If you’re craving true entertainment again, Earagail Arts Festival is thankfully back with a programme to delight all arts and culture fans.
Starting on 4th July, the festival is taking on a hybrid form this summer. There’s a packed schedule online and live performances for you to enjoy, participate in and engage with at home and in person. Scroll down for a look at our top picks for your calendar!
Many will be thrilled to see the first live Donegal concerts and showcases back in a series of outdoor (covered), socially-distanced performances in stunning places such as Rathmullan House, Fanad Lighthouse, Glebe House & Gallery, Oakfield Park, Corcreggan Mill and Castle Grove House.
Earagail Arts Festival has cleverly adapted to new ways of celebrating the arts, which gives us all a chance to connect with the arts, even if you’ve never done so before.
Wherever you are in Donegal, there’ll be an event happening close-by, and other shows can be streamed directly into your living room online.
Make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
What’s On? Here are our top 10 picks…
WORKSHOP: Fidget Feet
When? Wednesday 7th July – Sunday 11th July – 12.30pm-7.30pm
Where? Ballybofey, Letterkenny and Gweedore
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/fidget-feet-free-aerial-workshops/
Suitable for ages 8* to 99, or ages 5-7 with a guardian, these FREE outdoor taster workshops give you a chance to try aerial circus in a fun outdoor workshop.
PERFORMANCE: Cycle Circus
When? Wednesday 21st July – Sunday 25th July
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/cycle-circus/
This is a great one for all the family! Due to huge interest, Dunfanaghy and Rathmullan dates are already sold out but booking is available for Letterkenny and Raphoe.
CONCERT: The Breath & Without Willow
When? Tuesday 20th July, 8pm
Where? The Pavilion at Rathmullan House
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/the-breath/
Enjoy a live concert with The Breath – guitarist Stuart McCallum and singer/flautist, Ríoghnach Connolly and Donegal favourites Without Willow – Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty.
TOUR: The Lighthouse Project
When? Tuesday 20th July – Sunday 25th July
Where? Fanad Lighthouse
More info: https://eaf.ie/events/the-lighthouse-project/
This is a free self-guided tour that you can do at any time at Fanad Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Project takes people on a self-guided journey, linking place with writing in an intimate and innovative way. Go on a journey and find a new perspective on familiar paths guided by writer Annemarie Ní Churreáin and filmmaker and soundscape artist Laura Sheeran.
Lighthouses – symbols of light and hope – are the gateway to this year’s festival programme.
WALK: Cosán Choilm Cille
When? Friday 23rd July, 8pm
Where? Meenlaragh, Gortahork
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/cosan-choilm-cille/
Come on a short walk with Scottish and Irish writers and artists to the top of Cnoc na Naomh. Along the way, you can see their work and listen to their poems and stories. The work has been inspired by the folklore and mythology around Saint Colm Cille.
Enjoy artwork from the artists Seán Ó Flaithearta, Kim Sharkey, Derek Robertson and Norman Shaw. You will get the chance to hear newly composed writing by Meg Bateman, Rody Gorman, Dairena Ní Chinnéide and Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde.
This will be a very intimate event and spaces are filling up quickly
CONCERT: Brigid Mae Power
When? Saturday 24th July, 8pm
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/distanced-perspectives/
Country and traditional folk artist Brigid Mae Power will be headlining an epic gig in the grounds of Fanad Lighthouse, with Súil Amháin & Shammen Delly.
ONLINE: Before – Sula – Pat Kinevane
When? Saturday 24th July, 8pm
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/before-pat-kinevane/
Theatre lovers will enjoy the online premiere of a new bilingual version of Before by Pat Kinevane, pre-recorded at Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair.
CONCERT: Tanya McCole
When? Sunday 25th July, 8pm
Where? The Pavilion at Rathmullan House
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/tanya-mccole/
A firm favourite amongst Donegal music fans, this event is selling out very quickly and we would encourage people to book soon!
CINEMA: Drone Bone Jetty
When? Wednesday 21st July, 9pm
Where? Century Cinemas, Letterkenny
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/drone-bone-jetty/
This is an exciting new filmic/stage collaboration between Laura Sheeran and Little John Nee. There will be a post screening interview and Q&A with the audience.
ONLINE WORKSHOP: Home (from Home) with The Henry Girls
When? Monday 12th July – Friday 16th July – 10am-2pm (Daily) Wednesday 21st July, 9pm
Book: https://eaf.ie/events/home-from-home-with-the-henry-girls/
Musical sister trio The Henry Girls have long been associated with Earagail Arts, and this year you can connect to their workshops from anywhere in the world, for a virtual edition of their annual week-long residential.
And one more…!
ONLINE: The Ghostlight Sessions – Inside The Song
When? Monday 19th July 8pm
Subscribe: https://eaf.ie/events/ghostlight-sessions/
Available on YouTube, The Ghostlight Sessions comes to you from the Balor Arts Centre. Host Dean Maywood is joined by four of Ireland’s top songwriting talents – Joshua Burnside, Ultan Conlan, Ciaran Lavery and Laura Quirke. Don’t miss this mixture of wonderful music and fascinating, revealing discussion.
On behalf of the festival, artists, technicians and venues, the staff and board we are delighted to be back with again and thank everyone all for their continued support.
Earagail Arts Festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, Arts Council Ireland & Wild Atlantic Way. Visit www.eaf.ie for full details
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