The Atlantic Irish Fest is a four-day program of tours & music which takes place from January 17-21 2026. The Atlantic Irish Fest showcases some of Donegal's best traditional music and musicians, and over four nights, we feature four great shows- the first performance on Saturday Jan 17 is Cairdeas, a showcase of local musicians of all ages, led by the McGrath and O'Brien families. The Cairdeas showcase demonstrates the nature of trad music- it begins in schools, kitchens, family gatherings and village halls, it is a baton passed from generation to generation, and as you will see, it is thriving! The second performance on Jan 18 is Gaeltacht family Clann Mhic Ruarí from Rann Na Feirste - Music and songs in Irish and English - this is pure Donegal! Our third night, Jan 19 features guitar maestro Johnny Gallagher at the iconic 'Leo's Tavern' in Crolly - Johnny covers all the bases from blues to folk to Americana to Irish music in his own Donegal way - and our final night on Jan 20 features guests The Whileaways, all the way from Galway. Their glorious harmonies and soothing melodies deliver a gig that is good for the soul.
There is a cultural tour each day, including a visit to Aranmore Island, Donegal Town & Castle, and Glenveagh Castle- the tours will be lead by expert guides, and a pre-travel lecture will be available for those who wish to know more about the history and culture of these parts of Ireland. Accommodation is available at the Atlantic Apartotel in Bundoran x 3 nights, and 1 night at An Chúirt Hotel in Dunlewey.
You can join for the whole festival, or you can buy tickets for individual performances (go to Irish Atlantic Fest on Eventbrite)
