Donegal has it all this Christmas

To quote a famous song….It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! This is a time of year that means many things to many people. It can be a time for looking back or looking forward; eating too much or sleeping too little; for family and friends, or for escaping it all; for celebrating a small child’s humble birth, or enjoying the generosity of an old man in a red suit!

Donegal has so much to offer you at this magical time of the year, there are a host of events and adventures that cater for families, friends, couples, the young, and the not so young. Go Visit Donegal has put a range of suggestions that will help to maximise your Christmas experience if you are thinking of paying us a visit. It is by no means all that Donegal has to offer this festive season but may whet your appetite to jump on board the magical sleigh ride of festive fun that will be passing your way in the coming weeks.

What better way to get things started, than to join in the many Christmas Light Switching On celebrations taking place across the county, such as the Christmas Lights Switch On in Letterkenny on the 29th of November, or why not join World Renowned Comedian, Tommy Tiernan a week later in Bundoran for the Christmas Lights Countdown.  If you are in Donegal Town on the 1^st December, why not join us for the official switch on at The Diamond at 7.30 pm?

Indeed, the last weekend in November will really see the Christmas spark illuminate our lives with unique one day events such as Christmas at Monreagh, an event for all the family where the kiddies will be entertained with  live Christmas music, traditional Scottish dancing, mince pies and most importantly a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus.

Donegal will also play host to some great craft fairs that will provide your loved ones with hand crafted gifts that can be treasured. To celebrate the high quality of creativity that Donegal has to offer, the Christmas Craft Fair in the Holyrood Hotel, Bundoran, and the Christmas Fair at the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny are just two such events that take place on the 1st of December where you are sure to find Christmas treasures.

The first week of December will also see the start of month long events such as Santa’s Kingdom in Buncrana and Santa’s Hotel at Jackson’s in Ballybofey where families will have the opportunity to meet the man himself! 

 

A magical family event taking place each weekend for the festive month is Follow the Star at IOSAS, Muff. The tranquil setting will be an oasis for families looking to escape the commercialism, hustle and bustle which can dominate this time of year. Take some time together to enjoy an experience which will have the children discussing the real Christmas story long after this event. Families will enjoy a guided trail under starlight and a very special dramatic piece created especially for this event.

The Northwest Christmas Wonderland will be a magical Christmas family experience opening on 30th November and running each weekend right through until 23rd December.
The Christmas Wonderland will feature Santa’s Grotto, storytelling with Mrs.Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer, a Christmas market, Christmas lights, a live animal crib, children’s disco and much more, this is a must if you are in the area!

One not to be missed if you are in the area is A Little Taste of Christmas in Donegal Town on 30th November and the 1^st of December, there will be  host of gift ideas, cookery demonstrations and entertainment for the little ones. 

 

 

A week later will see other events join the celebratory run-up to Christmas such as, Santa’s Lodge at Ballyliffin. For the culturally conscious, why not check out the Family Christmas Concert at An Grianan; an evening of Christmas-inspired vocal and instrumental music, which will embrace your festive spirit and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and kick-start your Christmas cheer!
 

The Children’s Christmas Storybook Workshop in Letterkenny will provide a great platform for children to develop ideas and creative writing skills in a fun and dynamic environment.
 

Christmas themed nights out for the not so young include Harvey’s Point Christmas Cabaret; Christmas Jumper Night in Killybegs; or more traditional Christmas entertainment such as ‘Christmas by the Hearth’ with Sean Keane and Friends in Letterkenny.

 

Speaking of Christmas and Tradition, The Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town will play host to the Singer/ Songwriter of one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written. ‘Fairy Tale of New York’ creator, Shane McGowan will take to the stage along with Sharon Shannon and Mundy on the 28^th and 29^th December as part of a special Christmas Tour that is sure to deliver the finest in home-grown world class entertainment. Finally, let’s not forget the many Christmas Pantomimes that will be performed across the county.

That’s all before we head into the New Year celebrations, and the Epiphany, or Little Christmas as it is also known. Irish tradition dictates that this is the day that women relax after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, while the men take over the housework. The tradition is still alive in counties Cork and Kerry and The Red Door has certainly given it a revival in Donegal over the past three years!

So here’s hoping that this taster of all that is on offer in Donegal has got you itching to get out the decorations and looking forward to the festive season.

There are many great deals on accommodation in Donegal if you fancy popping by for a visit. So whether you want to avail of one of the many charming self-catering cottages, apartments or holiday homes available, or are looking to avail of some first class service in one of our hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses, come and enjoy the feast of festive fare on offer as Donegal prepares to celebrate the holiday period in style.

Finally, we at Go Visit Donegal wish you and your family a Christmas that is as breath-taking as our landscape, as heartfelt as our welcome, as pure as our water, and as peaceful as our lakes!

Nollaig Shona Daoibh!             

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 29^th 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 29^th 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!

2. 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!

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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……

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