THE third annual Over the West Fest has been hailed as an incredible success, with two unforgettable days of music, arts, family entertainment and community spirit taking place under beautiful blue skies on Arranmore Island.
This year’s festival moved to a new home at the Field of Dreams, where a spectacular dome stage provided the centrepiece for a weekend that brought together more than 30 bands and singers from across Ireland.
Performers travelled from Limerick, Clare, South Armagh, Down, Dublin and across Donegal and the west of Ireland, alongside a wealth of local talent, giving audiences two packed days of live music in a truly unique island setting.
Jude Calvey and his Family from Kinvara, Co.Clare – photos by Cara Visuals
The festival was organised by Maria McCormack, with the event made possible through tremendous support from the Arranmore community, local businesses and organisations.
A major feature of this year’s festival was the beautiful dome stage, provided by Declan Boyle from McCafferty Bar Group, while the Field of Dreams was kindly made available by Jerry Early.
The festival also welcomed Melanie Beth Curran, a special connection from New York, who was in Donegal with her film crew making a documentary about the music collected by her grandfather, Frank Curran from Glenswilly, coincidentally the area where festival organiser Maria McCormack went to school.
Melanien Beth Curran performing at the festival
Melanie met Owen Curran from the artist family, who had written a poem about her grandfather. Owen recited the poem for Melanie on the main stage, creating a memorable connection between Donegal’s musical heritage, the next generation and the Irish diaspora in New York.
Children were the heart of the festival with ‘The Over the West Fest Princess 2026,’ Aoibheen Claydon, provided face painting throughout the weekend, while the festival’s Arts & Crafts Corner proved hugely popular with children and families and even colouring competition winner Aimee from Creeslough took home a prize.
Aimee from Creeslough Colouring was the Competition winner
Although this was the third annual Over the West Fest, the move to the Field of Dreams brought a fresh atmosphere to the event and created a stunning setting for the weekend.
The festival organisers paid tribute to the many people who helped make the event possible, with particular thanks to the Arranmore Ferry, Dominic Sweeney and the entire ferry crew, whose support helped visitors travel to and from the island throughout the weekend.
The festival was funded with support from Donegal County Council and Go Visit Donegal, with the organisers expressing their sincere gratitude for their support.
There was also generous support from Pat Cooke Photography, who provided prizes for the festival raffle as well as photographing the event over the weekend.
The festival was documented throughout by official festival photographer Cara Visuals, capturing the performances, atmosphere, families and community spirit that made the weekend so memorable.
Caroline the Festival Photographer aka Cara Visuals
For visitors, Over the West Fest was about much more than two days of music. It provided an opportunity to experience Arranmore Island, stay locally, explore the island and enjoy everything the community has to offer.
Maria McCormack said:
“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the success of this year’s Over the West Fest. To stand in the Field of Dreams, looking out at a beautiful audience enjoying more than 30 incredible performers under blue skies, was something very special.
“This festival is about bringing people together, showcasing musicians and artists from all over Ireland, giving children and families something to enjoy and, most importantly, celebrating Arranmore Island and the incredible community that supports us.
James Curran performing at the festival
“I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who came, performed, volunteered, helped behind the scenes, sponsored us, provided services or simply supported the festival.
“It takes an incredible amount of work to put something like this together, but when you see the smiles on people’s faces and the atmosphere in the field, it makes every minute worthwhile.
“We are already looking forward to next year and welcoming everyone back to Arranmore.”
The crowds enjoying the fantastic musical performances
Aoibheen Claydon facepainting at the festival
The end of the festival performance