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Ballyshannon Folk Festival Enjoy a weekend brimming with the finest folk and traditional music as the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival celebrates its 48th anniversary. Continuing until August 3, this year's festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with spectacular live concerts showcasing renowned artists, a lively buzz of free street entertainment throughout the town, and a diverse range of fringe events to captivate all ages. Festival concerts throughout the weekend include The Highstool Prophets, Luka Bloom, Porter Bellies, Muddlers Club, Phoenix, Seamie O’Dowd, Leonard Barry, Andy Morrow, Suil, Showcase winners and lots more. A notable gig is the Legend sessions on Sunday, August 3 in the Bridgend Bar, featuring the music of two greats, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Doherty. It kicks off at 12.30pm with Mark Langan and Seamie O’Dowd. Further information and booking at Ballyshannonfolkfestival.com
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Ride a train Yes it is still possible to enjoy a train ride in Donegal, thanks to the team at Fintown Heritage Railway who will give you a warm welcome on board An Mhuc Dhubh (The Black Pig). The train runs along beautiful Lough Finn, offering stunning, timeless views of the lake and mountains. Fintown Railway is taking books for the bank holiday weekend, including the bank holiday Monday. A spokesperson said: “Get ready for the Bank Holiday Monday, August 4. Fintown Railway will be OPEN, offering our beautiful scenic train journeys. Train times are the same as our Sunday schedule. “Remember: book online up until the evening before, or just give us a call for same-day seats! “All timetable and booking info is on our website: www.antraen.com “See you on board!” The boarding point can be found in Fintown at F94 FR90.
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See Donegal by e-bike A growing number of companies are offering electric bike hire as a means to enjoy the hills and coastal roads and tracks of Donegal. Among them is Gweedore Adventures, who invite you to explore Donegal's natural beauty with ease, journeying from beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way through forest tracks with spectacular views of the Derryveagh mountains and into the mystical Poison Glen. “Our ebikes come equipped with fat tyres and a step-thru frame, making them comfortable and easy to ride for people of all ages and abilities,” a spokesperson said. “An electric pedal assist system means you can cover more ground without getting tired.” See gweedoreadbentures.com for more
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A Day at the Races The Ballintra Races is set to make a welcome return, being staged for the first time since 2019. While the pandemic put paid to plans in the subsequent years, it was the weather that put the dampener with last year’s planned comeback. There is, therefore, a great feeling of celebration with preparations well underway for the racemeet which is scheduled to take place at Murvagh on the bank holiday Monday, August 4 at 2pm. The Ballintra Races dates back to 1943, and is believed to be among the largest flapper meetings in Ireland, second only to tDingle, County Kerry. As always, this promises to be a fun-filled and memorable day out for all the family. See Ballintra Races on Facebook for more