"Ard An Rátha"

Ardara

The heritage town of Ardara is one of the most charming villages in Donegal. It is located in a deep valley at the mouth of the Owentocker river approx. 32km northwest of Donegal Town away in the bay of Loughros. The landscape here has its own magic: marvellous, inviting beaches and protected bays. The hinterland can offer mountains, bogs, valleys and seas. The area offers the botanist, ornithologists or archaeologists much of interest.
There is a good example of an Evie Hone stained glass window in the Catholic Church in Ardara.
One can walk everywhere here: along the lovely sandy beaches or by the marshland. The angler can also fish in the many little lakes either on the Ardara - Narin peninsula or along the coast. Boats have to be rented for most small ports.
Ardara is an important centre for the production of hand-woven Donegal tweeds. It is a place full of life in which songs and folk music evenings take place in many pubs in summer.

Ardara Heritage Centre

As a heritage town it is only fitting that Ardara has a heritage centre at it’s heart. The Ardara Heritage Centre opened its doors in 1995 and is a centre in which locals and tourists can take a trip back through time and in particular to the rich weaving history of the area.
It tells the story of Donegal tweed from the shearing of sheep to the manufacture of the woven cloth. Old photographs, displays and models recall the history of tweed production in the Ardara area.
A café is also opened in the Centre.

There are a number of tweed and knitwear shops in Ardara Town
as well as some factory shops locally:

• John Molloy of Ardara
• Kennedy of Ardara
• C.Bonner&Sons Ltd.
• Triona Design, (also do hand weaving demonstrations)
• Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweeds (also do hand weaving demonstrations)

Entertainment

The pubs of Ardara are friendly places where the visitor can enjoy the local craic and listen to traditional Irish music and join in the fun.

   

Places to Eat

• Nesbitt Arms Hotel

• Heritage Centre

• Woodhill House Bar and Restaurant

• Nancy`s Pub

• Charley’s West End Café

• Triona Design- Restaurant

• Ardara Chinese & Take –away

  Aroma Pizza

Festivals 2012

Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January, 2010

Country & Western Week-end
A week-end of fun and dance with Ireland’s top Bands
Classes in Jiving and Foxtrot on Saturday afternoon.
Contact: Thomas (087) 2463503

Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March, 2012

Ardara Inernational Walking Festival
Ardara’s renowed Walking Festival
Contact: Donal (086)2341061

Sunday, 18th March, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The best Parade in Ireland compiling fun and creativity
Contact: Gerard (087) 6488628

Friday 4th – Monday 7th May, 2012

“Cup of Tae” Festival
Honours - Martin Tourish

Sat 26th May, 2012.

The Rectors Charity Cycle

Fri 1st to Mon 3rd June, 2012.

Rás Dun na nGall (June Bank Holiday)

Fri 1st to Mon 3rd June, 2012.

The Melting Pot (June Bank Holiday)

Sat 7th July, 2012.

 Midwest Vintage Club Road Tour
See our Vintage Tractors on Tour
Contact Daniel 087 6315695

Fri 20th to Sun 22nd July, 2012.

Jazz & Bluegrass Festival

Sunday 5th August,

Ardara GAA Minor Board Family Day

Sat 11th August, 2012.

The Ardara Agricultural Show

 Fri 21st to Sun 23rd Sept, 2012.

The Johnny Doherty Irish Dancing Week-End

 Fri 2nd to 4th Nov, 2012.

The Matchmaking Week-End

Sat 24th Nov, 2012.

Ardara GAA presents Strictly Come Dancing
Contact Mary 087 6878614

Sat 29th Dec, 2012.

Poor Farmers Association Auction

 

All details of above events are available on www.ardara.ie