Atlantic Irish Fest:
​January 21-25, 2023

Everyone is looking forward to being able to travel again, and we are delighted to say that our famous Atlantic Irish Fest will take place in Donegal in January 2023. What we have for you is a cracking line-up of Irish musicians - sessions, gigs, concerts, - we have some cobweb (hangover)-clearing hikes and cultural activities, we have the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way to explore, gorgeous local restaurants, and later in the evening, roaring fires, pints and tunes. It's super affordable too - easy to make your way here by yourself- we can get you in Dublin if you want, you can come solo, couple or with a gang, most suitable for adult groups, and we welcome visitors from UK, Europe and beyond. We are happy to help you plan to get here, and all deposits are fully refundable.

Atlantic Irish Fest Gigs

The Logues - SATURDAY Jan. 21

The Logues are now one of the most sought-after live acts in their native Ireland and beyond, due to their inimitable 'psycho ceilidh', 'whiskey-soaked folk' style and raucous performances. The five-piece band come from the tiny border of town of Castlederg in County Tyrone. After a few years playing jam sessions in dens of ill-repute, the band earned a reputation as a versatile and talented outfit, and now appear regularly on the global circuit. They will appear at several UK, Irish, North American and European Music Festivals this year, so it is a real treat to have them join us in Donegal for a guaranteed high-energy gig. The Logues are Kiel Cathers on Vocals & Guitar, Bobby Beers on Banjo & Guitar, Darrell Nelson on Drums, Logan McCool on Vocals&Tin Whistle and Jesse Darragh on Bass. ​

The Henry Girls - Sunday Jan. 22

​The Henry Girls are three sisters from Co. Donegal, Ireland. They were brought up by music- loving parents who introduced them to an eclectic array of sounds such as The Everly Brothers, The Bothy Band, The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Ella Fitzgerald as well being surrounded by traditional Irish music. In their own music, they have a unique rootsy sound which blends their native traditional Irish folk music with hints of americana, bluegrass and blues. They are renowned for their fine close harmonies and musical arrangements and have been likened to such great musical acts as Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Dixie Chicks and The Be Good Tanyas. They write songs that are tuneful, catchy, and warm. Their repertoire is scattered with old and new and their style reflects many influences and tastes. 

Meitheal: Mapping our Musical Traditions’ curated by Marc Geagan​ - Monday Jan 23

From the Irish word for ‘working collaboratively’, Meitheal is Modal Citizen Records’ in-house project ensemble that specialises in traditional music from their region. The band can range from a duo to an entire 12-piece depending on the venue and audience. Meitheal features some of the finest performers of traditional music from South Donegal, North Leitrim, and West Fermanagh. Their first album 'Songs of Erne Volume 1: Traditional Music from South Donegal and West Fermanagh' was released in 2017 and features guest performances from Steve Cooney and Junior Davey. Their follow-up album ‘Songs of Erne Volume 2: Border Music’ has been recorded and is due for release in 2022. Regular members of the group include multi-instrumentalist Seanan Brennan (Kila), Farrah Bogle on fiddle and vocals, singer and bodhran player Fiona Fitzpatrick (Seamas O’Rourke, The Messages) and Marc Geagan (Ronan Gallagher Band) on dobro, guitar, and double bass. The Meitheal performance is curated by Marc Geagan.  ​

Johnny Gallagher and the Boxty Band - Tuesday Jan. 24

 Widely Acknowledged as one of the finest guitar players touring the circuit, Johnny Gallagher and the Boxtie Band is a powerful Irish Rock ‘n Roll show, featuring original material and stunning personal versions of selected classics. Johnny's charisma creates excitement on stage, with a set that douses rock, blues, and ballads in an inimitable Donegal style. Together with his band of brothers, Pauric, James, and Sean, he delivers a show mixing slick practiced expertise with ad-libbing, jamming, and improvising. That’s the magic of the Boxtie show; James’s punchy bottom lines and Sean's groovy swing, Pauric’s freeform Boogie woogie giving Johnny the scope for wizardry on acoustic and electric guitar, and a voice that goes from a whisper to a roar. Undoubtedly one of the top live bands in Ireland & Europe right now, a Johnny & Boxtie show is not to be missed.  ​

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Irish Culture Classes 

 Each morning, you'll have the option to attend informal & entertaining talks on Irish culture with Niamh,  She'll take you through the rich history of Ireland, explaining the Irish language, mythology, folklore that form the bedrock of our traditions. Obviously, you can also have a lie-in and a big breakfast instead! But she's good. 

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Guided tours of the best places 

Niamh and John will be happy to take you on guided trips to the best places to visit while you are in Ireland. You'll have the personal touch and local expertise every where you go, and we'll enjoy ourselves too! We've got a few ancient sites, some castles, amazing coastal cliffs, and more than a few secret spots that regular visitors don't see. Stop-offs at our favourite cafes and restaurants, and maybe the odd pub! 

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Live music and culture

Donegal is famous for its music traditions, and we are blessed here locally with an amazing selection of musicians, singers and bands. Every night, we will have a gig for you, and we guarantee you will be awestruck and gobsmacked by the range of talent. We'll mix it up for you too, so we'll have stuff you listen to, stuff you dance to, stuff you sing to, stuff you drink to. Something for everyone! 

Download full programme

Trip Details

• 5-day trip to the stunning North West of Ireland, including an Atlantic Irish Fest ticket and a host of cultural activities.
  
• Daily culture talks & cultural site visits include Donegal Town and Castle, Ancient pre-Christian sites, Abbeys, Monastic sites, Yeats Country and Killybegs Fishing Village - included in your ticket 
• All music performances and gigs included in your ticket 
• 4 nights accommodation and continental breakfast included. Fees per person based on double occupancy- single supplement applies but it's not awful, and single person rooms in shared apartments will not incur single supplements. 
• Continental breakfast served each morning. Welcome festival cocktail & farewell Guinness included in ticket. 
• Musicians welcome, bring your instruments and join in the pub sessions 

2023  Deposit: €99

Total Fees: €675

Single Gig Tickets and nightly accommodation available.
Please contact info@isaireland.com for more details

*Please note: This site only accept payments in USD$ at this time. If you are travelling from Europe or the UK, please email info@isaireland.com and we will arrange payment in euros for you.  

Pay Single Deposit ($99)

 Atlantic Fest Awaits..

If you are looking to book onto our Atlantic Irish Fest trip but have a few questions first, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will work with you and your group to organising transfers, give you Information about accommodation, and help with anything else we can. We look forward to hearing from you.