Thursday 12th Sept.
FESTIVAL LAUNCH
“Polkas, Pipes and Passion”
The Festival Launch is back on Thursday 12th. Sept in The Brook, Portrane @9.00pm
Eamonn Galldubh and friends are back providing the music and you provide the Craic!
Tai Chi On The Green
Mario McCormack
Time. 11.30
Location. The Green, Portrane.
Looking to relax and find some balance? Come practice Tai Chi on the green in Portrane with Mario. All are welcome, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. Let’s enjoy some peaceful movement together!
Engaging with Nature for
Positive Health
Mary Attridge-Jones
Time. 14.00 – 15.00
Location. The Green, Portrane.
- Outdoor workshop exploring what we do and can do for whole person health
- Some circle breathing, stretching, reframing, using all the senses
- Considering the Science behind our habits and choices for Positive Health
- All ages, family event, dogs on leads please
Coaching for Resilience
“Hacks for Better Sleep”
Mary Attridge-Jones
Time. 17.00 – 18.00
Location. Unit B, Lambay House, Main St, Donabate, Co. Dublin, K36 Y198.
- Indoor engaging workshop
- Considering our sleep challenges
- Exploring the Science behind our sleep needs
- Interactive stretching, closing eyes, option to lie on mats.
- Sharing tips on effective sleep hygiene
- Suited to young and older adults, children welcome to participate
Friday 13th Sept.
” From Mud to Art”
Time. 10.30-1.30
Location. Studio 2, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598
” From Mud to Art” is a ceramic workshop by local ceramicist, Cathy O’Connor. Cathy will demonstrate and guide participants through transforming a piece of clay into a cheese platter and a piece of wall art. Each participant will be provided with a piece of prepared clay and the necessary tools. This workshop is suitable for visually impaired people. No previous experience is necessary.
Each piece will be unique representing the creator’s own theme.
Each participant should bring an apron or an old shirt to protect clothing and bring a small hand towel.
All the prepared pieces will be taken to Cathy’s studio where they will be air dried (1 week), kiln fired, stained/glazed and refired.
They will be returned within 3 weeks of the workshop.
OTHER VOICES
Time. 7.30 pm
Location. St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland, The Square, Donabate. K36 Y521
Get ready for a night of pure musical magic with “Other Voices”—a concert that celebrates the rising stars on their musical journey!
This incredible line-up features emerging artists across all genres, from the soulful sounds of trad. and folk to the elegance of classical music, and the raw energy of grunge. It’s a unique mix of talent that promises to captivate and inspire!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music. Come support these amazing artists and witness the future of music in the making!
Saturday 14th Sept.
Face Painting with Yulia
🎨 Join Us for Face Painting Fun with Yulia! 🎨
🗓 When: Saturday, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Where: Donabate Community Centre
Bring your little ones for a magical afternoon of face painting with the talented Yulia! From butterflies 🦋 to superheroes 🦸♂️, there’s something for everyone. Perfect for all ages!
No booking required – just drop in!
Don’t miss out on the fun – see you there! 😃
#FacePainting
Mol an Óige
.
Time. 11.00-1.30
Location. Studio’s 1 and 2, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598
A regular feature of the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival, this much-loved event showcases some of the fun-sized talent on the peninsula! A real festival favourite sees children from as young as 4 years of age up to the age of about 16 showing off their prowess in the fields of music, poetry, dance and prose.
This year will feature members of the Tom Boland School of Guitar, Aine Dilleen’s Stage School, members of Ceomhaltas Leithinis Óg, music students of Erin McGahan, Louise Flood Irish Dancers, and much more.
As an added attraction to the main event this year, there will be complimentary Face-Painting for participants and audience members in the lobby of the Community Centre.
It is a free event, and all are welcome. Come along and enjoy some pint-sized entertainment. We are sure you will agree that the future of cultural activity on the peninsula is in safe hands!
PIZZA’ TRAD
Tara Céilí Band
Sponsored by Dough Box, Portrane and ‘The Brook’
Time: 4.00-6.00 pm
Location: The Brook, Portrane
Calling all dance enthusiasts and pizza lovers! Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience right outside the Brook pub! Join us for A Pizza’ Trad. Ceilidh Dancing on the road, where we’ll be combining the joy of traditional Irish ceilidh with the mouthwatering delight of pizza.
