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Céad Míle Fáilte go hArd a' Rátha

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 with dancing to top Irish country bands.
February		February 22nd - 24th Post Valentines Dancing Weekend Friday 22nd                        Tony Stevens   Sunday 24th                       John Hogan   Saturday 23rd                     Patrick Fenney
March		Walking Festival offer 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.
April/May		Cup of Tae Festival This festival is now recognised as one of the top traditional festivals in Ireland with   the main emphasis on traditional Donegal music.
August		Ardara Show – one of the top agricultural shows in Ireland.
October		The Ardara Traditional Dancing Weekend   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'.”
November		Matchmaking Weekend “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)
New!!!
May		The Melting Pot A Multicultural Festival of Music, Song, Dance & Food including such top acts as Kila, Balkan Alien Sound & The Miranda Rosenberg Band. Also There will be a Carnival Parade, Stalls and foods of the world, A weekend not to be missed.
August 23rd		Margo Home Coming, Tickets on sale from the Corner House Bar Ardara on July 1st contact 0872830743
		For More Information Call 0872830743 or 0872424590