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11 Mar 2026
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11 Mar 2026
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Dinny McLaughlin pictured outside his home in Drumfries in September 2013. His new album 'Ark of Tides' had just been released and he was 78-years-old at the time. (Photo by Angela Tourish)
The Inishowen Traditional Music Project has announced the lineup for Féile na hInse 2026, a celebration of traditional Irish music that will take place in Buncrana from April 24-26
This year’s festival will be dedicated to the memory of Dinny McLaughlin, a respected musician, composer, teacher, dancer and poet, whose influence on the local traditional music scene remains unparalleled.
Dinny ‘The Whiteharra’ passed away in December 2024, and organisers say next month’s event will honour his remarkable legacy through a packed weekend programme highlighting the region’s rich musical traditions.
Féile na hInse 2026 will feature performances from a wide range of artists, many of them disciples of Dinny’s down the years, including Ciaran Tourish, Dermot Byrne, Martin Tourish, Aileach & Friends, The Henry Girls, the Bath Street Boys, Tulua, Martin McGinley, Michael Gallanagh, Michael Carey, Edel McLaughlin, James McEldowney and Tom Byrne.
The Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir and the Inishowen Trad Youth Orchestra are also on the stellar bill of performers.
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According to organisers, the festival programme will include concerts, newly commissioned works, workshops, film screenings, traditional music sessions and a festival club, offering audiences multiple opportunities to experience and participate in Irish traditional music throughout the weekend.
Festival organisers said further details of individual events will be released in the coming weeks as preparations continue. They hope the programme will both celebrate local musical heritage and bring together musicians, audiences and visitors from across the region and beyond.
As part of the celebration, a special commemorative poster has been commissioned from Donegal artist Barry Britton. The artwork features a stunning illustration of the late Dinny McLaughlin playing his beloved fiddle.
The Inishowen Traditional Music Project also acknowledged the support of the Arts Council of Ireland, Donegal County Council and the LEADER programme through the Inishowen Development Partnership, whose funding helps make the annual festival possible.
Tickets are now on sale online at: www.inishowenmusic.ie
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