THE Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Poland to Ireland officially launched the 2026 Earagail Arts Festival Programme in Ballybofey on Friday.
Artur Michalski was the special guest at a public reception in the Villa Rose Hotel & Spa for the official launch of the 39th festival programme.
Musical entertainment at Friday’s event was by the Finn Valley Men’s Choir.
Daithi Ramsay, Creative Communities Engagement Officer and Shay Whelan pictured at the launch of the Earagail Arts Festival programme in the Villa Rose Hotel Ballybofey. Photos: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Launch MC and CEO / Artistic Director of Earagail Arts Festival Paul Brown, said as it celebrates nearly 40 years, the festival has been reaching out to more of Donegal than ever before.
“This commitment to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion is driven by policy and strategy and informed by our continual evaluation of not just our economic impact but also the assessment of the qualitative impact of our arts activities on the lives and well-being of a diverse and multicultural Donegal,” he said.
Paul Brown, CEO and Artistic Director of the Earagail Arts Festival speaking at Friday’s launch event.
Emma Herron, Group Marketing Manager, Gallen Hospitality, extended a warm welcome to the ambassador on behalf of the Gallen family, the Villa Rose and extended Gallen Group teams.
“As a Donegal business, we are proud to support an event that plays such an important role in the cultural life of the county,” she said.
“The festival brings world-class arts and entertainment to communities right across Donegal, attracts visitors from near and far, and makes an important contribution to our tourism industry and local economy.”
Maureen Kerr, County Librarian/Culture Division Manager, Donegal County Council, Judith McCarthy, Vice-Chair, Earagail Arts Festival Board of Directors and Edel Corcoran, Earagail Arts Festival.
Judith McCarthy, Vice-Chair of the festival’s Board of Directors, said the reality of living across 4,000 square kilometres with a dispersed population shapes the festival.
She said: “We bring art to people, not just people to art. Our mission is a welcoming, ambitious, multilingual programme across theatre, music, dance, visual art, literature and film, in towns, schools, community centres, and unexpected places.
“We support artists to make new work here through residencies and immersive projects that reflect Donegal’s culture, landscapes, and communities. Public engagement is central.
“We co design projects with local groups, invest in audience access, and champion wellbeing, confidence, joy, and pride of place.”
Eunan Kelly, Jenny Kelly and John McIvor.
Speaking as part of the official proceedings, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly said this year’s festival was once again a highly acclaimed annual cultural celebration bringing together local, national, and international artists.
“Through the promotion of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and the spoken word it has become a major family event attracting audiences of all ages and backgrounds making the arts accessible to all,” he said.
Officially launching the 2026 festival programme, Mr Michalski said it was a great privilege to have been asked to open the festival, knowing how important it is for Donegal.
Members of the Finn Valley Men’s Choir pictured performing at the launch.
He said: “It is incredible that annually the festival celebrates culture bringing together local, national and international artists across the county and that its offer is open to people of all ages and all backgrounds.
“It is fantastic therefore that this year the festival will also present a dance spectacle “Memory of The Skin” by Mateusz Sczerek, a Polish artist based in Ireland. Many Polish people have made Ireland their home and it is wonderful to see the different ways in which they contribute to Irish society.”
Traolach Ó Fionnáín, Arts Officer, and Michael McMullin.
Extending her good wishes on behalf of Failte Ireland, Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support the Earagail Arts Festival 2026. Festivals and events like this create memorable cultural experiences that encourage visitors from Ireland and overseas to discover all that we have to offer across the country.”
The Earagail Arts Festival runs from July 10 to 25.