The 59th Mary from Dungloe Festival is underway

By Eoin Mc Garvey

The Mary from Dungloe Festival is now in full swing as the annual celebration of Irish heritage, music, and culture is underway in Gaeltacht village Dungloe.

It runs until Bank Holiday Monday on August 3 with the 2026 Marys carrying out a series engagements.

The high point of the 59th edition of the world famous Dungloe International Arts Festival will be the Crowning Cabaret grand finale on Sunday, August 2.

Timeless beauty… the Mary from Dungloe Festival is a classic. Here, the 2025 Mary from Dungloe winner Ellie Ward (second from left) is pictured with some of this year’s contestants: Gracie Trimble (Wild Atlantic Way), Shauna Mc Donagh (Dungloe), Jamie-Mai Nic Giolla Easbuic (Gaeltacht), and Rhiana Wason (Donegal). More festival images on page 14. Photo: Eoin Mc Garvey.

The wet and misty evening did not deter the crowds assembling on Dungloe’s main street on Saturday night for the official opening of the 2026 festival by well know and much respected local couple Enda and Patrcia Mc Carry.

The opening reception was hosted by sponsors The Cope in their department store on main street where festival director Gavin Boyle welcomed the large turnout and thanked them for their continued support of the festival. He paid tribute to the many sponsors, the Dungloe traders, and everyone who rallies together to help run the annual community event.

This year, the honour of officially opening the 2026 Mary from Dungloe Festival was given to local couple Enda and Patricia Mc Carry, two people whose names have long become synonymous with kindness, generosity, and unwavering community spirit.

For years Enda and Patricia have quietly dedicated themselves to countless local events, charities, fundraisers, and community projects. They never seek recognition, believing that the greatest reward comes from seeing progress in the town they love so well. In his address to the gathering, Enda highlighted this, saying a stage presence is not their comfort zone and they’d rather be down the town assisting with barriers or traffic.

Enda paid tribute to the festival committee and thanked joint directors Gavin Boyle and Pat Connaghan for bestowing the honour of opening the 59th festival on them. He also applauded local girl Ellie Ward for her great work as the 2025 Mary from Dungloe, and praised Pat Ryan, staff and management of The Cope for organising a magnificent opening reception.

All smile from this year’s Dungloe Mary, Shauna Mc Donagh, at the festival opening on Saturday night.

Daniel O’Donnell. Tricia Gallagher, and Noel Cunningham at the opening of the 2026 Mary from Dungloe Festival. (Photos: Eoin Mc Garvey)

Outgoing Mary, Ellie Ward, said she had a year she will never forget, adding it has been the greatest honour of her life to represent Dungloe and the Mary from Dungloe Festival.

“Representing this wonderful festival, our community, and my hometown of Dungloe has been the privilege of a lifetime. Over the past year, I’ve had opportunities I could only have dreamed of, from walking in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade to visiting Philadelphia and meeting members of the Irish community, as well as representing the festival both at home and abroad. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people, formed lifelong friendships, and grown in confidence through experiences I will always treasure,” she said.

“While those international opportunities were unforgettable, some of my favourite memories were made right here at home, attending local events, supporting charities, visiting schools, businesses and community groups, and seeing first-hand the pride people have in this festival and in Dungloe. Those moments reminded me just how lucky we are to call this place home.”

Ellie paid tribute to everyone who supported her throughout the year, including sponsors, local businesses, organisations, and everyone who welcomed and encouraged her along the way. She included Patricia and Enda Mc Carry, who officially opened the festival, saying they are very special to her, not only because of the tireless work they put in behind the scenes year after year, but because they are also her neighbours.

She singled out her family for being her biggest supporters throughout her term as Mary from Dungloe.

“To my family, thank you for being my biggest supporters every step of the way. To my aunt Aoife – thank you for being my organiser, chauffeur, photographer, and greatest supporter. I truly couldn’t have done this without you. Everyone should have an Aoife,” she said.

She also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Mary from Dungloe committee, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to make the festival so special. She also expressed thanks to The Cope and everyone involved in organising the wonderful opening ceremony.

In conclusion she welcomed the girls participating in this year’s event, telling them they are beginning an incredible journey.

“My advice is simple: enjoy every moment, say yes to every opportunity, support one another, and make memories that will last a lifetime. This experience is about so much more than a crown—it’s one you’ll carry with you forever,” she added.

Terence Diver with his wife Suzanna and Joseph Joyce at the opening of the 2026 Mary from Dungloe Festival.

Mark Sharkey, MD of the Cope, with his wife Amanda at the opening of the Mary from Dungloe Festival.

The first Mary from Dungloe director Daniel J Gallagher with current director Gavin Boyle.

Alannagh Mc Glynn, Deirdre Wilson, Bridgeen Doherty and Angela Medford at the opening of the 59th Mary from Dungloe Festival.

Tricia Swan and Noel Cunningham in selfie mood at the opening of the Mary from Dungloe Festival.

Patricia and Enda Mc Carry who officially opened the 2026 Mary from Dungloe Festival pictured with their children Maria and Michael, Patricia’s sister Breid and niece Martina.

Patrica and Enda Mc Carry who officially opened the 59th Mary from Dungloe Festival pictured with the 2025 winner Ellie Ward and festival directors Pat Connaghan and Gavin Boyle.

Terence Diver and his wife Suzanne pictured with Daniel O’Donnell at the opening of the 2026 Mary from Dungloe Festival. (Photos: Eoin Mc Garvey)

Pat the Cope Gallagher TD with the Wild Atlantic Way Mary, Gracie Trimble and her sister Charley.

Mary from Dungloe Festival directors Gavin Boyle and Pat Connaghan making a presentation to Pat Ryan who headed up the preperation on the opening venue at the Cope.