The Mountcharles Opera Festival returns for its 10th year to the idyllic Salthill House in Mountcharles.

Salthill House

Songs for a Summer Evening is a celebration of opera in a garden outhouse in a hidden gem of Donegal.

There will be shows on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July, at 8pm (doors at 7pm). Guests arrive at the stunning Salthill House and are treated to a glass of wine to enjoy as they meander through Elizabeth Temple’s magnificent gardens.

Elizabeth Temple has transformed the grounds into a beautiful walled garden that is the ideal backdrop for the annual festival.

Salthill Gardens. Image via Go Visit Letterkenny

Leading the line-up of the Mountcharles Opera Festival are Soprano Deborah Cunningham, Bass-Baritone Paul Martin and the Bluestack Chorale, accompanied with pianist Evan McGarrigle.

Deborah and Paul are soloists with North West Opera and Donegal Voices, whilst Evan is in much demand as a solo pianist and accompanist throughout Donegal. They formed the Bluestack Chorale in 2011. Through a mutual love of opera they established the Mountcharles Opera Festival, which has seen some beautiful scenes in the popular repertoire.

This year’s special celebration promises to be another treasured event. All are welcome to visit, and doors open at 7pm each night. Admission is €15.

Salthill House is near Mountcharles, Co Donegal. Follow signs for Mountcharles Pier on the Wild Atlantic Way, N56, pass the pier on the left. The House & Gardens are signposted.