26-28th August 2022
Killaghtee Festival 2022
Help us celebrate local coastlines, beaches and heritage at and around St. John’s Point.
Everyone is invited to join us for free events, local celebrations, walks, talks and trips in the area!
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Some events may move to Dunkineely Community Centre, subject to weather conditions.
Boat Trips
Leaving from Bruckless Pier (Darney) the boat will take you on a trip around St. John's Point.
Local Historian Michael Cunningham will tell some stories on the way round, and the last boat of the evening is an opportunity to see the sun set from the glorious waters of the bay.
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Nearly sold out! The last two tickets will be available at the Information Desk on 27th August.
€15 per person.​
Beach Art
The artist Manu will be creating a supersized image of the Killaghtee Cross in the sand of Trá Bán Beach.
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He will be joined by St. John's Point resident Olive of Donegal Sea Pictures, who will be making their own special art from things found on the beach.
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There will be a BBQ too!
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Interactive Beach Art
If you want something more interactive, we have two great events by local artist Heather Cassidy, down at the bech.
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Unleash your creativity on the beach: Come and have fun creating your own beach art with artist Heather Cassidy.
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Each of you will have your own area with which to create your own art from things found on the beach. Make sure you bring a camera! Suitable for children accompanied by adults.
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Installations on the Beach Whale of a time: Come down and let's make a whale together. and maybe a few other creations, with Heather Cassidy
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A group event where you will create a giant whale from what you find on the beach. Suitable for children accompanied by adults.
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Both events are free.
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Sound Bath and Yoga
Remove your stress and lighten your load with Rosabella.
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Welcome the morning sun at the end of St. John's Point, with some gentle yoga, suitable for all levels of experience.
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Later in the day enjoy the tranquillity of Trá Bán Beach for some more yoga. Don't forget to check out the art all around.
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Join Rosabella in the Dunkineely Community Centre and immerse yourself in relaxing sounds. A meditative experience where you will be bathed in sound waves.
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All these events are Free. Please bring a Yoga mat with you, if you have one. Dawn Yoga is subject to interest, so e-mail dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com if you want to attend.
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Music at the Castle
Likely to be the highlight of the weekend, weather permitting, visit McSwyne's Castle for some live music by pupils of the O'Donnell School of Music. Majestic views and plenty of talent on display.
Bring a blanket and a picnic!
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Afterwards, head up to the site of the Killaghtee Cross in the Old Killaghtee Church on St. John's Point, for a talk by the authour of "A History of Dunkineely, Bruckless, Killaghtee and St. John's Point".
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He will tell you about the site and it's history and take questions on how we aim to conserve it and the castle.
Forager Fred
Wild Food Foraging and Nature Walk with Forager Fred.
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Take a walk in the wild with Forager Fred and see the world around you.
Rediscover the wonder in every blooming ordinary thing, so that when you next go for a walk or ramble you see the natural world through a new way; as a friend that is there to feed you; to inspire you; and most importantly to amaze you.
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Fred is passionate about wildlife and foraging for wild food be that plants; fish; seafood or wild game and wants to help inspire you to look at the natural world around you as though through the eyes of a child.
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€5 per adult, children free. Suitable for children accompanied by adults. No need to book.
Sing Along with Laura
A free event, just for kids.
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Dunkineely Community Centre
Sing, Dance, Play!
A morning of music, dancing and games for children of all ages and abilities. Come learn songs about Self-love and celebrating our unique gifts. Create your own song as a group. Dance your very own moves to your own beat. And play games, just for fun and laughs. Sun-day Fun-day .
Laura will also be singing in front of McSwyne's Castle at our Heritage Concert on Saturday.
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Sports Day
A free event, just for kids.
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A sports day blitz, being held by
Dunkineely Celtic Football Club.
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Come down to Darney Park for lots of fun.
Wheelbarrow, 3-Legged and Egg & Spoon Races, Tug of War, Penalty Kicks and more for all ages.
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Weaving Demonstration
Join Cyndi Graham for a weaving talk and demonstration.
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View traditional weaving by our own local artisan, at
the Cyndi Graham Handweaving Studio, F94 Y597.
Holistic Farming
Heather Hill Farm is a regenerative farm that takes a holistic approach to farming, focusing on ecological, social and economical goals.
They produce pasture raised turkey, pasture raised chicken, pasture raised eggs, wildflower honey and grass-fed lamb. They operate a Holistic Planned Grazing system, meaning our animals are moved to fresh pasture every day.
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Not only does this benefit the animals, but it helps build soil fertility and create habitats. They use a Silvopasture system where fruit trees, nut trees and berry bushes have been planted throughout their grassland. This increases biodiversity and contributes to healthy soil.
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€10 per adult, children are free. F94 A568.
Fancy Dress
Our fancy dress competition is for 0 to 10 year olds.
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Taking place on the opening night in central Dunkineely at 7pm!
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There will be prizes for:
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Best Individual
Best Original Costume
Best 0-5 year old Costume
Best 6-10 year old Costume
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Sponsors
A big thankyou to all the local festival sponsors, including the Killybegs Employment Project, Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Mac's Bar, Breslin's Garage, MacLaughlin's, McIntyre's, Floyd's Mace and Ingrid's Balloons.
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We also receive sponsorship for DCL and our many programmes from other sources. Their logos can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you want to volunteer to help on the weekend, please e-mail dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com