Féile na hInse 2026, hosted by the Inishowen Traditional Music Project, presents a weekend of events celebrating the life and legacy of Dinny McLaughlin (1935–2024).

Dinny devoted his life to the cultural heritage of Inishowen. He performed internationally with his lifelong friends in Aileach, taught music and dance across Inishowen and Derry, and took immense pride in his local area, its people, traditions, and landscapes. Join us as we pay tribute to a man who left an incredible cultural legacy 🌿.

Friday 24th April

An Audience with Aileach & Friends

📍 Inishowen Gateway Hotel | 8:00pm | Admission €15
Martin McGinley presents Aileach band members Bernard Heaney, Brian McRory, and Pat McCabe as they recount stories and memories of their time with Dinny. Enjoy music performances from Aileach, Ciaran Tourish, Dermot Byrne, Michael Carey, Michael Gallanagh, Tom Byrne, The Henry Girls, and many more.
Opening performance by the Inishowen Youth Trad Ensemble, directed by Sean Doherty.

Festival Folk Club

📍 The Plaza, Main Street Buncrana | 10:00pm | Admission €10
The Bath Street Boys, a young traditional Irish group from across the country, bring lively, energetic music blending regional styles and fresh energy.

Saturday 25th April

Instrumental Workshops

📍 Crana College, Buncrana | 10:00am–12:00pm | Fee €15

• Fiddle – Ciaran Tourish
• Whistle – Michael Carey
• Mixed instruments – Edel McLaughlin
  (Intermediate–Advanced classes)

Poetry and Recitations

📍 Buncrana Library | 12:30pm | Free Event
Join James McEldowney and Martin McGinley for recitations and poetry composed by Dinny McLaughlin.

Ark of Tides – Dinny’s Life and Music

📍 Buncrana Cinema | 4:00pm | Admission €5
Film directed by Mark McCauley tells Dinny’s story through music, poetry, and personal recollections, now in high-definition.

Inishowen Trad Orchestra & Choir Concert

📍 Inishowen Gateway Hotel | 8:00pm | Admission €25
Debut performance of ‘The Moving Spirit’, a new suite of Dinny’s compositions arranged by Martin Tourish. Featuring 120 musicians, following a sold-out performance at Dublin’s National Concert Hall attended by Dinny and President Michael D. Higgins.

Festival Folk Club – Tulua

📍 The Plaza, Main Street Buncrana | 10:00pm | Admission €10
Performances from Tulua, a young band from Wexford and Inishowen blending tunes and songs from Ireland and abroad.

Sunday 26th April

Singing Session

📍 The Plaza, Main Street Buncrana | 12:00pm | Free Event
Jim McFarland and Michael Gallanagh lead a singing session sharing songs Dinny taught, sang, and composed.

Inishowen Trad Orchestra & Choir Concert

📍 Inishowen Gateway Hotel | 2:00pm | Admission €25 or Special Family Ticket €75

Due to exceptional demand for tickets, Inishowen Traditional Music Project is delighted to announce an additional matinee performance of the Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir. This special afternoon show has been added to give more families the opportunity to experience this unforgettable performance featuring the Inishowen Trad Orchestra & Choir.

‘On Your Toes’ – Dance Workshop

📍 The Plaza, Main Street Buncrana | 4:00pm | Admission €5
Mary and Joe McGuiggan, joined by Helen and Mary Doherty, teach traditional dances and Dinny’s solo steps in a social, fun environment.

The Big Gathering Session

📍 The Plaza, Main Street Buncrana | 6:00pm | Free Event
A finale celebration of Dinny’s legacy with music, song, poetry, and dance. House band and dancers lead everyone in a communal, joyous gathering.

Tickets & Info

For tickets and further information, visit: www.inishowenmusic.ie