The 2025 festival brought an outstanding lineup to Ballyshannon. Booker-longlisted novelist Donal Ryan was interviewed by fellow author Nuala O'Connor, just months after his novel Heart Be at Peace won the Orwell Prize for political fiction. The Allingham Lecture was delivered by Nelofer Pazira-Fisk, the award-winning Afghan-Canadian journalist and filmmaker. John Creedon of RTÉ appeared in conversation with broadcaster Seán Perry, and historian Paul O'Brien explored the life and legacy of Peadar O'Donnell. Theatre came courtesy of the acclaimed one-man show Paddy, with Don Wycherley as Guildford Four member Paddy Armstrong. A showcase of work by local film-makers was included. The music of Shauna Mullin and Alan Colfer provided the musical highlight of the weekend. Recurring festival favourites – the Literary Lunch, History Ireland Hedge School, Christine Fox's Children's Art Workshop, Open Mic at McIntyre's, and the closing Sunday concert at St Anne's Church – all returned to warm audiences.
Line-up
The Allingham Arts Festival is delighted to announce Ár Seisiún Mór, a concert of traditional music dedicated to ‘the Donegal sound’ – the distinctive, driving fiddle-led style that has defined this county’s music for generations. The concert takes place at the Abbey Arts Centre on Friday 6 November at 8:30pm. This unique session has been […]
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Line-up
Paul Howard & Ann Ingle in conversation with Róisín Ingle. This November in Ballyshannon, join us for two conversations between 3 writers, two old friends and one family member.
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Line-up
We are delighted to announce that Professor Frank Shovlin will have the Donegal launch of his latest publication, 'John McGahern - A Writing Life', biography of writer John McGahern, at Allingham Arts Festival.
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