Tir Chonaill Stone Festival to centre around very special restoration project

Having previously been held in locations including Glencolmcille, Mountcharles and Donegal Town, this year’s Tir Chonaill Stone Festival comes to Ballyshannon.

Set in the historic quarter of Ballyshannon near St Anne’s Church of Ireland, and taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, the festival aims to keep traditional stone skills alive and have a good time while doing so.

Offering a choice of three different workshops in Dry Stone Walling; Stone Carving and Plein Air Sketching (outdoor art class) there is something for everyone. Workshops are suitable for all levels of ability from absolute beginners to those who wish to further existing skills.

As always, the festival aims to celebrate and share stone craft skills, and it has become a tradition to add something a little bit extra and unique to each year’s event. 

This year is no different, as Louise Price from the festival committee explains: “The location has beautiful panoramic views over Ballyshannon and surrounding hills, steeped in the history of the oldest area of what’s often said to be the most ancient town in Ireland.

“The weekend holds an especially worthwhile project for Dry Stone Wallers who shall work to rebuild and restore the walls of an enclosure beside St Anne’s Church. 

“The enclosure is destined to become a community apple orchard for everyone to enjoy.

“The orchard vision is an initiative of Ballyshannon Regeneration Group working with St Anne’s Church community.

“Building community pride, this is an environmental as well as heritage project, where dry stone wallers experience great team work while getting to grips with the principles of the craft. 

“Of interest to farmers, gardeners and anyone with walls or old buildings to maintain, attendees can gain confidence to carry on the skills thereafter.”

Stone carvers can look forward to learning with Wexford sculptor Ciarán O Brien, whose expertise includes having worked in the Carrara marble studios of Italy. 

“With much to inspire student carvers, the graveyard of St Anne’s is packed with examples of the finest craftsmanship in both lettering and relief carving from the talented stone workers of the past,” said Louise.

“Learners at Stone Carving workshops shall design and carve their own individual piece under the guidance of Ciarán.”

Sketchers and painters also have rich subject matter to draw upon, be it landscape, townscape or figure drawing. 

Led by artist Joe Ryder, plein air workshops promise to be an engaging exploration of what old Ballyshannon has to offer the keen eye.  

“The art group offers a pleasant and social weekend for those who perhaps already attend indoor art sessions, or simply wish to try something new and meet others with a similar interest,” said Louise.

She is encouraging everyone to get involved under the guidance and camaraderie of this welcoming group of craftspeople.

“Immerse yourself in the stone culture of Ireland and join us for a friendly and memorable weekend,” said Louise.

“Everyone is welcome. Book a workshop on Eventbrite or on our website www.tirchonaillstonefestival.ie 

“Single day and full weekend tickets are affordably priced and include a light lunch.”

Established in 2014 Tír Chonaill Stone Festival is kindly supported by Donegal Education and Training Board and Donegal County Council. “Our thanks goes to Drumkeelin Sandstone Quarry, Mc Monagle Stone, Cavern Design Printers and Port 2 Door seafood for their support,” said Louise. 

“We are especially grateful for the goodwill and help of local volunteers which makes the event possible.”