The Irish in Donegal, Co Donegal

Discover Donegal's Diaspora. Connections go way back, come over and explore your roots with the help of the Donegal County Museum genealogical services.

At McCafferty's, music isn't just entertainment, it's the beating heart of our pubs. Every week, we bring you the very best live music showcasing homegrown talent. Whether it’s a lively trad session or a belter from a local band, McCaffertys will have your toes tapping and hands clapping. We’re proud to keep the spirit of Irish music alive and kicking, just like it should be

A Traditional Irish Pub This is the first of the McCafferty’s Bars, which began in Donegal Town on Friday 13th January 2017 when the Boyle family bought a well know bar on the diamond. The bar had its name going back through generations of McCafferty families from the locality. After purchasing the bar the new owners began renovations and brought a new lease of life to the historic bar. The bar is now a well-established hotspot for the revelers of the northwest. Proving evermore popular among tourists who love the traditional Irish theme of the bar. McCafferty’s Bar is a wonderful authentic Irish pub in the heart of Donegal Town. Offering Sports & Live Music 7 Nights a Week.

Screaming Orphans, a genre-bending, chart-topping all-sister band from Donegal, are known worldwide for their award-winning sound, combining original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music. From a precociously early age, the Diver sisters entertained international audiences accompanying their mother, legendary céilí singer Kathleen Fitzgerald. The band has always defied being pigeonholed, having masterfully developed their own unique fusion of folk and pop. The sisters’ trademarks, spine-tingling four-part harmony and mastery of their instruments, combine with their highly energized performances to take audiences of all ages on an exhilarating and emotional musical journey. Screaming Orphans’ pitch perfect harmonies have led them to many collaborations on recordings and stage with artists such as Sinéad O’Connor, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Baaba Maal, Afro Celt Sound System and Martin Furey. Screaming Orphans' albums "Taproom," "Life in a Carnival," and "Sunshine and Moss" have topped Billboard, iTunes and World Music charts

Experience the electrifying sound of The Byrne Brothers, the most followed trad band of the century, known for their dynamic performances and authentic Irish music. Discover their captivating shows, explore their stunning gallery, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Irish culture.

Jan Carson FRSL is a Belfast based writer from Northern Ireland. She has published four novels, three short story collections and three micro-fiction collections. Her books include Malcolm Orange Disappears (2014), Children’s Children (2016), Postcard Stories (2017), The Fire Starters (2019), Postcard Stories 2 (2020), The Last Resort (2021), The Raptures (2022), Quickly, While They Still Have Horses (2024), Few and Far Between (2026) and No Vacancy (2026)

Katie Boyle is an Irish comedian living in New York City. Her favorite stand-up topics are her journey through American culture, dating, therapy and shame! She performed as a "New Face" in the 2023 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and was featured in NY Funniest showcase and New York Comedy Festival in 2022. Katie's debut album and special, I'll Do It Myself, was released through Pinch Records in summer of 2023. The album hit #1 on iTunes Comedy Charts and is currently available to stream on all major platforms. Her last special, Don't Tell, premiered last November.

Leader Kicking specializes in transforming athletic skills from sports like GAA, soccer, and rugby into successful American football kicking and punting careers. They offer coaching, scholarship sourcing, USA tours, and academic guidance to help beginners secure college and professional opportunities worldwide-saving families millions in scholarship fees.

Lucy Caldwell is a Northern Irish playwright and novelist. She was the winner of the 2021 BBC National Short Story Award and of the 2023 Walter Scott Prize.

Paul Howard is an Irish journalist, author and comedy writer. He is the creator of the character Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, a fictional Dublin 4 "rugby jock".

Sally Rooney is an Irish author. She is the author of the novels Conversations with Friends (2017), Normal People (2018), Beautiful World, Where Are You (2021), and Intermezzo (2024). The first two works were adapted into the television miniseries Normal People (2020) and Conversations with Friends (2022). Her bestselling novels have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide, have been translated into over 47 languages, and have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Literary commentators regard Rooney as one of the foremost millennial writers, and in 2022, Time named her among the 100 most influential people in the world.

The Association of Irish and Celtic Festivals (AICF) is an organization comprised of Irish and Celtic festivals throughout North America. Throughout the year, we provide support and best practices with other festivals, most specifically at our annual conference. The Association of Irish and Celtic Festivals is a registered 501(c)3 organization and is now a membership organization. If you are interested in becoming an AICF member, please email us at the email address below for more membership information.

Discover Australia, New Zealand, and Asia with Travel Playground, your trusted Irish-owned travel agency. We offer personalised itineraries, campervan hire, and discounted rates for unforgettable adventures.