bar are: Thursday, September 4 from 12 noon to 6pm, Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 from 12 noon to 10pm, and Sunday, September 7 from 12 noon to 6pm.

Ms Mullaney explained that this licence transfer previously worked as a successful arrangement for the annual Sea Sessions festival which is not taking place this year.

She added that the Fire Service had been informed of the event and had contacted the organisers laying out fire safety guidelines. 

Director of Saltwater Festival Daniel Browne outlined that the festival would include a major surf event with 200 participants from all across Europe. There will be a further 300 people for a tag rugby event, and a wellness element with around 200 people.

He added: “There will be a small music stage at the surf village that we are building as part of the surfing championship infrastructure for the event.”

Ms Mullaney pointed out that the event is expected to bring a significant amount of business to Bundoran. Mr Browne said that while this was a sub licence event, organisers were nonetheless engaging with gardaí and the fire service. He confirmed that it complied with fire safety guidelines, and that a long-established security company had been engaged. 

In response to questions from Judge Brendan O’Reilly, Mr Browne clarified that it was not a dance licence which was being sought. He also confirmed that staff were familiar with the law in relation to sale of liquor to minors, smoking restrictions, etc. 

Judge O’Reilly said: “I am satisfied to grant the licence. That is on the condition that there is no dancing in the marquee.”

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