“Loinneog Lúnasa” in Gaoth Dobhair keeps growing!
For the 3rd year running the Loinneog Lúnasa music & cultural Festival will take place in Gaoth Dobhair from the 10th to the 12th August, and there’s a quality programme of events happening to keep both visitor’s and locals entertained. All that’s needed is some pleasant late summer sunshine to compliment the music and other activities, but even if it rains, the music should be enough to lift the spirits.
“This is the 3rd year of the festival and our ambition is to grow it gradually” said a spokesperson for the organising committee, “ we want to concentrate on quality events and activities which reflect the strong influence the area has on Irish music & culture, and I think it’s obvious from this year’s program that we’re taking a huge step forward in that respect- with internationally renowned acts, thanks to support from Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and our local sponsors”
There’s a varied program with a number of family events happening with the weekend.
On Saturday there will be a Family fun day at Ionad Naomh Pádraig , Dore, at 12.00 and nature walk starting from the same centre at 2.00, while at the Crannóg in Derrybeg there will be a Food & Crafts Market starting at 11.00.
On Sunday there will be a Family Day organised by Cumann na gCurrach Ghaoth Dobhair at the pier in Magheragallon with a Currach exhibition, music , food etc. Selki Sailing will also be there providing an open session for anyone interested in trying a variety of watersports. This all kicks off at 2.00
But of course it being Gaoth Dobhair and a music & cultural festival, the emphasis is exactly on that –, the culture – music, dancing and the Irish Language! On Friday morning there will be a Traditional music and Creative Dance workshop for children in the local Library starting from 11.00-12.00 – this is free of charge and more details from Leabharlann Pobail Ghaoth Dobhair at 074-9560862. Then there’s a Poetry workshop in An Crannóg on Friday evening at 5.00 with highly regarded Irish language poets, Máire Wren and Collette Ní Ghallchóir – cost is €10 for adults and €5.00 for teenagers
There’s a number of top class concerts starting off in style on Friday at 8.30 with the local legends of Irish traditional music Altan taking to the stage at Ionad Cois Locha.–while Steve Cooney & Friends will perform at the same venue on Saturday night at 8.30pm – both these concerts are Tionscnamh Lúgh promotions. Also on both nights there will be Céilí & Set Dancing in Teach Jack in Glassagh, while on Friday night in Teach Hudí Beag there will be a night of music with the Derry & Antrim Fiddlers Association who have become regular visitors to the area.
Saturday begins with music workshops in the Crannóg in Derrybeg, given by 2 internationally renowned musicians – Gay McKeown(Uilleann Pipes) & Steve Cooney on guuitar. Gay McKeown is CEO of “Na Píobairí Uilleann” which is an national organisation to promote the playing , and making of uilleann pipes, while Steve Cooney needs no introduction to anyone who has been following traditional music for the last 20 years. Workshops last from 10.00 till 2.00 and cost €20. Then at 2.00 for the dancers –young and old-there will be a workshop in Hip hop and Sean Nós with the Belfast based, and fluent Irish speaking Tura Arutura from Zimbabwe which cost €5 and is supported by Ógras. booking through an Crannóg at 9532208 or cfgd@yahoo.ie
If singing is what you’re after “Ailleog Cheoil” will happen in Teach Húdí Beag on Saturday evening at 4.30- this is an open singing session and is free of charge!
There will be Céilí &Set Dancing, including workshops, all weekend in Teach Jack, Glassagh- more details from 074-9531173.
Following on from his very well attended lecture of last years festival, RTE music archivist , Ian Lee will give a presentation about the Donegal heritage in the RTE archives entitled “ Oidhreacht cheoil Dhún na nGall I gCartlann RTE ó na 40dí & 50dí”.This happens in the music room at Ionad Naomh Pádraig at 2.00.
“Draíocht na Mara” is a seafood themed night which happens at Ionad Naomh Pádraig with music, food and craic. It starts at 8.30 and Admission is €15.00.
After the fun at the pier on Sunday evening, there will be songs and plenty of craic with “ Na Sinanigans” in Teach Shein Óig from 6.00.
Then to finish off the weekend there will be an evening of music and song in the world famous home of Clannad and Enya, Teach Leo with the renowned local group An Crann Óg and guests.
Full program available on www.loinneoglunasa.com and on facebook
Comharchumann na nOileán Beag
ancaire@eircom.net