Ballyshannon Folk Festival

In 1977, Ballyshannon hosted a Fleadh Cheoil which attracted a large number of musicians and followers of music to the town. The following year, 1978, a number of people in the town, who had been involved in organising the Fleadh Cheoil, decided that they would like to organise a festival of Irish Folk and Traditional Music in Ballyshannon. They saw this as an opportunity to provide a focal point which would display the various aspects of our cultural tradition at its most entertaining and enjoyable.

Ballyshannon has gone from strength to strength with the festival in each of the years since 1979, surpassing its predecessors in terms of value for money, atmosphere, music, educational aspects and facilities.

Part of its success is due to the policy of the committee over the years to ensure that the best in Irish traditional and folk music is presented at each festival. Many of the greats return and there is and an opportunity for new comers to make their mark.

It is truly one of the greatest week-ends in Ballyshanon, where many old friends renew acquantances and new friends meet.

It is mainly because the festival is organised on a non-commercial basis that this has been possible. No attempt has been made to generate profits which means that the organises can concentrate on attending to the demads of their audiences - namely, the best performers in Folk and Traditional Music fields in Ireland, presented in comfortable surroundings with appropriate sound a lighting facilities, at prices which they can afford.

Over the years the Folk Festival has hosted the greats of Irish folk and traditional music. Names such as Christy Moore, De Danann, Altan, Sharon Shannon, Mary and Francis Black to name but a few. The festival also promotes local talent giving them the opportunity to perform with such big acts

This year is no different with talents such as: Matt McGranghan, Lasairfhiona ni Chonaola, Dervish, Greine, John Spillane, Kila, Border Collies, Freddie White and the Dave Munnelly Band. The festival runs over the August Bank Holiday from 4th - 6th August

The Rory Gallagher Festival

The unique four day Rory Gallagher tribute Festival takes place in the Town where Ireland's greatest Rock 'n Blues Guitarist - Rory Gallagher was born. Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal, Ireland.

Staged over the June Bank holiday, The Festival is a mass gathering of Rory Gallagher fans and music lovers in general with in excess of 4,000 people attending last years International Tribute in Ballyshannon. The 4-day programme of events are packed with outdoor music gigs, guitar workshops, Exhibitions, nightly theatre concerts, Late night gigs beginning at midnight, Films, The Story of Rory, Seminar at the Rory Gallagher Theatre, non-stop Rock 'n Blues Pub gigs.

When in Ballyshannon, you can visit the Rock Hospital where Rory was born on March 2nd 1948, visit the Rory Gallagher Museum - where there is a detailed history on the life of Rory with a lot of memorabilia and while at the Festival you will have no choice but experience Ireland's friendly hospitality and a worthy Tribute to Rory Gallagher.