Ballyshannon Folk Festival

Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend (traditionally the first weekend in August), the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival is one of Ireland's premier trad festivals, with an illustrious history spanning over 30 years.

Held since 1977, the Ballyshannon Trad Festival has long been a highlight to many a musician's summer. Past performers read like a whose who list of greats in Irish trad music, including Sharon Shannon, Christy Moore, De Danann, Altan, Dervish, Kila, and Beginnish.

Each year Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival attracts a stellar lineup of big-name musicians who play in larger venues such as the Abbey Theatre, as well as scores of talented musicians who play impromptu sessions in the town's various pubs and on the streets. The 2007 festival saw the introduction of an on street busking festival, which proved to be a great success. There are also a number of workshops held for aspiring musicians and dancers.