We're Off!

Well, that was an opening night we won't be forgetting!

Ballyshannon Samba band kicked us off with their usual energy, then in for the reception in the foyer before a melodic treat from the Coláiste Cholmcille Choir under the directorship of Mark Cronin.

County Council Arts Officer, Traolach O'Fionnáin did us proud in his official opening of the festival with an engaging few words tracing a parallel path between the venue, the festival and his own career. Finally, there was the Allingham Lecture by Nelofer Pezira-Fisk. She traced her personal history and that of her late husband, Robert Fisk, into an analysis of the current state of international geopolitics in the Middle East and around the world.

She expressed trenchant views, not all of them shared by everyone in the audience but no one could doubt the depth of her knowledge and the intensity of her commitment to truthful reporting on the reality of the modern world.

Thanks to Brian ODroma for the excellent photos.

Brian Friel Exhibition

We are so grateful to Collie and all the staff in Bundoran and Ballyshannon libraries for the tremendous work they have done in staging an exhibition to coincide with our Remembering: Brian Friel event.

Apart from Co Donegal Library Service's own fascinating collection of Brian Friel related works you can view rarely-seen examples of his journalism, an original poster from the opening night of Translations and much, much more.

The exhibition will outlive the festival; by how much, we're not entirely sure but it will be influenced by the degree of interest shown so, if you're in Ballyshannon any Wednesday or Friday in the coming weeks, please drop in.

Opening Hours:

Wednesday: 9.30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5.30pm

Friday: 9.30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5.30pm

Ta-Daaaah!

Huge Congratulations to all our winners in the Primary Schools Competitions and, like we said to the short-listed gang and to all the others:

"If this wasn't your year, please, please, please, come back next year!"

Cast a Cold Eye

The film Cast a Cold Eye by local film makers Emer O'Shea & Michael MacMonagle pays tribute to the late, great Sinead O Connor and explores the connections between one of Ireland's most iconic and best loved singer songwriters and her favourite poet, William Butler Yeats.

Cast A Cold Eye will be screened in Ballyshannon as part of the film programme for the Allingham Festival .

The short film will be followed by a poetry film The Last Bus directed by Winifred McNulty in collaboration with Emer O Shea. The movie was inspired by the journey of emigrants from West Donegal to Glasgow.

To conclude Winifred will launch her poetry pamphlet The Weather on the Peninsula in conversation with poet and writer Olive Travers .

The entire event is Free and all are welcome.

Abbey Arts Centre 2.00p.m. Sat. Nov. 8th. Admission Free

John Creedon and Friend

We were delighted to hear today from the one and only Mr John Creedon. He's really looking forward to his visit to the Allingham Festival and he kindly passed on this memento from a previous trip to Ballyshannon.

He took the opportunity to renew the acquaintance of an old neighbour. Rory Gallagher lived just down the street when he was growing up and was friendly with his older siblings. No doubt, Sean Perry will find an opportunity to work it into their conversation.

John Creedon in Conversation with Sean Perry, Sunday, November 9, 2025 14:30 – 15:30

Bookings