Once again, we have a packed weekend full of talks, readings, writing, poetry, song, film, drama, workshops, book launches and more!
Arts, music, history, and poetry in the heart of Ballyshannon, County Donegal.
The Allingham Arts Festival returns to Ballyshannon this November 4th–8th, and we can't wait to throw open the doors again. Five days of arts, music, history, and storytelling - featuring local, national, and international artists in the heart of south Donegal.
Fiu mura bhfuil agat ach cúpla focail Gaeilge , nó nach bhfuil focal ar bith agat, nó go bhfuil tú líofa, tá fíor-fáilte romhat anseo. Beidh comhrá, ceoil, filíocht agus craic againn ar feadh uair an chloig nó dhó. Whether you have fluent Irish, only a few or even no words this is the place for you. You will enjoy conversation, music, song, poetry and craic all in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. With a cup of tea or coffee thrown in.
The future of the performing arts in Donegal is bright as Drama, Film and Theatre students from Coláiste Cholmcille present a vibrant showcase of original ensemble performances as part of this year’s festival. This promises to be an evening to remember so come along and celebrate the next generation of actors, musicians, writers and film makers.
The Ballyshannon Samba Band will kick off the official opening of the 2026 Allingham Arts Festival in their usual thunderous, vibrant and colourful style, performing at the Abbey Arts Centre on November the 4th at 6.30 pm.
Join us for our Opening Night Festivities in the Abbey Arts Centre on Wednesday November the 4th from 6.30 pm. The evening begins with vibrant and energetic performance by the Ballyshannon Samba Band, followed by a wine reception in the foyer of the Abbey Arts Centre. The Official Opening of the Festival takes place at 7.30 pm, with a performance by the Coláiste Cholmcille Teacher's Choir.
Continuing our long-running relationship with Ballyshannon Drama Society, we are delighted to present 'The Wonder Wheel' by Barry Mc Kinley, directed by Moya Ferguson, on the opening night of the Allingham Arts Festival 2026. Set in a diner in Manhattan, the play introduces us to Larry and his Ma. Larry isn't broken or damaged — he simply sees the world at a different pace, moving between flashback and fantasy in a way that's as funny as it is quietly moving. It's a warm, inventive piece of writing, and a wonderful choice to open this year's festival.
The acclaimed Irish portrait artist Neil-Jack Alphonsus Hamilton is based in Ballyshannon and has exhibited his work at numerous Irish, British and International shows. And you may well have seen him on Sky’s Portrait Artist of the Year. His extensive experience in running workshops for the National Gallery of Ireland makes Neil the ideal artist to work with the students of Colaiste Cholmcille. They are surely in for a real treat.
The Essence of Eva paints a vivid portrait of legendary singer, Eva Cassidy, from the perspective of her family, friends and fellow musicians. From Wildcard Productions' Patrick O'Neill. .
A showcase of new work by local film-makers. 'Sam Rom' - An intimate portrait of the Roma community on Árainn Mhór and mainland Donegal, sharing stories of resilience, culture and belonging while challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy for a community too often overlooked. Director: Katie-Ruby McLoughlin Robinson. Producers: Gabriel Pascal Blake, David Carpaci, Eimear Heaney. 'Helen of Inver' - A delightful short film which gives us a moving glimpse into the life of local historian Helen Meehan who has put the Parish of Inver firmly on the map. Narrated by Sally Neary and brought to the screen by Michael McMonagle, Emer O Shea and Manus Brennan. 'The Far Shore' - A follow on to 'The Last Bus' this film explores some of the places in Glasgow where emigrants gathered and explores the experiences of those who lived with a foot on each side. Directed/edited by Win McNulty and Emer O Shea. Free Entry - limited seating - booking essential.
Ballyshannon-born film director Garry Keane has previously brought us such hard hitting films as Gaza and In the Shadow of Beirut. This year we are thrilled to be able to screen Garry’s latest offering A Quiet Love, followed by a Q&A with the director himself. This delightful touching and warm documentary tells the story of three deaf couples and how they face up to the difficulties the world throws at them. This deeply moving documentary will enthral you and leave you with a renewed sense of hope for our troubled world.
