23-25th August 2024
Killaghtee Festival 2024
Parking
Parking is available opposite the Church in Bruckless and at The Mart (F94 P227) in Central Dunkineely.
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Restricted parking available at the Bruckless Community Centre.
Help us celebrate our local community, amenities and heritage at and around Killaghtee.
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Everyone is invited to join us for free events, local celebrations, walks, talks and trips in the area!
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Some events may move to Community Centres, subject to weather conditions.
Grand Opening
Join us for our grand opening!
7pm, Friday 23rd August 2024
Including the Killaghtee Accordion Band, Kevin's School of Music Marching Band, Banjo and our Fancy Dress Competition.
Our fancy dress competition is for 0 to 10 year olds.
This year our theme will be characters from history.
Calling all knights, princesses and jesters!
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There will be €10 Milis vouchers for:
Best 0-5 year old Costume
Best 6-10 year old Costume
Boat Trip
Once again we are offering a boat trip for just €15
(plus €1 online booking fee).
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Taking place at 6pm on Sunday 25th August, leaving from Killybegs, the tour will once again head out to St. John’s Point for some fantastic views of Killaghtee and the surrounding area.
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We will be using the bigger boat of Atlantic Coastal Cruises. The trip will be 2 hours long, with entertainment, refreshments and bar.
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If you require a lift from Dunkineely/Bruckless to Killybegs, e-mail us on dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com.
Kelan Browne
Live on Main Street Dunkineely.
(Free)
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Join us outside St. Mary's Hall, Saturday 24th August, 8 to 10pm,
in the centre of Dunkineely for live music.
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Kelan Browne is a new up and coming talent from Ballybofey in Co. Donegal. Growing up in a musical household, Kelan soon found his voice and a love for Country music.
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Now touring across Ireland and the UK.​
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Followed by live music in MacLaughlins and McIntyres.
Craft Market
Sunday 25th August Bruckless Community Centre
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From 10am to 2pm, take a stroll amongst the stalls in our indoor market and check out some of Donegal's finest local crafts people, specialising in artisan food, drinks, art, jewellery and more.
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E-mail dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com to book a free stall.
(Craft Stalls Only)
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Battle of The Bands
Sunday 25th August Bruckless Community Centre
2pm to 5pm
Calling all musicians!
You're chance to play live on stage.
​€100 Prize
Come along and show us what you've got.
All ages welcome.
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Sound equipment will be provided.
Bring your own instruments and backing tracks.
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Our fallen Castle
We all know that our local castle will be reclaimed by the sea at some point over the next four decades.
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Do you have any stories to share about the Castle?
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Join us as we celebrate the castle with music, folklore and history.
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Not to be missed!
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With guests including Laura, Kevin's School of Music, the Discovery Programme, Kate Robb (Archaeologist for Donegal County Council), Natalie Lough and Judith McCarthy (County Museum)​
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2pm to 4:30pm on Saturday 24th August at
McSwyne's Castle.
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Laura and Kevin's School return with atmospheric music for the occasion. This was a highlight of the Killaghtee Festival 2022.
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​The Discovery programme are carrying out a project in the area, to understand more about erosion and its effects. They are also looking at what is being uncovered and what this tells us about our history.
(Free)
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The event will move into Dunkineely Community Centre in the event of bad weather.
Sports Day
A free event, just for kids.
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Sunday 25th August, 2 to 4pm.
A sports day blitz, being held by
Dunkineely Celtic Football Club.
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Come down to Bruckless Community Park for lots of fun.
Wheelbarrow, 3-Legged and Egg & Spoon Races, Tug of War, Penalty Kicks and more for all ages.
Plein Art
Saturday 24th August
McSwyne's Castle
11am to 1pm
Calling all artists!
We need your help.
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McSwyne's Castle will soon be reclaimed by the sea.
We need you to help us preserve its memory.
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Plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries.
Bring your own equipment, all weather clothing and a desire to create.
Take a seat and capture the stunning views and/or castle.
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(Keep your work personal, send us an image or donate to the festival... it's completely up to you).
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Cake Competition
Sunday 25th August Bruckless Community Centre
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Submit your entry to Bruckless Community Centre by 11am to enter.
