Date: 30 Apr 2025
Bealtaine Festival 2025 Launch
Donegal Celebrates 30 Years of Bealtaine with Month-Long Festival of Art, Music, and Community
Donegal County Council officially launched the 2025 Donegal Bealtaine Festival on Tuesday 29th April at Buncrana Library, marking the 30th anniversary of Ireland’s national celebration of arts and creativity as we age. Donegal has proudly been part of Bealtaine for 28 of those years, and this milestone year features the festival’s most ambitious and wide-reaching programme to date.
Speaking at the launch, the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Niamh Kennedy celebrated the festival’s growth and importance in the cultural life of the county: "Bealtaine is about creativity, connection, and community. It’s about lifting up our older people, showcasing their talents, and ensuring culture and creativity are accessible to all, wherever they live."
This year’s programme puts a special spotlight on local talent, with artists such as Bernie Wilson (painting workshops), Grainne McCool (creative writing), and Paddy Donoghue (poetry writing) leading creative sessions. Meanwhile, music fans can look forward to performances from legends like Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, Ralph McTell, Genticorum, and local favourite Patsy Cavanagh.
The festival also offers a rich variety of talks and experiences - from sound bath workshops and intergenerational storytimes, to a biodiversity talk on Donegal’s sea life, and events that explore sustainability and memory. A special exhibition, Mná na nGall – Donegal Women 1922–1980, at the Donegal County Museum shines a light on the powerful stories and achievements of women across six transformative decades.
Those attending the launch were captivated by a performance from Maura Logue, who brought her acclaimed one-woman show ‘Nora Gallagher’ to Buncrana Library. The performance offered a nostalgic and lively glimpse into a key part of Donegal’s social and cultural history, blending story, humour and music in a way that perfectly reflects the spirit of Bealtaine.
"Bealtaine doesn’t live in a gallery or a concert hall alone - it's all around us," said Sinead Noonan, Donegal Bealtaine coordinator. " It means you don’t have to go far to feel connected - to hear a poem, to see an exhibition, to tap your feet to a live tune, or even to try your own hand at something creative. That’s what makes celebrating Bealtaine in Donegal so special - culture doesn’t sit on a pedestal here, it lives in the community."
You can view the full programme of events planned by picking up a Donegal Bealtaine brochure in your local library or cultural venue. The programme and booking details are also available on our website www.donegalculture.ie or by phoning (074) 917 5384.
