Ardara Festivals gain national funding

Ardara has succeeded in gaining funding under the Department of Tourism’s 2016 Festivals and Events Programme. There were 15 Donegal Festivals ranging from the ‘Mary from Dungloe’ to the ‘Extreme North Sports Event’, which received funding totalling €43,500. Of this amount, Ardara secured €7,000 which is 16% of the total. The ‘Taste of Donegal’ festival garnered the largest amount of funding to the tune of €8,000 and with some local hostelries involved in this promotion, the area is set to benefit further from this grant. The breakdown is comprised as follow;Johnny Doherty Music and Dancing Festival €3,000 Cup of Tae Festival €2,000 Ardara Festivals €2,000Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring welcomed the announcement. “The funding announced today will allow Donegal to broaden its appeal to overseas visitors and attract visitors who are actively seeking to fully experience Ireland in all its aspects – from culture and sport, to festivals and fun,” he said. Glenties too, has also gained from this round of funding for Donegal festivals and is set to receive €2,500 for the ‘McGill Summer School’.When all is said, it is a massive boost to the area and to the promoters of ‘Our Festivals’ for all their hard work each year in bringing these projects to fruition. It certainly does give credence to the tag ‘The Home of the Festivals’. Maith libh!