Check out some of the fantastic events coming up in Donegal and beyond in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.
There’s some fantastic festive events throughout Donegal, with three terrific post-Christmas festivals in Gaoth Dobhair, Letterkenny, and Belfast to look forward to!
2016 Commemoration Event with Leading Gaeltacht Artists
Aisling a night of top quality music and art that aims to foster a sense of community spirit within Gaeltacht audiences by tapping into the vision and artistic integrity that inspired the visionaries of 1916 will be performed at Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December at 8pm.
This specially commissioned cultural event, presented by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, features the combined talents of a host of Gaeltacht-based artists across a range of artforms including: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (vocals/fiddle), Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (melodeon/vocals), Ciarán Ó Maonaigh (fiddle), Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde (performance), Róisín Seoighe (vocals/dance) and Seán Ó Flaithearta (visuals).
Jim Rafferty 10th Anniversary Concert in Glenties
The Jim Rafferty 10th Anniversary Commemorative Concert takes place at St. Conal’s Church, Glenties on Wednesday December 14th at 7.30pm. It features The Ulster University Chamber Choir conducted by Shaun Ryan, with organist Stewart Smith.
Guest performances will be given by Donegal Youth Choir and St. Conal’s Church Choir. The evening will also include the launch of the Jim Rafferty foundation.
Conwal Christmas Carols
Carols at Christmas with The Conwal Singers will take place on Wednesday 14th December at 8pm in Conwal Parish Church. Under the musical direction of Conductor Karen Patton the singers will perform seasonal carols with special guests Donegal Chamber Orchestra, Denise Blake, Aisling Ni Fhionnáin, Davin Crawford and organist Nicky Morton.
Voluntary retiring collection followed by mince pies and festive fare in Conwal Parish Centre.
Put on your pjs and get to your local library….
It’s that time of year again when children all over the County are getting their pyjamas on and heading to their local library to hear festive stories under the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights.
Christmas Pyjama parties are being held in Bundoran Library on December 14th, in Carndonagh Library on the 15th and Buncrana and Bundoran Libraries on the 21st. All story times start at 6.30pm and booking is essential. For more details check out the library website www.donegallibrary.ie .
North West Words Christmas Celebration
North West Words are holding a special Christmas event at Cafe Florence, Letterkenny on Thursday 15th December. A wonderful festive programme features Colmcille Gospel Choir under Musical Director Margaret McAteer and Evelyn McGlynn, author of ‘Freckles The Elf, Christmas Magic In Ireland’.
Admission is free, everyone is welcome and great food is served from 7.30pm.
December Music at An Grianán Theatre
An Grianán Theatre Letterkenny has three major concerts in the second half of December. The High Kings perform on Friday 16th and Lisa Hannigan and her full band, with support from Heather Woods Broderick, plays on Wednesday 21st.
The annual In Their Thousands Christmas concert, one of the highlights of the Letterkenny festive season, takes place on Tuesday 27th.
Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair
The third Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair will take place from Tuesday 27th December 2016 until Sunday 1st January 2017. This year’s programme has a wide range of events, including traditional Irish music instrumental and song classes; Irish language classes; lectures; music recitals; kids’ events; and a series of brilliant concerts featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians.
Highlights include: Irish Concertina Ensemble (28th), Roisin McGrory & Friends, and Frankie Gavin & Brendan O’Regan (both 29th), Gatehouse, and Lynched (both 30th) and Pólca 4 (31st).
Out to Lunch to Serve Up Perfect January Cure in Belfast
Belfast’s bespoke winter festival is back this New Year with another helping of music, comedy, spoken word and literature. The first festival in Northern Ireland’s packed cultural calendar runs from January 6th to 29th, offering audiences a chance to blow off the Christmas cobwebs, banish New Year’s blues and feast on an array of culinary and cultural delights.
Musical highlights include James Vincent McMorrow at the Ulster Hall, multiple Grammy-winning Mary Chapin Carpenter at St Anne’s Cathedral and the legendary Fairport Convention’s 50th Anniversary Tour.
Good Bye January Blues in Donegal
The 3rd annual Letterkenny Trad Week from January 20th to 30th 2017 will help expel those January blues for anyone with even a passing interest in decent music. It features five great folk concerts at the RCC and An Grianán Theatre featuring Special Consensus (20th), Julie Fowlis (22nd), Na Mooneys (27th), Martin & Eliza Carthy (28th) and Billy Bragg (30th).
All Concerts start at 8pm, and tickets are available from An Grianán Theatre Box Office on 00353 74 91 20777 or online at www.angrianan.com. Trad Week not only sorts out January but with a special Pre-Christmas Early Bird Offer, of all 5 concerts for €60 only, it also provides a great option for Christmas presents (offer ends December 23)
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