Féile Cholm Cille - a weekend celebration of Irish culture, heritage and community
Set in the valley named in his honour, this inaugural festival brings together musicians, artists, storytellers, and the local community for four days of concerts, workshops, talks, and traditional music sessions
Féile Cholm Cille will take place from June 6 to 9 in Glencolmcille, offering a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage inspired by the life and legacy of St Colmcille.
Set in the valley named in his honour, this inaugural festival brings together musicians, artists, storytellers, and the local community for four days of concerts, workshops, talks, and traditional music sessions.
The festival begins on Friday, June 6, from 2pm to 4pm at the Church of Ireland, with Donegal Bees, an event celebrating World Environment Day and St. Colmcille’s connection to nature.
On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8, Shane McIntyre will lead art workshops focused on St Colmcille, from 10am to 1pm at the GAA Clubhouse. Songwriting and singing workshops are planned with Eunan McIntyre on Saturday and James Cannon on Sunday, both running from 11am to 4pm at the Glencolmcille Folk Museum.
Paddy Beag Gillespie will give a lecture on the life and legacy of St Colmcille, his association with Glencolmcille, his historical significance as one of Ireland’s three patron saints alongside St Patrick and St Brigit, and his enduring impact on local tradition down through the generations. The lecture will be held on Saturday at 4:30 pm in the Old School House at Glencolmcille Folk Museum.
Saturday night will see the highly anticipated concert at the Church of Ireland with Sean Cannon, formerly of The Dubliners, who will be joined by his son James and friends. Tickets for this concert are available on Eventbrite.
On Sunday 8, at 11am will see an exhibition showcasing local stone craftsmanship, with renowned stonemasons Paul Phaid Cunningham and Jamie McNern.
Saturday night brings the highly anticipated concert at the Church of Ireland with Seán Cannon, formerly of The Dubliners, joined by his son James and friends. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
On Monday, June 9, the festival closes with three standout events:
- 12pm: Turas Cholm Cille pilgrimage walk, guided by locals through historic stations of the saint’s path.
- 6pm: Cures and Curses – storytelling with Freddy Hardy and Liam McGinley at the Glencolmcille Folk Museum.
- 8pm: An illustrated lecture at Oideas Gael by author Christy Gillespie, exploring the enduring impact of St. Colmcille’s legacy.
Traditional music sessions will take place nightly at Roarty’s Bar and Glen Head Tavern, showcasing over 20 musicians and continuing the spirit of celebration late into the night.
Féile Cholm Cille is a joyful celebration of Donegal’s cultural heartbeat – fostering community connection, supporting local businesses, and sharing the stories and music that shape the identity of Glencolmcille. For more information and to view the festival schedule, visit Féile Ghleanncholmcille on Facebook and Instagram.