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One of the legendary advertisements on Irish television in years gone by asked the question, “How do Jacob’s get the figs into the fig rolls?”
These days, one may as they same question with regards to the continued success of the Clonmany Festival – how do they do it? How has it managed to attract such vast crowds for eight full days? Clonmany is a small town on the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal and all next week will see the main street jammed with country music aficionados who will make the annual pilgrimage to this wee spot that holds such a special place in their hearts.
The scenic beauty of the region and the warm welcome of the folks are at the heart of the magic that Clonmany continues to radiate year after year. This is, incredibly, the 52nd running of the famous festival which now commands iconic status on the summer circuit.
The festival gets underway on Sunday 4 August, when Cliona Hagan and band are on stage from 4-6pm. John Glenn and The Mainliners are assured of a great reception when they perform on Sunday night at 9.30pm.
The two-band session on Monday 5 August features Ciarán Rosney at 8pm and Jimmy Buckley at 9.30pm. David James and band are the opening act on Tuesday 6 August followed by Mike Denver and band.
The Wednesday night sessions feature Jim Devine followed by Derek Ryan, while Thursday night features Lee Matthews with Nathan Carter as bill topper on the night.
The opening act on Friday 9 August is Shane Owens with Robert Mizzell and the Country Kings headlining the night. The Whistling Donkeys open the show on Saturday 10 August with Johnny Brady and the band taking it home that night.
The festival will draw to a close with a gala day and night of music on Sunday 11 August with Gerry Guthrie from Ballina and his band on stage from 4-6pm. Local Donegal singer Kealan Arbuckle and his band will perform at 8pm and Michael English and band will have the honour of closing the 52nd annual Clonmany Festival from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.
Accommodation outlets are booked out for miles around the region as so many people keep coming back year after year with several travelling from Scotland and England to share in the celebrations. It is a truly unique Irish experience where all generations come together and enjoy the special atmosphere of this amazing week up Inishowen way.
The street subscription for the open-air shows is just €5 and children under 12 go free. Further details are available on numbers 086 3427373 or 086 1552159 or from the Clonmany Festival Facebook page.
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