Picture this: a lively street filled with laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pizza. As the evening comes alive, we’ll be kicking up our heels to the infectious rhythms of lively jigs, reels, and waltzes.
Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or a curious beginner, this event is open to everyone. The spirit of the ceilidh is all about inclusivity, community, and most importantly, having a great time. So, grab your dancing shoes and gather your friends and family for an evening of pure enjoyment.
Pop Up Gaeltacht
Time. 6.00-8.00
Location. The Brook, Portrane.
Bígí linn sa Brook don chraic agus caint, chun bualadh le daoine eile agus do chuid Gaeilge a cheachtadh i suíomh neamhfhoirmeálta agus taitneamhacht. Céad mile fáilte roimh cainteoirí de gach leibhéal.
We are delighted to have our “Pop-Up Gaeltacht” in The Brook Pub, Portrane, on Saturday14th. September from 6.00pm onwards. Come along and practise your cúpla focal in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Beatha teanga í a labhairt!
Yin Yoga & Sound Bath Workshop with Sharon
Time. 6.00-8.00 pm
Location. Lambay House, Ballisk Court,, Donabate. K36 Y198
Yin Yoga is a slower paced, gentler style of yoga using as many props as your body needs. We hold poses for longer periods of time, encouraging stillness and inviting ourselves to turn inwards and reconnect with the sensations of the body.
The slowing down and mindfulness of yin yoga, calms the nervous system, alleviating stress and tension while improving energy flow and restoring equilibrium and balance.
Rest, relax and restore in the sound vibrations from the Himalayan singing bowls, gong, tongue drum and other instruments. This soothing sound bath will further engage your nervous system promoting a deep sense of relaxation and peace.
Yin Yoga is suitable for everyone but the sound bath would not suit the following:
– anyone with a pacemaker
– anyone who has had major surgery or a metal implant inserted in the last 3 months
– anyone in their first trimester of pregnancy
Please wear comfy clothes and bring water
Sunday 15th Sept.
Tours
Martello Tour 1
Location: Tower Bay Beach, Portrane.
Date and time: Sun, 15th. September. 11.00 – 12.00
Hidden away in North Dublin, is Portrane’s lovingly restored Martello Tower & Gardens. Explore two centuries of history encased in 8ft thick stone walls built to withstand maritime attack by Napoleon. Experienced guide Bryan Greene gives tour. Tour starts at 11.00 am sharp.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
AGE 16
Location Tour 1. Please assemble in Tower Bay Car Park, Portrane, Co. Dublin. at 10.45am.
Martello Tour 2
Location: Tower Bay Beach, Portrane.
Date and time: Sun, 15th. September. 12.00 – 1.00.
Hidden away in North Dublin, is Portrane’s lovingly restored Martello Tower & Gardens. Explore two centuries of history encased in 8ft thick stone walls built to withstand maritime attack by Napoleon. Experienced guide Bryan Greene gives tour. Tour starts at 11.00 am sharp.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
AGE 16
Location Tour 1. Please assemble in Tower Bay Car Park, Portrane, Co. Dublin. at 11.45
Church of Ireland tours.
Venue: Church of Ireland, The Square, Donabate.
Date and time: Sun, 15th. September. 2.30
The only remnant of that first stone church, and the monastic community buildings that once existed around it, is the square tower, which served as its watch tower and belfry.
Today a church that was built in the late 17th century and extended in the 18th century stands on the site. As you can see, one unusual feature of the present church is the sundial above the church door.
Peader’s historical walk and talk.
Time. 12.30
Location. St. Patricks RC Church. Main St., Donabate. K36 XE35
Local historian, Peadar Bates, will lead the Walk and Talk around Donabate at this year’s Festival. Peadar is the author of !A History of Donabate and Portrane”, “St. Patrick’s Church, Donabate”, “1798 Rebellion in Fingal” and “The Life of Charles Cobbe !781 – 1857”.
The walk will start at St. Patrick’s RC Church in Donabate, progress past the Parish Hall, the old graveyard, Smyths pub, the railway station and on to St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland. Hear all about these landmarks and the places in between. The walk will finish in Ballisk Common .
