"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:
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
Festivals of Ardara 2010
29th – 31st January, 2010.
The Country & Western Week-End
Fri 29th - Patrick Feeney
Sat 30th – Stephen Symth
Sun 31st – Gary Gamble – Afternoon Dance
Country Music in all the Pubs
Also Jiving & Line Dancing Workshops on Saturday
12th - 14th March, 2010.
Ardara International Walking Festival & St Patricks day Parade www.ardara.ie
Ardara's renowned Walking Festival with Short, Medium & Strenuous Walks
See Website
30th April – 2nd May, 2010.
The "Cup of Tae" Festival"
Honouring the best musicians in Traditional Music with Workshops & Schools of Music 2010
We honour John "Simi" Doherty.
See Website www.cupoftaefestival.com
Sat 22nd May, 2010.
The Rectors Charity Cycle
A special event for charity when the Parish goes on fun cycle with Rev. John.
Fri 4th to Mon 7th June, 2010.
The Melting Pot
A multicultural event of Ethnic Music, Dance & Food.
Sat 12th June, 2010.
Night at the Oscars
Humorous night of fun with the Stars of Sport
TV mixed with local Stars. Not to be missed.
Fri 16th to Sun 18th July, 2010.
Jazz & Bluegrass Festival
Schools of Music, Lectures & Educational Workshops & the best of Music
Sat 14th August, 2010.
The Ardara Agricultural Show
One of the top Agricultural Shows in Ireland
Sept 24-26th
Johnny Doherty Traditional Music & Dancing Weekend
05 – 07 November 2010:
Matchmaking Weekend
27 November 2010
Strictly Come Dancing