Events 2007


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FRIDAY 12th October

8.00pm - Official opening by special guest.

8.15pm - Presentation of Prizes to Winners of Adult Poetry Competition.

8.45pm Book Launch "The Donegal Currachs" by Donal MacPolin, illustrated by the author with wood engravings by Tim Stampon

9.30pm Music with Roisin Harrigan and her group playing music associated with the Flight of the Earls.

Saturday 13th October

10.00am Culdaff Writers Group Seminar on Writing
Venue St Boden's NS Culdaff: to book contact Eileen Byrne 07493 74596

11.00am The Great Macklin Walk Join experienced guide Dessie McCallion for an entertaining walk in the beautiful autumn countryside looking at sights ancient and modern on the way. Depart McGrorys at 9.30 am on Saturday. Easy walking on tarred roads and country lanes over 4 miles. Return to McGrorys for a light lunch and meet fellow guests.

1.00 pm Macklin Brunch with Ben Sandswith stories and songs by Ben Sands at various venues during the day and in the evening. He comes from Mayobridge, near Rostrevor in Co. Down and is a member of the celebrated Sands family of musicians and songwriters. As a musician, he plays banjo, fiddle, tin-whistle and guitar. The Sands Family group played in Carnegie Hall in New York and in Moscow’s Olympic Stadium after they formed in the 1970s so this is an opportunity to hear a world-class performer.
Venue McGrory's Restaurant
Adm. including lunch €12

3.00pm ART Exhibition- the Wee Hall becomes the cultural centre of the village for the weekend and the official opening of our exhibition will be on Saturday afternoon, featuring Eileen McLaughlin from Greencastle and local artists. You can buy, browse or just talk to old friends in the friendly environment of the village hall.

3.30pm - Flight of the Earls: Film and lecture. FROM RATHMULLAN TO ROME : film of the journey of the Earls from Rathmullan and their final resting place in Rome. Filmed by John Beattie. LECTURE by Professor Paul McKevitt, University of Ulster - "The Burn-Derry O'Dohertys"

6.30pm Ben Sands - Songs & Yarns
venue: Culdaff Arms

8.30 pm Damien Dempsey in Concert.
Damien's current album, "To Hell or Barbados", has now been released worldwide. He is currently touring Ireland, the UK, the U.S. and Canada.
His new album, "To Hell or Barbados",released world-wide in June 2007 entered the Irish album chart at Number 2.
For the second year in a row Damien won Best Irish Male at the 2007 Meteor Awards.

Tickets €20 can be got by contacting McGrory's of Culdaff

Sunday 14th October

10.30am D'Arcy McGee Walk This beautiful walk along old country lanes rambling through the quaint villages of Drumaville and Ballyharry will be led by Sean Beattie, who has a first-hand knowledge of the folklore and heritage of this beautiful region, overlooking Tremone Bay with views of Islay and Jura (on a clear day) Depart McGrorys of Culdaff by car for Carrowmena 6 miles away at 10.15 am on Sunday. Walk begins at Tremone Bar at 10.30 am, lasting about one hour, some hills, good walking territory. Hear the story of D’Arcy McGee’s secret.
Departure from Mc Grorys. To Book contact McGrorys 07493 792104

1.00pm - Antiquarian Book Exhibition and Sale :Michael Herron, Carndonagh, Universal Books and Records, Letterkenny will host book and record sale in McGrorys.

1.00pm Book and record Fair by David, Universal Books, Letterkenny
Venue: McGrorys

1.30pm Ben Sands - Songs & Yarns
venue:McGuinness's Lounge

2.00pm Art Exhibitions Continue
The Wee Hall
Lan Mara Studio Bunagee, Ballagh Studio, Art Rua Studio Carrowmeanagh, Inishowen Bogwood, Bocan

3.00 pm " Poetry Chicks" The three first met in September 2005 following a series of performance poetry workshops and a performance evening facilitated by BBC 3 TV ’s Slam Champion of 2004 World Slam Champion 2005, Londoner Kat Francois and further brought together through their participation in the EVE Project. Inspired by the energy and power of the experience, the Poetry Chicks were born, encompassing three very unique oral voices and creative styles of varying experience, skill and attitude. Based at the Gasyard Centre, in the heart of the Bogside/Brandywell area of Derry, Northern ireland, they have already established a reputation as both performance poets and writers on their own merit, having participated in numerous events throughout the North of Ireland.
Venue: McGrorys
Cover charge €10 Including refreshments.

5.00pm The Calgach Singers are mixed voice, cross-community, cross border choir based in Derry, A festival feast of music and entainment. Music Director: Trevor Burnside
Venue: St Baudens Church
ADM. €10

Music nightly in all local bars.
Some times and venue may be subject to change

Connie McLaughlin of Portaleen: In conjunction with the Charles Macklin Autumn School, I have scheduled the grand opening of my Portaleen Studio for October 13. Directions: In Culdaff, turn right on the Glengad Road. Proceed to Portaleen Brae overlooking Glengad Head. Continue down the hillside to the second cottage on the right. My studio will also be open on Sunday October 14th. Paintings of local scenes from my "Images of Inishowen" below


Bauke van der Meijden. I am from the Netherlands and moved to Inishowen in October 2005 sample of her work (left) I have two permanent expositions in the Netherlands. I specialized in stage-performance photography and group portraits.

The Charles Macklin Autumn School
Culdaff . Inishowen . Co. Donegal . Ireland
Contact: 074 93 79104 fax: 074 93 79235 (int. code 00 353 74 )