Exploration Dome
Time. 11.00 am
Location. Parish Hall, Main St., Donabate. K36 PC94
The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival is delighted to welcome The Exploration Dome for a return visit to the Parish Hall, Donabate on Sunday 15th September. The Exploration Dome brings you astronomy shows in the mobile Planetarium. The Planetarium is a blacked-out dome with 360° projection inside bringing the Universe to your doorstep!
The Astronomy shows and full Dome films are suitable for all ages and are projected throughout the inner surface of the Dome to fully envelop the audience.
Suitable for all the family.
Sing-a-Song or Singalong
Sponsored by The Shoreline Hotel
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Shoreline Hotel, Balcarrick, Donabate. K36 V064
Bean a’Tí Ali O’Leary
The Tower Singing Circle
All welcome – Singers and Listeners any genre of song, accompanied or unaccompanied
Complimentary refreshments courtesy of The Shoreline Hotel
Monday 16th September – Wednesday 18th September
The Bleeding Pig Film Festival.
Sponsored by Roughan & O’Donovan, a civil, environmental and structural engineering consultancy.
Tuesday 17th.
Invoke Celtic Goddesses:
A Sacred Meditation for Inner Healing
Time. 19.00
Location. Unit B, Lambay House, Main St, Donabate, Co. Dublin, K36 Y198.
What to Bring: Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, and water
- Guided Meditation: Journey into sacred realms to connect with the Celtic Goddesses. Feel their presence offering protection and profound healing.
- Inner Healing: Release deep-seated wounds as the Goddesses’ nurturing energy restores your spirit.
- Spiritual Connection: Tap into ancient wisdom, finding clarity, peace, and empowerment.
- Empowerment: Emerge renewed, with a deeper connection to your inner strength and purpose.
Reserve Your Spot: Email info@sandysholistichealing.com or message us on WhatsApp at 089 401 4186 to join this sacred circle. The Goddesses are calling—will you answer?
Wednesday 18th.
Thursday 19th September.
The Show Off Sessions.
Time: 7.00……
Location: The Brook, Portrane.
Calling all talent on the peninsula! The Show Off Sessions is a Music & Arts showcase for local artists to perform. Musicians, comedians, spoken work, and poets…. all are welcome. Hosted by Killer Ceol.
Free to attend. Artists wishing to perform must pre-book their slot by contacting Instagram: @killerceol or emailing killerceol@gmail.com
Friday 20th September.
GALA CONCERT
Friday 20th, St. Patricks R. C. Church, Donabate. K36 XE35. @8.00 pm
Sponsored by Progressive Credit Union.
Join us for a Spectacular Gala Concert!
The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival proudly presents an unforgettable evening of music featuring The Lambay Singers, Dennis Collins, Loinnir, Eamonn Galldubh, and Peninsula Voices. Don’t miss this incredible lineup showcasing the best of local talent!
Come and be part of this special night of culture and community. See you there!
Saturday 21st. Sept.
Workshops
The Big Dig
Time: 11.00 am
Location: Donabate Library, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
Éistigí! Éistigí!
Time: 12.00 – 1.00
Location: Donabate Library, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
Scéalaíocht agus Ceol as Gaeilge do pháistí óga !
Storytelling and music for children!
Fáilte roimh cách !
A chairde gaeil tagaigí chuig Leabharlann Dhomhnach Bat ar an 21ú Meán Fómhair chun cluas éisteachta a
thabhairt dúinn – Ciarán agus Maria, agus muid ag insint scéalta agus ag múineadh amhráin do pháistí óga.
Children, be with us on the 21st of September in Donabate library for some singing and storytelling.
Is amhránaí fíor-chumasach í Maria atá lán de cheol agus is fear é Ciarán atá lán de chaint agus táimid beirt ag tnúth go mór leis an ócáid seo. Tógaigí bhur bpáistí libh, suígí síos, agus glacaigí páirt linn.
We are really looking forward to this fun occasion and hope to see you all there.
(To book email Donabate.library@fingal.
