Irish community festivals launch Bank Holiday weekend across Donegal and Laois

The Rathmullan Community Festival opened on Friday, 31 July in the seaside village of Rathmullan, Donegal, offering a weekend of music, family activities and a traditional parade. Highlights include a beach biodiversity walk, a junior soccer tournament, a makers market, live performances by local bands and an evening regatta on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Meanwhile, Folly Fest in Cullohill, County Laois, entered its seventh edition with a volunteer‑run programme that combines live music, family entertainment and a commitment to reinvest all proceeds into local projects. Organiser Marian Mahony emphasised the festival’s focus on gender‑balanced line‑ups and support for local talent, with a full day of family activities on Saturday followed by evening concerts on both weekend days.