“Stories in Stones” Inishowen Heritage Festival, 2026
“Stories in Stones” Inishowen Heritage Festival, 2026
📅 15–23 August 2026
📍 Various locations across Inishowen
🎟️ Bookings open on 3 August 2026 at 9:00am via Eventbrite
Discover the stories hidden within the landscapes, monuments and communities of Ireland’s northernmost peninsula during Stories in Stones – Inishowen Heritage Festival 2026.
Taking place as part of National Heritage Week, the festival celebrates the rich natural, cultural and built heritage of Inishowen through a programme of guided walks, heritage talks and unique experiences led by local historians, archaeologists and expert guides.
Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, folklore, maritime history or simply love exploring beautiful places, the festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Inishowen from a new perspective.
This festival is kindly funded through Donegal County Council’s “Regional Festivals & Participation Events Funding 2026.
Festival Programme
Sunday 16 August | 6:00pm
Malin Head: A Place About Time
Guide: Dr Bren Whelan
Discover the remarkable history, wildlife, geology and maritime heritage of Ireland’s most northerly point. This guided walk also explores Malin Head’s connection to Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Monday 17 August | 3:00pm
Early Christian Inishowen – A Medieval Treasure
Guide: Neil McGrory
Journey through some of Inishowen’s most important early Christian sites, including Carndonagh, Cloncha Church, Bocan Stone Circle and the Temple of Deen, discovering the area’s remarkable medieval heritage.
Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Participants will travel between sites in their own vehicles.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Tuesday 18 August | 7:00pm
The Stone Built Heritage of Buncrana
Guide: John McCarron
A guided evening walk exploring Buncrana’s historic stone buildings, including O’Doherty’s Keep, Buncrana Castle, Castle Bridge and the remains of Richardson’s Mill.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Thursday 20 August | 7:30pm
The Ships of the Swilly
Speaker: John McCarron
An illustrated talk exploring some of the remarkable ships connected with Lough Swilly throughout history.
Venue: Saldanha Suite, Fort Dunree.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Friday 21 August | 3:00pm
Grianán of Aileach – The Stone Temple of the Sun
Guide: Dessie McCallion
Discover the fascinating history, mythology and significance of one of Ireland’s most iconic hillforts while enjoying spectacular views across the surrounding landscape.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Sunday 23 August | 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Urris and Desertegney: Stories from the Edge of Ireland
Guide: Jennifer McLaughlin-Doherty
Explore the history, folklore and traditions of Urris and Desertegney through a guided walk, talk and short heritage bus tour, discovering two neighbouring communities with extraordinary stories to tell.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Booking Information
🎟️ Bookings open on 3 August 2026 at 9:00am – Browse & Book Events
Places are limited and advance booking is essential.
Meeting points and any additional information for each event will be provided on the individual Eventbrite booking pages.
We look forward to welcoming you to the very first Stories in Stones – Inishowen Heritage Festival, where every landscape has a story waiting to be discovered.
This festival is kindly funded through Donegal County Council’s “Regional Festivals & Participation Events Funding 2026.
