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.

18 Feb: Wedding Showcase

The Red Door caters for weddings with up to 110 guests and marquee options are available for larger parties.

Come to our wedding showcase to discuss your requirements with our experienced wedding co-ordinator and meet our recommended wedding suppliers.

For more information about weddings at The Red Door visit www.thereddoor.ie/weddings

25 Mar – 2 May: “Fatique Detail” Exhibition at Fort Dunree

Inishowen will host an art exhibition exploring the lives of the local and rural communities in a personal and human manner. Highly regarded Ulster artist David Farquhar has chosen Fort Dunree as the next location for exhibiting his work “Fatigue Detail”.

See Artlink for more information.

03 May – 07 May: City of Derry Jazz and Big Bands Festival

Nearby City of Derry will host over 200 events across 70 venues throughout the historic walled city.

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.

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.