After successive years of traditional music, local culture and family fun, the Killybegs Summer Festival returns to Donegal in August with a growing range of attractions and events. A must-visit for tourists and locals alike, the Festival promises to offer a range of sights, smells and flavours that put our fishing town on the map. The Killybegs Summer Festival kicks off on Friday 9th August with a variety of events that will keep you and your family informed, educated and entertained.
Friday 9th August
All day: Mohan’s Fun Fair
7.00pm: The world premier of Chicken Nuggets by Donegal playwright Ultan Pringle. Performed by the Big Fish Drama Group. Located at Forester’s Hall, Killybegs (€5 concession, €8 Adults).
7.00-8pm: Magic Show with Mr. Majestic. Free admission. Located at the Bay View Hotel upstairs Function room (doors open 6.30pm).
8.00pm: The Parade of the Mayors. Lord Mayor of Killybegs, Conal Breslin, takes mayoral candidates Ann Marie Bourke & Jordan Boyle to the town of Killybegs via boat where they will be welcomed by St. Catherine’s Bands. Parade will then proceed to the main festival stage.
8.30pm: The Tumbling Paddies (live music performance). Located at the main festival stage.
Saturday 10th August
All day: Mohan’s Fun Fair
10.30am-12.30pm: The Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Located at the Killybegs Play Park.
2.00pm-4.00pm: Junior Sports Day at Emerald Park (sponsored by John & Fionnuala Cunningham).
4.00pm-6.00pm: Street Food Fair. Enjoy Asian street food by Enda O’Rourke, Mohan’s candy floss and crepes & coffees at Lisnaclay Tram. Families are welcome to enjoy Shona’s Magical Unicorn, demos from the Killybegs Gun Club, penalty shoot outs, bicycle races, skipping competitions and dancing sessions. Located in Cope Car Park, Killybegs.
5.00pm: Annual Tug-of-War on Killybegs Pier, followed by Toss the Sheaf.
6.00pm: Conor McBrearty’s Annual Classic Car Treasure Hunt. Event commences outside the Harbour Bar, Killybegs.
6.00pm-7.00pm: The Singing Cafe in Melly’s Cafe with Michael Melly, Fred Smith & Big Berni.
7.00pm: Chicken Nuggets by Donegal playwright Ultan Pringle. Performed by the Big Fish Drama Group. Located at Forester’s Hall, Killybegs (€5 concession, €8 Adults).
8.30pm: The Rockhill Ramblers (live music performance). Located at the main festival stage.
Sunday 11th August
All day: Mohan’s Fun Fair
1.00pm: Children’s Fancy Dress Parade (departing from St Mary’s Church car park, lead by St Catherine’s Band).
2.00pm-4.00pm: “Kidz Vintage Tea Party” at the Cope House.
3.00pm: The Stephen Harvey Memorial Forklift Driving Championship, with prizes sponsored by Gallagher Brothers. Located at Killybegs Pier.
5.00pm: Crazy Golf. Located on the Shore Road slipway.
6.00pm: The Minor Tones (live musical performance). Located on the main festival stage.
7.00pm: Chicken Nuggets by Donegal playwright Ultan Pringle. Performed by the Big Fish Drama Group. Located at Forester’s Hall, Killybegs (€5 concession, €8 Adults).
8.30pm: Festival Finale by Rhythm & Sticks (live musical performance), followed by the Coronation of the new Lord Mayor.