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Ar Ais Arís Traditional Arts Festival
Encompassing traditional music, song and dance, this festival in Buncrana on the lovely Inisowen peninsula features some big stars of Irish traditional music as well as lots of local players.
The Festival was planned as a three year cycle of events, of which 2008 is the final year. Whether or not it will continue in the future is not yet known.
The last two years has featured many well known names such as Frankie Gavin, Ciaran Townish, Paul Brady and Dermot Byrn, familiar to anyone who loves Irish music. Other highlights in previous years have included the "The Dohertys Welcome" featuring Kevin and Liz Doherty with special guests Jerry Holland, Howie MacDonald and Mac Morin from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Henry McCullough and Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor.
This year's headline acts have yet to be announced but an open mic at the singers circle will as usual flush out some lesser known talent, while the workshops nurture the new generation of Irish artists. There is something here for all the family, with a schools programme and children's art exhibition among the events for younger folk.
This is a particularly beautiful part of Ireland and attending a friendly and welcoming festival such as this one is a great way for visitors to Ireland to meet with and get to know Irish people in a relaxed athmosphere.
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What else to do in Donegal?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our North-West Area Guide.
