Big birthday bash in Donegal Town this weekend for main 550th celebrations

The countdown is on to Donegal Town’s big birthday bash, with a packed programme of events for the main weekend of 550th anniversary celebrations.

Events kick off this Friday, October 11,and will run to Sunday, October 12 with highlights including the Soilse Light Parade on Friday evening, and the local producers market on the Diamond on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a range of activities for people of all ages, with face painting, mobile farm, cookery demonstrations with top chefs, a big birthday cake display and live entertainment.

The programme celebrates the town’s founders, Red Hugh and Lady Nuala O’Donnell, as well as its rich history and culture, and the people who make it a wonderful place to live and work today.

Overview

In 2024, Donegal Town is marking its 550th Birthday.

Its Origins can be traced back to 1474, when Lady Nuala O’ Donnell established a Franciscan Abbey on the Shores of Donegal Bay. Around the same time, her husband Red Hugh O’ Donnell the First, Lord Of Tir Chonaill founded Donegal Castle. The Town of Donegal grew up around these two great buildings and became the capital of Tir Chonaill.

A spokesperson for Donegal Town 550 said: “Under the O’ Donnell Lords, who were treated as sovereign princes by the Kings of France, Spain and Scotland, Donegal Town was like the capital of an independent country for over 30 years. Even after the O’ Donnells were overthrown following the battle of Kinsale, the town was reputedly the place where the Annals of the Four Masters were written.

“Since the time of Red Hugh the First and Lady Nuala, Donegal Town has been one of Ireland’s most historic places. Few Irish towns have ever reached their 550th Birthday. Yet, Donegal is still young at heart, a flourishing and vibrant place, endowed with a remarkable and unique heritage and culture.

“This is why we are celebrating Donegal Town’s 550th Anniversary.”

To this end a committee composed of various local stakeholders was established to organise and coordinate an exciting and varied calendar of events culminating with a Weekend of Celebrations taking place mostly on the newly regenerated Diamond and several other locations throughout the Town from Friday to Sunday, October 11 to 13.

Mary Mc Gettigan of Donegal Town 550th Steering Committee said: “Admission to all activities on the Diamond throughout the weekend are free and this would not have been possible without the support of various funding agencies and sponsors,

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the above for their financial support.”

For the full programme of events and regular updates, please follow Donegal Town 550th Facebook page

Opening Afternoon and Evening

“From 3pm on our opening evening Friday, October 11 there will be loads of interactive enjoyment facilitated by experienced trainers in a Circus Skill Workshop by In your Space Circus," said the spokesperson. “There will be lots of Juggling, Poi Spinning, Plate spinning, Hula hooping, and lots of circus tricks for everyone.

“Dr Matthew Potter Curator Limerick Museum will give us a brief history of Donegal Town followed by Historical Re-enactments.

“Come and meet the Mac Sweeney Gallowglass.

“Become enchanted from 5.30pm with traditional Irish dancing displays and singing from Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill and The Bluestack Foundation Choir.”

MC for the demonstration area for the weekend will be award-winning celebrity chef and author Brian McDermott who will perform the opening demonstration of the weekend at 7.30pm.

This will be followed by a themed choreographed fire show on the Diamond by In Your Space Circus at 8.30pm. Prepare to be mesmerised. This show promises to leave you awestruck!

Soilse Sculpture Trail and Light Parade

Donegal Town's first ever festival of light will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, with large scale light sculptures scattered throughout Donegal Town from 7pm to 10pm.

“Our town will look magical with our Soilse Light parade which will take place on Saturday, October 12 at 7.30pm around the Diamond area.

Producers Market

Donegal Food Producers Market opens on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm selling produce, with tastings.

“The market is a fusion of producer stalls,” said the spokesperson. “You will find super fluffy handmade marshmallows and ultimate rocky roads, quality dry cured bacon savoury, yummy and moreish. It really is bacon at its best! Get a taste of Goat Burger, Goat Stew, Goat Chilli, Handmade Donegal Pottery, Award winning jams, chutneys, mustards and oils, Wild Wood balsamic vinegars, organically grown nutrient – dense microgreens.

“Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with a choice of old fashion milsean, chocolate, ice cream and candyfloss.”

