Bundoran Feile na mBan a huge success - and it will be back next year

It is always a pleasure to welcome February; that important first day of spring, or Imbolc in the pagan calendar, or St Brigid’s Day for the faithful. 

Either way, it charges in with its snowdrops, daffodils, the much desired stretch in the evenings and a sigh of relief that winter is over. 

However, this year, in the seaside town of Bundoran, there was an an even bigger and brighter beginning to the month; a brand new festival by the name of Feile na mBan, a celebration of women in history, women in the Arts, women in Music, women of Donegal and the Northwest sharing stories, songs, music, crafts, skills and senses. 

Conceived in the dark of November by a small group of enthusiastic ladies, this inaugural year took a hold as impressive as Brigid’s fire, and the town was just buzzing all weekend with the energy and enthusiasm the busy schedule brought to the town. 

The Féile opened on Friday evening with a showcase of musicians from North West Regional College in Derry, a well-supported presentation that ensured that the Northwest will continue to populate the music world with young talent. 

In Pictures: Féile na mBan celebrations in Bundoran

Ireland's newest bank holiday is celebrated in style in the seaside town

And then the Féile took off, in the hands of consummate performer Susan O’Neill, who gave us an amazing performance at the Atlantic Apartotel.

And then the weekend was almost a blur of events- there were lectures on women in History, Music, Science and the Arts, there were knitters, crafters, artists, poets, story tellers, there were workshops, open mics, there was bootcamp, sea swimming, surfing, jazz, punk, acoustic, trad… but most of all, a real sense of joy and generosity everywhere. 

You can review the schedule here at www.feilenamban.ie and be assured it will be happening again in 2024, so pencil yourself in for Bundoran now for the Brigid weekend.