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Féile Cholm Cille will take place from the 6th to the 9th June 2025 in Glencolmcille, County Donegal, offering a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage inspired by the life and legacy of St. Colmcille.
Set in the valley named in his honour, this inaugural festival brings together musicians, artists, storytellers, and the local community for four days of concerts, workshops, talks, and traditional music sessions.
The festival begins on Friday 6th June, from 2pm to 4pm at the Church of Ireland, with Donegal Bees, an event celebrating World Environment Day and St. Colmcille’s connection to nature.
On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June, Shane McIntyre will lead art workshops focused on St. Colmcille, from 10am to 1pm at the GAA Clubhouse. Songwriting and singing workshops are planned with Eunan McIntyre on Saturday and James Cannon on Sunday, both running from 11am to 4pm at the Glencolmcille Folk Museum.
Glencolmcille Folk Museum
Paddy Beag Gillespie will give a lecture on the life and legacy of St Colmcille, his association with Glencolmcille, his historical significance being one of Irelands’ three patron saints alongside St Patrick and St Brigit, and his enduing impact on local tradition down through the generations, at 4.30pm on Saturday, at the Old School House at the Folk Museum.
Saturday night will see the highly anticipated concert at the Church of Ireland with Sean Cannon, formerly of The Dubliners, who will be joined by his son James and friends. Tickets for this concert are available on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sean-james-cannon-beo-feile-cholm-cille-tickets-1314883394629
On Sunday the 8th at 11am there will be an exhibition showcasing local stone craftsmanship, with renowned stonemasons Paul Phaid Cunningham and Jamie McNern, at the Folk Museum, from 11am.
On Monday, 9th June, the festival closes with three standout events:
- 12pm: Turas Cholm Cille pilgrimage walk, guided by locals through historic stations of the saint’s path.
- 6pm: Cures and Curses – storytelling with Freddy Hardy and Liam McGinley at the Glencolmcille Folk Museum.
- 8pm: An illustrated lecture at Oideas Gael by author Christy Gillespie, exploring the enduring impact of St. Colmcille’s legacy.
Traditional music sessions will take place nightly at Roarty’s Bar and Glen Head Tavern, showcasing over 20 musicians and continuing the spirit of celebration late into the night.
Féile Cholm Cille is a joyful celebration of Donegal’s cultural heartbeat – fostering community connection, supporting local businesses, and sharing the stories and music that shape the identity of Glencolmcille. For more information and to view the festival schedule, visit Féile Ghleanncholmcille on Facebook and Instagram.
