Donegal festivals have been allocated funding under the Small Scale Local Festivals & Summer Schools Scheme 2026.
Local TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of funding approvals, with Donegal securing €42,197.50 across a range of local cultural events.
The scheme supports smaller community based festivals and summer schools that may not qualify for larger national funding programmes. Funding was allocated following a competitive process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.
Donegal received support for 11 events, including traditional music festivals, community arts initiatives, and long established cultural gatherings:
• Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School – €5,000
• Donegal Summer School of Music – €5,000
• Ceol Na gCruach – €5,000
• Ceolan Community Group CLG – €4,980
• Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival – €3,750
• Arranmore Country Fest – €3,750
• Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair – €3,750
• Dorn San Aer – €3,750
• We Will – €3,750
• Donegal Youth Service – €1,925
• Milford & District Resource Centre – €1,312.50
Speaking on the announcement, Pat the Cope Gallagher said: “I warmly welcome this funding for Donegal’s festivals and summer schools. These events are the backbone of cultural life in our communities, celebrating our heritage, music, language and local creativity.
“The allocations announced will support organisers, volunteers and artists who work tirelessly each year to deliver high quality events for local people and visitors alike. I commend all involved and look forward to seeing these festivals thrive throughout 2026.”