Magic, music, markets and more at Ardara’s Wild Atlantic Festival
The week-long programme of events is a fantastic showcase of all that this corner of Donegal has to offer
From magic shows to skills workshops with master crafters, from an outdoor céilí to walking tours, the organisers of the Wild Atlantic Festival have put together a fantastic programme.
The festival runs from this Saturday, August 5 to Ardara Show Day on the following Saturday, August 12. And there really is something for everyone, from children to adults of all ages and interests.
Workshops marked with * have a deposit of €20 and cost €30 on the day at a total cost of €50 per person. To book please contact Colm Sweeney on 087 322 2910.
Saturday, August 5
- Ardara Artisan Market in the main town car park from 11am to 3pm
- Wild Atlantic Magic with Colm Dawson kids show in the Heritage Centre at 12 noon, entry €5
- Wild Atlantic Magic with Colm Dawson for adults in the Beehive at 7pm, entry €10
Sunday, August 6
- Ardara Town Walk - an historical and educational walk of Ardara starting at the Heritage Centre at 12 noon.
- The Annual Blessing of the Graves takes place at the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara at 2.30pm
- Great selection of free entertainment at venues throughout the town from 10pm
Monday, August 7
- *Table Loom Weaving and Natural Dyes Class with Colm in the Heritage Centre at 10.30am
- *Watercolour Painting Class with Aidan McCole in The Heritage Centre from 11am to 4.30pm
- Introduction to Ardara Short Film at The Heritage Centre (upstairs) at pm
- Dancing at the Crossroads - Join Clement and friends as they take us back in time with an open air céilí on the streets of Ardara at the Diamond from 8pm.
Tuesday, August 8
- Stephen Bennett Exhibition in The Heritage Centre from 10am to 5pm
- *Sean O’Brogan Portrait Painting Class in The Heritage Centre from 11am to 4.30pm
- Bart Whelan Historical Talk in The Heritage Centre an 7pm
Wednesday, August 9
- Mystery Bus Tour leaving the Heritage Centre at 11am and visiting a surprise location
- *Johnny Boyle Mixed Media Art Class in the Heritage Centre from 11am to 4.30pm
- Darby O’Gill Movie upstairs in the Heritage Centre at 6pm
Thursday, August 10
- *Basket weaving in the Heritage Centre with Gene Eoghan O’Curraighin from 11am to 4.30pm
- Packie Manus Byrne Film intThe Heritage Centre (upstairs) at 6pm.
Friday, August 11
- *Loom Weaving / Spinning Classes with Colm in the Heritage Centre from 11am to 4.30pm
- Nature Walk with Nature Learn starting at the Heritage Centre at 5pm, a Nature Walk of Drumbarron and Ardara Woods with Michael and Molly Bell
- Duck Racing on the Owentocker organised in aid of the Loughros Point Rowing Club at 7pm
- Teenage Disco for 13 to 15 year-olds at Ardara GAA club at 9pm
- Great selection of free entertainment at venues throughout the town from 10pm
Saturday, August 12
- Ardara Show Day at the Ardara GAA Grounds from 10am to 5pm. This promises tol be the biggest festival day of the year at Ardara GAA grounds, with funfair, heritage displays, competitions and animal shows.
- Ardara Show Dance at the GAA Grounds from 8pm to late.