Once again, we have a packed weekend full of talks, readings, writing, poetry, song, film, drama, workshops, book launches and more!
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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.
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.
Join us for the launch of the Allingham Festival 2026, with a wine reception from 7.00pm, and featuring a performance by the Coláiste Cholmcille Teachers' Choir.
One Act Play directed by Moya Ferguson.
Neil-Jack Alphonsus Hamilton in Coláiste Cholmcille
A showcase of new work by local film-makers.
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 and their friends bring music and song to the Community Hospital. A big hit last year with the residents this event will delight and entertain again.
Join Mike Jennings reading from his latest collection, Poems of Love & Loss. Mike will also discuss his work with Michael Mc Mullin. All welcome.
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 include a performance of a special piece composed by Biana to celebrate the life and work of Margaret McGinley, a local teacher who contributed so much to the cultural life of Ballyshannon. The concert will feature a fantastic roster of musicians Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Seamie O'Dowd, Martin McGinley, Senan Brennan, Bianca Rohleder, Robbie Fottrell, Shauna Mullin, and others.
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.
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 lunch as we reveal the winners of the Allingham 2026 Poetry and Fiction Competitions.
A writing workshop in Kilbarron Centre.
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. 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.
The acclaimed, platinum-selling Irish singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and vocal artist makes his debut in Ballyshannon.
TBC
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 Roisín chats with her mother Ann about her latest book.
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.
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.
