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Pumpkin Carving Competition and Pumpkin Parade

Kiddies in eager preparation for the Pumpkin Carving Competition 

If you’re looking for something to keep the little ones (and not so little ones!)  entertained over the Mid Term break, then check out Bundoran as the town is set to go pumpkin crazy on Tuesday October 29th with its first ever pumpkin carving competition and pumpkin parade.

Families and groups will have the opportunity to come together at the Atlantic Apartotel on Main  Street between 4 and 7pm and have some “bonding” time as they carve their own pumpkin which they can then keep after the competition and parade is over. For just €5 registration, a family or group can take part in this fun afternoon of fancy dress and pumpkin carving – designs can be their own or ones provided. Each group will have an hour to carve their pumpkin.

 Weather depending then, Bundoran’s first ever Pumpkin March will then happen at 7pm when everyone’s pumpkins will be lit and, accompanied by the Bundoran Samba Band and the Magh Ene Stilt Walkers, will parade down Main Street from the Apartotel to the junction of Main Street and Station Road and then onto the outdoor performance space beside Bundoran Community Library. Here the pumpkins will be judged and prizes awarded.

 Speaking about the event Bundoran Tourism Officer Shane Smyth said ‘this is the first event of its kind in Bundoran and one we are very much looking forward to. Everyone associates pumpkins with Halloween but the carving of them hasn't been such a huge tradition – this year we want to start that tradition here in Bundoran. We’re also hoping that the weather will be kind to us on the evening of the 29th so we can complete the Pumpkin Parade to the library. More details including a FAQ section are available on: www.discoverbundoran.com/pumpkin’


AND.. Another five great reasons to visit Donegal


  1. Great, Great Food
Dotted throughout Donegal are many iconic restaurants, each with their own wonderful history, style, traditions, charm and picturesque surroundings. Collectively, they aim to bring you a genuine taste of Donegal by obtaining the very best fresh, local ingredients and serving them with lashings of pride.


Donegal offers famous Tirconnell whiskey and McDaid’s beverages, local seafood, meat and homegrown vegetables. Restaurants offer an array of mouth watering dishes including traditional stews and fresh local oysters. By following the trail of Donegal Good Food Taverns, you will also find an itinerary of traditional Irish music, seven evenings a week at different points throughout the trail.


But don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself!


  1. The Gealtacht 

Irish culture has survived and flourished in Donegal in a way it has failed to do elsewhere. Irish language and culture are still vibrant throughout the Gaeltacht areas of the county and foremost among these traditions is the one of welcoming strangers.
The Gaeltacht has a strong sense of its own identity and uniqueness and the land contains a wealth of cultural strengths which is rich in heritage and folklore. The scenery is truly breathtaking with mountains and lake-filled valleys fringed by the unpolluted seas of the Atlantic Ocean with white sandy beaches. Visit the The Language School and Heritage Centre and is just a beginner in the tongue, you will be encouraged to persist and take your skills to a new level!


  1. Walk  in Donegal
Donegal is a natural centre for the avid walker and hiker. You will be spoilt for choice with fine beaches, stunning mountain ranges, and spectacular scenery around every corner. With such a variety in landscape, hundreds flock to Donegal each year on walking holidays.

Walk the highlands and headlands of North Donegal. Fanad coast, Glenveagh National Park and Errigal – our highest and most beautiful mountain.

Good for heart, body and soul!


  1. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh is the second largest national park in Ireland. The park covers 170 square kilometres of hillside above Glenveagh Castle on the shore of Lough Veagh.

Natural woodlands of Oak and Birch clothe the slopes of the deep valley that bisects the Park. These woods are inhabited by badgers, foxes and stoats, whilst woodland bird life includes Siskins, Treecreepers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers. On the uplands of the Park, birds more likely to be encountered include Ravens, Peregrines, Stonechat and Grouse, and the upland slopes are dotted with the yellow flowers of Tormentil and Bog Asphodel.

Perhaps the outstanding feature of Glenveagh is its wilderness character with the sense of remoteness and solitude that it conveys to the visitor.


  1. Festivals and Events
Donegal is home to a number of spectacular arts, film, cultural, music, food and sports festivals. In Donegal we love to celebrate just about anything, so whatever your interests might be, chances are that there's a festival dedicated to it and some great craic to be had. Attending a festival is a great way to see the county and the residents at their finest.

So start planning now……