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Céad Míle Fáilte go hArd a' Rátha

September 25- 27

Johnny Doherty Music & Dancing Festival

Ardara, Co Donegal.

 

Come to Ardara to witness some of the finest Acts in Irish Traditional Music & Dance today,

 

Friday 25th September  ---  Zoe Conway

Saturday 26th  ---  Cherish the Ladies

Sunday 25th --- Fidil

also Ceilis will be held each day

For Further info Contact:

Pat McGill 074 95 37949

or

View the Johnny Doherty Festival Page under 2009 Festivals 

www.ardarafestivals.com

 

De réir tseanfhocail, “an áit a bhfuil do chroí is ann a thabharfas do chosa thú...” agus is cinnte má thagann tú ar chuairt chuig Ard a' Rátha, go dtitfidh tú i ngrá leis an áit agus na daoine!!

The lively heritage town of Ardara nestled in the bosom of the Bluestacks boasts breathtaking views out over the Atlantic, craic that is legendary and people who are friendly.

Here is variety in abundance seldom found elsewhere.  Uncrowded sandy beaches, mountain passes, scenic views, forest walks, historical landmarks, a wide range of countryside and coastal walks to choose from and quiet roads throughout the district make sightseeing a pleasure for the motorist, hiker or cyclist.

The area is rich in folklore and archaeology, home of handwoven tweed and knitwear, nightly ballad sessions and traditional music during the summer season.  For the keen angler, facilities for lake, river and sea fishing are readily available.  Our friendly hospitable people are ever ready to make the visitor feel at home.  William Keogh in his 1984 publication “the friendly Towns of Ireland” states that to him Ardara is Donegal.

Festivals of Ardara

January		Country & Western Weekend 23rd - 25th with dancing to top Irish country bands.
February		February  - Ardara's Night at the Oscars. date to be set A Hilarious Night of fun and frolics with stars of T.V. and sport mixing with Local Stars*** A night not to be missed.
March		Ardara International Walking Festival Friday 13 --- Dave Lawlor & La Bamba                   Sunday 15 --- St. Patricks Day Parade The walking festival offers a full programme of events, a wide range of moderate and   strenuous walks, many taking in routes of cultural & historical interest, Lough Doon   Fort, Iniskeel Island & Sliabh League. See www.ardara.ie for more details
April		Staurday 4th - The Stephen Smith Band Regarded as the top Dance act of 2009
May		Cup of Tae Festival 1st - 4th This festival is now recognised as one of the top traditional festivals in Ireland with   the main emphasis on traditional Donegal music. Donegal County Fleadh 15th - 17th The Melting Pot May 30th - June 1st A Multicultural Festival of Music, Song, Dance & Food. Also There will be a Carnival Parade, Stalls and foods of the world, A weekend not to be missed.
July		Jazz & Bluegrass Festival 17th - 19th Includes Schools of Music, Lectures & Educational workshops aswel as some of the top names in Irish Jazz & Bluegrass Preforming
August		Ardara Show Saturday 8th – one of the top agricultural shows in Ireland Down Memory Lane with Margo 21st & 22nd Friday & Saturday night Margo will preform two Concerts and on the Saturday afternoon she will meet friends old & new, sign autographs and chat in the Heritage Centre. Tickets are Limited. Contact Stephen on 0872424590 for details
September		.   The Johnny Doherty Music & Dancing Festival25th - 27th   Céilí, barn & set dancing nightly with schools of dance during hte day.  There is a   strong tradition of barn dancing in South Donegal.   As quoted by Bill Lynch in Set Dancing News “They always seem to do things a bit   different in Donegal and that's one of the things I like about the place.  Ardara's    weekend of traditional dancing had plenty of what the locals like about their dancing   and they supported the events in large numbers.  Dancers from elsewhere including   a group from the US had plenty of sets to keep them happy, plus the challenge and   joy of dancing 'Donegal style'.” This year the Festival is a Tribute to one of Donegals own Son the Great Johnny Doherty, Acts such as Zoe Conway & Cherish the Ladies will be Preforming
November		Matchmaking Weekend 6th - 8th “People flocked to the picturesque village of Ardara to take part in the North West's   first ever Matchmaking Festival...” (Letterkenny Post) “Standing room only at Ardara Matchmaking Weekend” (Donegal News) “Lovelorn swamp town in search of perfect mate.  Single of all ages and from all   parts of Ireland and beyond convrged in Donegal in Search of love, courtesy of a   good old-fashioned matchmaking festival...” (Irish Independent)
		For more Infomation contact Stephen on 0872424590, or Marie on 0749541103, or Pat on 0749537952