It’s fantastic news for music fans in the North West.
Festival organisers have confirmed that there will indeed be a 2026 edition of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon.
The future of the festival had been in serious doubt due to fundraising concerns, however after a major crowdfunding effort that concern is no more – at least for the next year.
2025 saw the 21st consecutive running of the Ballyshannon-based festival, but serious funding was required to have that run stretch into a 22nd year as financial challenges faced the voluntary group that organises the event each year.
Step up music lovers from Donegal and further afield, who came together to raise over €40,000 to secure the continuation of the event.
Festival organisers confirmed this afternoon that the 2026 festival will take place between Thursday the 28th and Sunday the 31st of May.
They also took to social media to thank all that supported their fundraising efforts.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for generously supporting the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival Go Fund Me campaign,” they wrote.
“As has been well documented in recent weeks both in Ireland and further afield, the small independent and in our case voluntary organised music festivals are being challenged on many fronts.”
“However we have been doing this for over 21 years and we are now planning diligently for 2026 for the 22nd Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. Be part of it!!!”
