serves as the epicentre of cultural events in Gweedore
Music Gweedore is famed for its
traditional Irish music scene, which is prevalent in local taverns, and has produced a number of well-known musicians.
Clannad formed from the local Brennan family in 1970, and have since gone on to sell over 15 million records; their lead singer
Moya Brennan has also enjoyed a successful solo career, providing musical scores for several Hollywood films. Gweedore's most successful musician is a member of the same family -
Enya, born as Eithne Ní Bhraonáin; she first appeared on stage at
Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and was a member of Clannad for two years from 1980, before going on to become a world-renowned artist, and second-best-selling in Ireland, with her record sales exceeding 90 million.
Altan (initially
Ceoltóirí Altan), another highly successful local band, is led by Coshclady
fiddler
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. Other local singers include
Aoife Ní Fhearraigh,
Brídín Brennan,
Na Casaidigh,
Proinsias Ó Maonaigh,
Gearóidín Bhreathnach, Seamus McGee and
Maria McCool. The 1970s group
Skara Brae also had strong links with the district. There are two active choirs in the area. Cór Mhuire Doirí Beaga, previously led by
Baba Brennan and Eileen Nic Suibhne and Cór Thaobh 'a Leithid, led by Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde. Both have recorded successful albums. The tune 'Gweedore' by
Samuel Sebastian Wesley is set to the hymn 'Author of life divine' by
Charles Wesley in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard #258i. The song "
Gleanntáin Ghlas' Ghaoth Dobhair" was written by local musician
Francie Mooney, expressing an exile's final farewell to the green valleys of Gweedore. It has become a modern Irish classic and it has been covered by the likes of Clannad,
Paul Brady,
Dáithí Sproule,
The Johnstons and most notably by Altan. Other well-known songs to have come from the area are "
Trasna na dTonnta" and "
Báidín Fheilimí".
Festivals The popular
Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy ("
Frankie Kennedy Winter School"), in memory of the eponymous Belfast musician that died of cancer in 1994 who was married to its founder
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, took place in Gweedore every New Year until January 2014. It has been replaced by the
Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair ("Gweedore Winter School"). Several attempts have been made recently to revive festivals in the summer months, including
Féile Earthcore,
Loinneog Lúnasa,
Féile Ceoil Ghaoth Dobhair and the
Sult music festival. The annual
Saint Patrick's Day Parade which goes from Bunbeg crossroads to Derrybeg attracts a large number of participants and spectators each year.
Theatre Gweedore has a rich history of theatre and drama productions. The local theatre
Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair was constructed in 1961. In decades prior to this, a local theatre group known as
Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair ('actors of Gweedore') was established in 1932. Their first production was called
In Aimsir an Mháirtínigh, an original play by Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde which was staged in the parish hall in Derrybeg. Their plays and pantomimes, which were all staged in Irish, became a staple of Gaeltacht social life, drawing audiences from as far as
Belfast and they performed throughout Ireland and
Scotland. Members of the theatre group have gone on to create TV shows including
CU Burn (
Seán Mac Fhionnghaile), and have appeared on
Ros na Rún (
Gavin Ó Fearraigh). Many of Gweedore's musicians were associated with the group.
Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair are still active and performed shows at
An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny as part of the
Earagail Arts Festival in 2010 and 2011.
Art Gaoth Dobhair is home to two art galleries which house work by some of the area's best-known painters.
An Clachán claims to be the largest art gallery in Donegal, whilst
An Gailearaí at Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair has staged exhibitions based on the work of the world-renowned
Derek Hill. ==Religion==