Festivals & Events

Throughout the year Inishowen and nearby Derry host a wide selection of festivals and events with something to surprise and entertain all ages and tastes. There’s never been a better time to visit Inishowen!

Aurora Borealis

One of the world’s most famous and stunning solar phenomena has been spotted over Inishowen skies recently and is expected to continue over the coming months.

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has its best chance of being seen in more than a decade because of a peak in the sun’s activity.

11 May – 13 May: Donegal Fleadh Cheoil, Culdaff, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Musicians from throughout Donegal will travel to the Inishowen peninsula to take part in the County Fleadh Cheoil competitions in Culdaff Village. Alongside the competitions, there will be a ceilí, sessions, and a fun day of music song and dance.

20 May: Ancient Cultural Event, An Grianan Fort, Burt, Co. Donegal

A reinactment of the sights, scenes and smells of An Grianan’s glory days through story, song and dance.

20 May: Rocks and Rolling Ultra Marathon, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

The Rocks N Rollin Ultra Challenge meanders along Inishowens rocky landscapes and rolling hills. It is unique in that it offers an event for participants of all fitness levels and abilities with a choice of 3 distances, 39.3 mile, 26.2 mile and a 13.1 mile half marathon which you can choose to run or walk.

See Extreme North for more information.

24 May – 25 May: An Post Rás

This annual eight day, stage race around Ireland takes place from 20 – 27 May, delivering the number one cycling event in Ireland. Stage 5 ends in Buncrana on 24 May and Stage 6 starts in Buncrana on 25 May.

See An Post for more information.

27 Jun – 01 July: North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, Derry and Donegal

NAFCo festival and academic conference celebrates the music and dance of the North Atlantic Seaboard from Scandinavia to North America.

See NAFCo for more information.

28 June – 01 July: Irish Open Royal

Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland will host the Irish Open in 2012. The Red Door is the perfect base for golfers visiting the renowned golf courses in Inishowen, including Ballyliffin Golf Club. Helicopter pad available.

30 Jun – 08 July: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race & Maritime Homecoming Festival, Londonderry/Derry

The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race will make its homecoming leg from Nova Scotia to Northern Ireland, arriving in Derry~Londonderry in early July 2012, welcomed by a four day maritime festival to celebrate the visit of the world’s longest race.

See here for more information.