DETAILS OF an event promoting Donegal as a home-holiday destination were announced by Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin yesterday.
The “Donegal Live” event will be held in Temple Bar, Dublin, on Sunday, May 16th, to showcase some of the county’s attractions, activities and accommodation. The organisers said they aimed to make Donegal the “top staycation county in Ireland” as more people considered holidaying at home because of the uncertainty surrounding airline travel.
Entertainment will include a céilí in Meeting House Square with music from performers such as Altan, Máire Brennan, The Plea and The Henry Girls. Actors will perform extracts from Brian Friel’s works such as Philadelphia Here I Come! and The Faith Healer. Family entertainment, including fire juggling, face painting and balloon modelling will also be provided. Prizes on offer will include 1,000 free nights’ accommodation in Donegal hotels and self-catering units.
The idea is the brainchild of retired INTO general secretary John Carr, a former Donegal Person of the Year. Ms Hanafin praised the event, saying it was good to see more and more tourism providers getting together to market their area.
Paul McLoone of Fáilte Ireland North West said Donegal Live was a unique approach to bringing the county to the attention of residents of Dublin and surrounding counties.
“We hope to, once and for all, dispel the myth that Donegal is too far away for a holiday and showcase the very best of Donegal, from internationally renowned artists to a memorable holiday experience,” he said.
The event coincides with a new Discover Ireland television advertisement, which specifically promotes Donegal. The Fáilte Ireland advertisement, supported by Donegal County Council and the Donegal Hotel Federation, will be broadcast from next Monday. Donegal Live has received the support of some well-known people with Donegal connections such as Phil Coulter, Packie Bonner and singer Mickey Joe Harte.
www.donegallive.ie
