Killaghtee ready for weekend of family fun festival activities

South Donegal is ready to embrace a weekend of family fun as the area of Killaghtee gets ready to host the 2025 edition of the Killaghtee Festival.

The festival is aimed at celebrating the local community, amenities, and heritage at and around Killaghtee.

Events will be taking place at various locations from August 22-24, including Dunkineely, Bruckless, St John’s Point, and the Old Killaghtee Church. 

Music will be of full avail in the events, with gigs and trad sessions playing all weekend at Mac’s Bar, MacLaughlin’s, and McIntyre’s pubs. 

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Main Street, in Dunkineely, opens the festival at the Grand Opening on August 22, with help from the Killaghtee Accordion Band and Kevin’s School of Music Marching Band. Dunkineely Community Centre will host an event showcasing John Seward’s Inver Railway Model on the same evening.

The following day will see educational talks, children’s treasure trails, yoga, and lots of music available in Dunkineely, as well as an early morning ‘Salute the Sun Yoga’ event at St John’s Point Beach, and Music and History at the Old Killaghtee Church.

Up and coming Ardara country star, Stephen Bennett, will be performing live in Dunkineely from 8-10pm on the Saturday evening. Bennett had been chosen as a runner-up in a talent competition judged by Louis Walsh, and he then released his debut single, ‘Traffic Jam ', which went to number one on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts in Ireland. 

Family fun at the festival will conclude on Sunday, August 24, when Bruckless Community Centre and Park hosts a craft market, children’s theatre event, a sports day, plus live music and a BBQ. 

Elsewhere, a boat trip leaves from Killybegs and tours around St. John’s Point (€15pp), and a group walk to McSwyne’s Castle is available for anyone who wishes to visit. 

Further information can be found online at www.killaghtee.ie/festival-2025.