Dancing this Lúghnasa atstunning seat of High Kings

There'll be dancing this Lúghnasa at the spectacular seat of a series of former High Kings of Ireland, including Niall of the Callan, White Hugh MacNeill and Black-kneed Niall MacHugh, as Féile Grianán Áiligh has announced a great line-up for the Lúghnasa Legends' Festival.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2016, 15:34 BST
Updated 28th Jul 2016, 16:34 BST

According to co-organiser, Tracey McRory, the 2016 Festival is the most ambitious event the group has undertaken in its five year history and will take place, once again, in perhaps the most photogenic open-air venue on the entire island.

The renowned harper and Lúghnasa Legends’ Bean a’Tí said: “Féile Grianán Áiligh’s Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival is taking place at Grianán Fort on Saturday, August 6, from 1.30pm to 7pm.

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“It will feature 170 artists drawn from Counties Donegal, Derry, as well as the diaspora in Scotland and the United States.

“I would describe the Festival as an eclectic mix of musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers, performing at Grianán Fort, a beautiful, natural amphitheatre, ‘the most compelling antiquity by far in Donegal’ and contributing to a joyous celebration of our Island’s rich musical, cultural and linguistic heritage!

“The Féile Grianán Áiligh Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival is a Twenty First Century re-imagining of the entertainment, which would have been on offer in 395 AD Grianán Fort. That is when Eoghain, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, established himself as a ‘competent and strong leader’ at what was regarded, even then, as an ancient seat of royalty.

“We will be welcoming the Inishowen Traditional Music Project, the North Texas School of Traditional Music, the Cairngorm Ceilidh Trail (Scotland), the Ceolan School of Irish Music (Moville) and Coirm (Letterkenny) to the Fort. Sandra McKay and Eilidh Mac Donald, Gaelic singers from the Scottish Isles, and dancers from the McKinney (Burt) and Hegarty (Buncrana) schools, amongst others, will also be gracing the Lughnasa Legends’ Festival stage. “With Set, Step Céilí and Sean Nós dancing, there’s definitely something for everyone.”

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Throughout the Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival, visiting musicians and audience members will also have the opportunity to learn more about this historic site, from the professional tour guides present, The Féile Grianán Áiligh’s Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival will culminate with a spectacular finale.

Ms McRory said: “An ensemble comprising all of the Festival’s musicians will truly bring Grianán to life, as the evening shadows fall!

“Traffic and access restrictions will apply during Féile Grianán Áiligh’s Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival. There will be a park and ride service in operation.

“The cost is five Euro per person with u-12s going free. There will also be a variety of food outlets present at Grianán during the Festival. The event is also a strictly alcohol free.

“All Féile Grianán Áiligh Lughnasa Legends’ Festival updates are available on Twitter: @Féile_Grianán and Facebook: Féile Grianán Áiligh Lúghnasa Legends’ Festival.”