In pictures: Earagail Arts Festival launched in the shadow of Errigal

The  Earagail Arts Festival officially launched its 2025 programme of events at An Chúirt Hotel, Gaoth Dobhair, on Friday. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

The official launch was performed by Pat The Cope Gallagher TD, with the launch including musical entertainment by talented young trad group Líofa featuring Nia Ní Bheirn and Aoibhín Ní Dheagha on fiddle and Cillian Mac Grianna on guitar. The festival takes place from July 12 to 26 July.

With a family-oriented, participatory and engaging programme from the Gaeltacht islands off the West Donegal coast to East Donegal and the Inishowen peninsula, and Donegal Town for the very first time, Earagail Arts Festival has something for all ages and backgrounds.

The festival features an expanded programme of circus, street arts performances and camps as part of its annual Wild Atlantic Weekends, returning to Castlefinn, as well as a brand new location in Gaoth Dobhair, at Ionad Cois Locha in Dunlewey.

Earagail Arts Festival presents a stellar line-up of music, from international acts Gonora Sounds (Zimbabwe), DJ Big Cheeks (Rwanda), Macalla,  a show blending Middle Eastern and traditional Irish music, Session Americana (USA), The Truffle Valley Boys (USA), Lord Of The Isles & Ellen Renton (Scotland)and Irish artists such Lisa Lambe & Steve Cooney, Maighread agus Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Réalta, The Outcasts, Inishowen Gospel Choir, Duke Special, The Henry Girls, Aobha Ní Aragáin, Paul Harrigan & Cairde, The Pox Men, The Breeze and Ramper.

The festival line-up features a host of theatre, dance and spoken word events with highlights including The Journals Fleadh in Rathmullan and Ramelton, Cosán Ghleann Bheatha – Siúlóid Filíochta agus Cheoil, an art and poetry walk in Glenveagh followed by a free evening of spoken word and song, Oíche Airneáil Ghleann Bheatha, in The Glenveagh Inn, An Tearmann, free performances by contemporary Irish dance company Ériu/Na Mic Ua gCorra and solo performer Kristyn Fontanella on Gola Island, Lisdoon Nirvana, the new play starring Frankie McCafferty, and The Human Library® in Letterkenny.

Earagail Arts Festival is delighted to be working with RAMP - Rathmullan Music Project and Irish Aerial Dance Fest, which will also present an exciting line-up of events in July, including the EAF co-commissioned Hip H’Opera, H.O.M.E.

As well as fantastic live event,s the festival also showcases an extensive visual arts programme, working with Artlink Fort Dunree, Donegal County Museum, An Gailearaí, Crolly Distillery, An Grianan Theatre, and Regional Cultural Centre. The visual arts programme will showcase the work of both established and emerging artists from Ireland and beyond. 

Earagail Arts Festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Wild Atlantic Way.