The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival
There is always a certain excitement in the air at the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival. It makes its way into the hearts of all the people in the crowd. Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is more than just a festival. It’s an experience for all the senses!
The Location and Date:
Since its inception in 1967, The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival has been celebrating for 10 days every summer. Set amongst the backdrop of the rugged and glorious Wild Atlantic Way in West Donegal, the focus in 2019 is the varied and unique history of Donegal. And in particular the area of the Rosses, located in the Gaeltacht. Through a mix of Arts, Food, Language and Music, they proudly offer a glimpse at our traditional past and the opportunity to witness our culture today with Women taking centre stage in many of the events.
Through the years many returning visitors describe the laughs, the sing-a-longs, and the making of friends that last a lifetime. Visit the beautiful town of Dungloe from July 27th to August 5th 2019 and make memories that will go down in your personal history book.
The 2019 Lineup of Events:
Street Entertainment and Music / siamsaíocht sráide agus ceol
This year the music offering includes everything from Classical concerts to battling Céili bands. Highlights include Jazz, Brass, Country, Indie, HipHop & Bollywood. The numerous artists, including Daniel O’Donnell, playing different styles of music with differing beats and tempos, will have your soul singing and your toes tapping.
Food Events / imeachtaí bia
The Dungloe Street food event is a new addition this year. Sourcing the most perfect food trucks, with wonderful Donegal food producers and vendors, there will be local buskers to entertain you. And a Gin Bar and craft beer to round it all out!
Arts and Crafts/ ealaíona agus ceardaíocht
A two day event highlighting Donegal Artisans brings the past, present and future together in the work of the talented artists living in Donegal. This is the opportunity to purchase pieces of work that highlights the intangible cultural heritage of our community. Demonstrators of traditional crafts will also be on site to let you try your hand.
Children’s events/ Cláir do pháistí
Biodiversity scavenger walk, Discos, Magician, Arts and Crafts, Sports and a Gamers day will keep little ones entertained. Or perhaps Circus skills, Petting zoo, Carnival parade and Story Telling by a well known and famous seanchaithe? Lots of fun and games for all ages.
Theatre/Amharclann
Irish language play by an award winning playwright.
Glitz and Glam
Enjoy a night on the town, and dress up for 40’s Swing Music, the Festival Fashion Show, Black Tie Gala Ball and Crowning Cabaret.
Wild Atlantic Way Events
Heritage Walks, Sea Adventures, Kayaking, 5k run and Wild Atlantic Way Car Scavenger Hunt.
Cultural/Cultúrtha
North West Words by published authors and poets, History talk on the women of the Rosses, Exhibition of Donegal Women who emigrated, Enterprise Fair by young entrepreneurs and understand your Donegal roots at a Genealogy Workshop.
Mary From Dungloe Competition
There has been a ‘Mary From Dungloe’ for over 50 years. The young women who apply whether they win the title or not, become ambassadors for Dungloe, not just for the year they compete but for the rest of their lives. The competition creates lasting friendships and a support network, indeed the people of Dungloe, welcome back many of the former contestants year on year. And with them come their families and friends.
Be sure to visit the website for the full programme of events. And put The Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival in your diary this summer.