Cookery Demonstrations

“Enjoy a gourmet atmosphere using exclusive and unique ingredients from County Donegal Food and Drink producers in live cookery demonstrations on the Diamond by demo MC, Award-winning celebrity chef and author Brian McDermott,” said the spokesperson.

“Joining him will be Maurice Mc Geehan performance chef with the IRFU, Kwanghi Chan Irish Tv Chef/ Restaurateur and member of the National Chef Advisory Council with Chef Network and Gary O’Hanlon, Broadcaster and Columnist / Executive Head Chef at the K Club.

“We will also have our local celebrity chefs, Anthony Armstrong, Nesbitt Arms Ardara; Martin Anderson, Sonder Letterkenny; Chef Influencer Zack Gallagher, The Harbour and Thatch Bar Restaurants; Chef Team Colin McKee and Chris Mc Menamin Biddy’s O’ Barnes; Food Enthusiast and part time blogger Pauline Sugrue Wild Garlic Table.

Hands-on Masterclasses and Workshops

“For The Mini Chefs among us Deidre Doyle from the Cool Food School will teach you all about cooking, food education, exploring new flavours and making food fun,” said the spokesperson. “Chop, Cook, Yum!”

“Join Moira and James from Sliabh Liag Distillery who are reclaiming the distillery heritage of Donegal in a return to smoky Irish whiskeys once synonymous with the county.

Pretty Baked Birthday Bash

“What’s a celebration without cake!” said the spokesperson. “You’re all invited to the Diamond at 12 noon on Sunday, October 13 for Pretty Baked’s Birthday Bash. It’s going to be Donegal Town’s Biggest Cake display. What’s not to like about free cake and music!”

Entertainment

“You are guaranteed to be entertained this weekend by live interactive performances on the Diamond,” said the spokesperson.

“Aileen Kelly will add a touch of magic to your child’s day with her face painting. Watch the elegant and gentle Stilt Walking Butterflies Duo as they tower high above you and float among the little folk in the crowd.

“The Queen of Spring Fairies will delight you with her tales, watch everything she touches sprout and bloom.

“Enjoy the lively sounds of the pipes as Moyne Pipe Band play a few casual tunes.

“You can really look up to our real-life scientists on stilts who will do simple foodie themed science experiments.”

Phils Farm Mobile Animal Farm will be on site where children can touch and hold the animals to build confidence and awareness, making this an opportunity to learn and interact with animals.

Adults and children can join the fun and games at the Let’s Play Donegal Outdoor Play Day. Plenty of physical activity is promised with parachute games, and player interaction with some of the ancient giant size board games like Snakes and Ladders and Ludo.

“Slide Giant Jenga blocks out, stack them on top without knocking the tower over,” said the spokesperson. “You will need skill, strategy, and a sharp eye for a giant version of the classic tabletop game Connect 4.

Bluestack Chorale never fails to bring something note- worthy and incredibly engaging to the musical platform with a variety of Baroque, Irish, Opera and Modern Choral arrangements.”

Other Things to Do and See

-View the Annals of the Four Masters in Donegal Castle over the weekend. Free entry on Sunday, October 13 during opening hours.

-Award Winning Donegal Railway Museum is hosting Donegal Towns’ 550th Anniversary Exhibition. Free admission on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. Free admission to the Railway Museum for children on Saturday.

-Angus Kennedy from Nature Northwest will have you connecting with Nature along Donegal Town’s Bank Walk on Saturday, October 12 at 10.30am.

-Witness the artistry of weaving in weaving demonstrations at Magee of Donegal on Friday, October 11 and in Triona Design on Saturday, October 12.

-Learn about the history and heritage of Hanna Hats on a 30 minute behind the scenes tour on Friday, October 11 at 8.30am and 11am.

-Donegal Town Methodist Church promises to have another wonderful delight for the eyes and harvest for the nose, with smells of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Come along to see these creative displays at their Harvest showcase over the weekend.

-Set sail at 3pm on Saturday aboard Donegal Bay Waterbus. Free trip of Donegal Bay around the seven green islands with many points of interest. Booking is essential. Call 074 9723666.