The judges will reveal their verdicts shortly after 12 noon.
Prizes for:
Best Cake (€40)
Best Gluten Free (€20)
Best Looking (€20)
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Cakes on sale straight after awards!
(All money collected will go to local projects and events in the area).
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Walk to Sentry Hill
Sunday 25th August
Meet at Dunkineely Community Centre
10am to 12noon
Join us for a leisurely walk up Sentry Hill and enjoy some of the best views Donegal has to offer. With Laura providing music.
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This barrow is one of the hidden gems of the area.
Suitable for family groups.
(May be some mud!).
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Coach Trip
Join us for our Big Day Out
€10
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Taking place 9:30am to 5pm on Friday 23rd August, leaving from Dunkineely Community Centre
The tour will take us up to Ards Forest Park to see some of the best woodland Coillte has to offer, followed by a trip to world renowned Glenveagh National Park, with entrance to the castle included.
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Take time at both locations to explore nature walks, views and their cafés, or bring a picnic!
On return to Dunkineely, you will be treated to a light tea (included) while you watch a video of the Donegal railways before they closed.
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Click here for tickets.
Heritage Treasure Trail
Starting from Dunkineely Main Street.
F94 FN82
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Join us as we launch our new Killaghtee Heritage Trail.
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Pick up your first clue between 5pm and 7pm.
€5 per car.
€50 Milis Voucher to winner!
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Join in on a treasure hunt for little adventurers and big alike.
Travel around local heritage sites, exploring history and the stunning views of St. John's Point, while working out clues for your next hunt.
Can you win the prize?
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Car required.
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Dawn Yoga
Celebrate the dawn on St. John's Point
(Free)
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Join Rosabella at 5:30am on Saturday 24th August for our annual Dawn Yoga.
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Taking place back at the Point (the lighthouse).
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Will you be brave enough to go for a dip in the Atlantic afterwards?
Sound Bath
Back by popular demand!
(Free)
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Join Rosabella 6 to 7pm on Saturday 24th August upstairs in Dunkineely Community Centre.
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This immersive experience promotes wellbeing, calm and peace.
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Bring your own yoga mat and blanket.
Tai Chi
New for 2024
(Free)
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12:30 to 1pm on Sunday 25th August in
Bruckless Community Park.
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​Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art. Initially developed for combat and self-defense, it has evolved into a sport and form of exercise.
Tai chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise in which practitioners perform a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths.
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The evet is in support of Cancer Care West.
Donations can be given here.
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The event will move into Bruckless Community Centre in the event of bad weather.
Dog Show
Enter your dog in our Killaghtee Festival Dog Show.
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Prizes will be won!
​Including a free dog grooming session.
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Sunday 25th August 2024
1pm to 2pm
Bruckless Park
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€3 entry per dog.
Walk and Talk
Join us as we walk from St. Peter's Church, Killaghtee to the Megalithic Tombs. Dogs are welcome.
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10am to 12noon on Saturday 24th August from
St. Peter's Church.
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Find out more about our unique Megalithic Tombs form Kate Robb, Archaeologist for Donegal County Council.
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The 4km round trip includes some uneven ground.
Nightlife
Mac’s Bar - Friday Night is Party Night, Saturday Dunkineely NS
Class of 87 reunion, 80s Fancy Dress Night.
MacLaughlin’s - Saturday Live Music 10:30pm ‘til late, Sunday 7pm to 9pm Stinging Rogers
McIntyre’s - Saturday 10pm ‘til Late Mannie McLoughlin, Sunday 6pm to 9pm Irish Trad Session
HER Outdoors
Forest Walk , Campfire & Dip at St Johns Point Beach. Part of a range of events by Donegal Sports Partnership to celebrate Her Outdoors Week.
This initiative aims to inspire more females to experience the joys and benefits of outdoor activities, while highlighting the many opportunities available for women to get active outside.
€10. 11:30am to 1:30pm. Book here.
Sponsors
A big thankyou to all the local festival sponsors.
If you wish to sponsor our festival e-mail us today!
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We also receive sponsorship for DCL and our many programmes from other sources. Their logos can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you want to volunteer to help on the weekend, please e-mail dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com