Spontaneous outbursts of song, spoken word and revelry in the comfort of Mc Intyre's Bar. Hosted by the wonderful Tony Liston and always a firm favourite at Allingham. Whether you are a musician, singer, storyteller, juggler or whatever this is the place for you to strut your stuff . Or just come along to watch and listen. A great night is assured. Music provided by Farrah Bogle.
Back by popular demand John and Kathleen Forkin, Brid Kelly and Devina Devine bring lots of music and song to the Community Hospital. A big hit with the residents last year this event will delight and entertain once more.
Mike Jennings has recently retired as General Secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers. Having written poetry for many years and been published in a range of outlets, Mike recently launched his first poetry collection entitled 'Poems of Love and Loss'. Michael McMullin will join Mike for a conversation about the poems in this collection and how he managed to combine his working and poetic lives. Join us for an hour of quirky, entertaining and enlightening chat.
The very popular legal podcast returns to the Allingham Arts Festival for its second year after a very successful premiere event in 2025. The regular hosts, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL, will discuss another interesting topic (tbc).
An intimate acoustic gig with Boxtie's Johnny Gallagher. Johnny needs little introduction in south Donegal, and he is widely acknowledged as one of the finest guitar players on the European touring circuit, working his way through festivals, clubs and venues all over the continent, solo and as part of many groups including the legendary Boxtie. Johnny is an explosive live entertainer oozing charisma and excitement with that indefinable ‘can’t teach it you either have it or you don’t’ larger than life onstage presence. And boy can he play that guitar – switching from full on aggressive rock to quieter moments of more tender, introspective music showcasing his wizardry on both electric and acoustic guitars. To top it all, Johnny possesses a truly unique and expressive voice showcasing his songs with dynamics that swoop from a scream to a whisper.
A concert of traditional music focusing on 'the Donegal sound'. Curated by Bianca Rohleder, the concert will feature a fantastic roster of musicians: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Martin Mc Ginley, Seamie O'Dowd, Bianca Rohleder, Seanan Brennan, Robbie Fottrell, with guest singer Shauna Mullin. The concert will include a performance of a special piece composed by Bianca to celebrate the life and work of Margaret McGinley, a local teacher who contributed so much to the artistic life of Ballyshannon.
Come along and join other festival-goers for a bit of craic after a hard day of cultural enrichment at the Allingham Arts Festival!
The ever popular Christine Fox returns to our festival for the 15th year. Asure sign of its excellence. The workshop is suitable for children aged 6 to 12. Places are limited so early booking is advised. To book a place phone, text or WhatsApp 086 3803181.
Jean Tuomey offers a guided, encouraging space in which to write freely. Participants will have the opportunity to write Flash Fiction and Poetry. Jean trained with The National Association of Poetry Therapy in the U.S.A and has worked with groups in Ireland, U.S.A and the U.K. No writing experience is necessary, just a willingness to participate. This is a great chance for writers of all sorts to hone their skills in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Spaces strictly limited so book early.
Join award-winning novelist Téa Obreht for a special “In Conversation With” event at this year’s Allingham Arts Festival, where she will be interviewed by Donegal poet Denise Blake, judge of the 2026 Allingham Poetry Competition.
A highlight of every festival this is your chance to hear and see the up and coming literary talent in Donegal. The winners will read their works and receive their awards from Conor Carney who will be our host. Light refreshments will be served in the foyer of the Abbey Arts Centre from 11.30 am
Join us for the Awards Ceremony of the Allingham 2026 Poetry and Fiction Competitions. Competition judges Kate Newmann and Patrick Holloway will host the awards, with the winning pieces being read by the authors. Dorrian's Imperial Hotel, Ballyshannon. This is a Free Event, but booking is recommended.
Writer and historian Seán Beattie will give a talk on Saturday Nov. 7th in the Abbey Arts Centre, based on his latest book, 'Famous Folk of County Donegal', which features profiles of some of Donegal's less well-known 'famous folk' from the past. A well-known local historian and author of several books on Donegal history, including 'The Atlas of County Donegal' which he co-edited, Seán was the editor of the Donegal Annual for 25 years.
