Summer Lights
June Bank Holiday Weekend
A Weekend of Food, Cookery and Music
Programme of Events 2019
Friday 31st May 2019
Summer Lights Food Extravaganza: POSTPONED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Summer Lights Celebrity Cookery Demonstration has been POSTPONED until further notice. The Nesbitt Arms apologises for any inconvenience this has caused.
Please contact the hotel for refunds of tickets purchased.
Nesbitt Arms Hotel 074-9541103.
Great Music in Town
Beehive Bar: Big session in the Beehive with Jim, Fi and Peter Campbell fresh back from their tour of Portugal! All musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers welcome as ever.
Nancy’s Bar: Music in the bar with the popular Cat Dowling from 10pm
Corner House Bar: The best of Irish & popular music
Mickalene’s Bar: Live Music
Saturday 1st June 2019
Lovin’ the Hills: Guided Hillwalk
Departing Heritage Centre at 9.00am
Kevin will lead a team of walkers on the stunning Port to Maghera Walk – not for the faint hearted. This is one of the truly great walks!

Rockwell Kent’s ‘Annie’ depicts a Donegal girl lying on the cliffs
Join Kevin at 9.00am at the Heritage Centre (bus collection). This is a fantastic walk and takes up to 7 hours.
Good hiking gear, boots, jackets etc. and good level of fitness essential.
€25 per person.
Contact Kevin in advance: 087-6734875
Summer Lights Baking Competition
The Heritage Centre – from 10.00am
Sheila encourages everyone who loves baking to get involved in this fun competition! The 3 Categories are:
- Scones
- Cakes
- Homemade Bread
Please submit all entries on Saturday the 1st of June between 10-11 am. Judging will take place at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to come and taste the treats after judging along with a complimentary tea or coffee.
May the odds be ever in your flavour!
For details contact Sheila at the Heritage Centre or visit the Facebook Event Page.
Kilclooney Country Market
Mickalene’s Bar – 11am to 3pm
The Kilclooney Country Market, based in Iniskeel Hall Portnoo, is now entering its tenth anniversary and is delighted to be invited to be part of the Summer Lights Festival. All the marketeers live locally and revel in being able to bring the best of local produce, whether it be baking or crafts, to its customers.
So, whether you want the best bread and a dollop of jam or chutney, a fabulous scenic print, a hand knitted garment, scented soaps, crafty driftwood, slate & paper craft, a greeting card or a new pair of earrings, this market has it covered.
Come and check them out in Mickalene’s Bar, say hello and browse a while from 11am on Saturday June 1st.
Visit the Kilclooney Country Market Facebook page for all the latest news.
Open Air Session at Woodhill
Woodhill House – 2.00pm.
Join John and James as they welcome you to Woodhill Lawns for the best in music by Gabor & Erno. Also enjoy a sample of Donegal’s best brewed beer with a complimentary slice of bread.
This was a huge event last year. Complimentary transport from the Diamond from 1.45pm.
Glenties Brass Band on the Diamond
The Diamond – 2.00pm
Come along and enjoy the wonderfully talented Glenties Brass Band for an open air performance.
Baking with Breezy
Enjoy the delights of baking with Breezy Kelly!
Live music will be provided by the great Gypsy Rovers band, and a fine selection of locally brewed craft beers will be available.
Barbecue & Music
Nancy’s Yard – 5.00pm
Come along and enjoy the best of music in Nancy’s Yard with ‘Flair’ and join the greatest open air BBQ of the season!
Seafood menu in Nancy’s Bar all weekend.
Cocktail Bonanza!
Mickalene’s Bar – 6.00pm
Join Michael and Charlene as they serve the best cocktails in town during the Cocktail Bonanza.
Great Music in Town
Beehive Bar: Irish Session with the best of Irish music.
Nancy’s Bar: Midnight Preachers from 10pm
Corner House Bar: Lost River Band
Mickalene’s Bar: Live Music from 10pm with Brian & David
Doherty’s: Top Bands
Sunday 2nd June 2019
Afternoon Tea on The Diamond
The Diamond – 1.00pm
Sheila invites everyone to afternoon tea at Ardhill Guesthouse Yard in the company of hosts Joe and Celine.
There will be an honesty box and all donations will go to raising funds for a new tennis court for Ardara Town. Come along, support the community, enjoy the Bank Holiday and sample our delicious homemade fayre!
Open Air Music Special
The Diamond – 2.00pm
Top local bands with great live music. A fun afternoon for everyone.
Seafood Special
The King of the Oyster Charlie McHugh will give a demonstration and presentation on Oysters and Seafood in the Beehive Bar.
Join Charlie for some great seafood and beer from one of Donegal’s great pubs.
Baking with Breezy
The Corner House Bar – 4.00pm
Enjoy the delights of baking with Breezy, with local Donegal brewers and the music of the Lost River Band.
Tapas & Music in the Yard
Nancy’s Yard – 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Nancy’s hosts a great afternoon of Tapas and Music.
Chef Daniel McHugh will present his unique tapas, with plenty of seafood, meat & vegan options.
There will also be a food truck and outdoor music in the yard with Seeds of the Oaktree.
Cocktail Bonanza
Mickalene’s Bar – 6.00pm
Join Michael and Charlene as they present the best cocktails in town at the ‘Cocktail Bonanza’.
Great Music in Town
Various venues – from 10.00pm
Beehive Bar: Irish Session with the best of Irish music
Nancy’s Bar: Declan McClafferty & Friends
Corner House: Gypsy Rovers
Mickalene’s: Live Music from 10pm with Danny Coleman
Doherty’s: Top Sounds
Monday 3rd June 2019
Relax with an Afternoon of Meditation & Pampering
To book contact Celine 087-6330800 or Carmel 087-9335856
Live Music in Nancy’s
Nancy’s Bar – 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Music in the bar with Nicky Millar