One of the stars of the Irish literary world since his first book was published in 2003, Paul has written 21 novels on the life and times of his wonderful creation Ross O'Carroll-Kelly. Add to that four plays and a musical and you can see that we have a publishing phenomenon with us at Allinghan. As well as chatting with Róisín Ingle he will also read from his latest, recently published book ‘A Nation Once Again.’ Róisín Ingle is one of the best loved columnists in the Irish Times. She has has written more than 4000 columns for that paper, as well as co-writing ‘The Daughterhood’ which was nominated for the Irish Book Awards. A good friend of Paul Howard, Róisín is the ideal person to ensure that we have a very entertaining afternoon
The award-winning writer and poet Elaine Feeney, in conversation with Sinéad Crowley. Galway woman Elaine Feeney has been at the top of the best-sellers lists since the publication of her first novel, 'As You Were', in 2020. This award winning work was followed by 'How To Build A Boat' in 2023 and 'Let Me Go Mad In My Own Way' in 2025. She is also an award-winning poet and dramatist. Her work focuses on themes of history, national identity, state institutions and how these forces impact on the lives of Irish women. A wonderful interviewee, Elaine also excels as a reader of her own work. Sinéad Crowley is the ideal person to chat to Elaine, being a former Arts and Media Correspondent for RTE and of course a long-time friend of the Allingham Arts Festival. Also the writer of four novels, three of which have been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards she is an engaging interviewer and this event promises to be one of the highlights Allingham ’26.
"The launch of the definitive biography of the writer John Mc Gahern, 'A Writing Life'. Professor Frank Shovlin of the University of Liverpool is a proud Donegal man and the foremost authority on the life and work of the great Leitrim writer John McGahern. He has already edited The Letters of John McGahern in 2023 and has been working on this definitive biography of McGahern since then. The result of this work , John McGahern: A Writing Life, was published to great acclaim last month. It is a beautifully crafted portrait of McGahern drawing on hours of new interviews and previously unseen archival material to bring to life this cultural icon. This is a do not miss event. Frank will be introduced by PM O Sullivan, the well known journalist with the Irish Examiner who will also chair the Q and A which will follow the talk and reading.
We’re thrilled to bring the great Jack Lukeman (Jack L) to the Abbey Arts Centre. The Irish Times has described him as ‘’an Irresistible force of nature.’’ The Guardian said of him, ‘’think Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, Jacques Brel….Yes we are talking that good.’’ And The Washington Post declared Jack L, ‘’….second to none.’’ Do not miss the chance to hear this world class singer in the intimate surroundings of the Rory Gallagher Theatre. Jack will be supported by U.S. based singer songwriter Triona O'Neill who grew up in Ballyshannon and studied in The Cork School of Music before moving to LA. Triona writes songs that are filled with soaring melodies and soulful vibrato. Having toured extensively in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA we are privileged to have her opening for Jack Lukeman.
Come along and join other festival-goers for a bit of craic after a hard day of cultural enrichment at the Allingham Arts Festival!
Calling all poets, singers, storytellers, musicians and writers to Gather Again at this much loved event. Or just come along to enjoy the talent on show. The P.J. Drummond Cup will be presented to the person who gives the best reading or recitation as judged by the audience. Conor Carney will be the MC and music will be provided by Barry Sweeny and Sean Gibbons.
The writer Ann Ingle chats with her daughter Róisín about her latest book, 'Everything I Know About Being Older', a funny, honest and moving look at the ups and downs of being an older woman in today’s Ireland. In a wide ranging conversation filled with laughter, ecstasy and some pathos, daughter and mother Roisin and Ann Ingle discuss ageing, birthdays, men and much much more. These indefatigable women are sure to enthral and entertain in equal measure for an hour or so.
'Midwinter: An Afternoon'. We are honoured to welcome Michael Harding back to the Abbey Arts Centre with his show 'Midwinter', which is based on the book of the same name. The show is a meditation on winter and follows his personal reflections on life and death. Michael Harding’s blend of warmth, humour, reflection and beautiful storytelling will make this an event not to be missed.
We're delighted to screen this new Irish film thanks to Patrick O'Neill and Wildcard Films. An Irish family gathers for Christmas and discusses a local robbery. After debating how they'd pull off a better heist, they unintentionally end up testing their plan in reality. Written and directed by Dallan Shovlin, it stars Peter Claffey, Ardal O'Hanlon and Stephen Rea. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with director Dallan Shovlin.
After a hectic weekend there is no better place to wind down than in William Allingham’s own parish Church. Relax for an hour or so in this beautiful building and enjoy some music, song and the spoken word.
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