Robert Shaw Art
“Breaking the Line”
Time: 1.30 – 3.00
Location: Portcabin, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
“Breaking the Line”
Still Life drawing session with renowned local artist, Robert Shaw
Join Robert for a fun filled and informative class on how to break out
with expressive drawing using pastels, charcoal and more.
All materials supplied.
Local Artist Robert Shaw will hold and adult art demonstration and talk in Community Centre.
Robert Shaw – Born in Dublin – 1964 robertshaw.ie
Shaw trained at the Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design in the late nineteen eighties. He is native of Malahide, a coastal village north of Dublin city. Shaw’s studio was for nine years situated high on the most easterly point of Howth head.
Drama
Time. 2.15 pm
Location. Parish Hall, Donabate.
Donabate Dramatic Society will perform two short plays
The Angel Whisperer by Michele Markarian. When broken hearted Delia contacts spiritualist, Rosa, aka the Angel Whisperer, to meet and seek guidance from her guardian angels, both women are in for an experience that neither of them could have expected.
Pottery Paint Painting
Time: 10.30 – 11.45
Location: Portacabin, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
“Who wouldn’t love their very own personalised plate?! Plate painting, one of a kind – no-one will have one exactly like yours! Learn pottery painting tips and techniques. All materials supplied.
Each designer pottery painted plate is then glazed and fired to dishwasher safe and returned to one address within 7-10 days. Plates are 20.3cm diameter.
Don’t worry about getting paint on their clothes or furniture, it dries instantly and brushes off.
Trinket Box Painting.
Time: 12.00 – 1.15
Location: Portacabin, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
“Trinket box painting is great for any child. Each child paints their very personalised trinket box to keep all their special possessions in. All paint and special tools are provided. Learn all the tips and techniques needed to create their designer boxes.
Each trinket box is then glazed and fired to dishwasher safe and returned to one address within 7-10 days.”
Don’t worry about getting paint on their clothes or furniture, it dries instantly and brushes off.
Fiesta Fantastica
Time: 8.00…..
Location: Balcarrick Golf Club, Corballis, Donabate, Co. Dublin, K36 YY64,
Get ready to party at our fabulous Fiesta Fantastica! This action packed evening starts with a free cocktail on arrival followed by a tango demonstration and workshop. Get ready to practice your own moves to the sounds of the live St Patricio Mariachi band, enjoy a tasty BBQ and then dance till late. It promises to be the party of the year – grab your friends and get your tickets now!
Strictly 18’s only.
SUNDAY 22nd Sept.
Scavenger Hunt
Time: 12.30 – 2.30
Location: Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
Think you’re good at solving puzzles and finding things? Make a team (min 4 people) and sign up to take part in a new event for this year’s festival – Scavenger Hunt around Donabate village.
Can you find & solve the clues and riddles scattered around the village? Prizes for the best and quickest teams. Great activity for families and groups of friends! Booking is at EventBrite
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Art, photography and quilting exhibition
Location: Parish Hall, Donabate, K36 PC94
Time: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival would like to welcome back our regular art exhibitors and any new artists who would like to display their work in the newly refurbished Parish Hall. This year we are again including an exhibition of quilts designed and made by Donabate Quilters.
This exhibition has been a regular feature of The Festival for many years and a great place for artists to display their work.
September Miscellany.
Time: 11.00 – 12.00
Location: Church of Ireland, The Square, Donabate. K36 Y521
Come join us for a miscellany of song, story and poems performed by local artists.
Biodiversity Walk & Talk with Hans Visser.
Time: 11.00 am
Location: Turvey Nature Reserve, Turvey Ave, Donabate, K36 N792
The Parting Glass
Time: 2.00 – 4.00
Location: The Brook, Burrow Rd., Portrane. K36 W584
The Parting Glass
As The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival draws to an end come and join members of The Tower Singing Circle with Bean a’Ti, Margaret Godwin, for “The Parting Glass” – an afternoon of songs.
“So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all”
Donabate Dramatic Society will perform two short plays
Peninsula People
Time. 7.30
Location. Beaverstown G.C., Beaverstown Road, Donabate, IE K36 W089
Donabate has a rich history, and who better to bring it to life than the people who have lived it? Local journalist Charlie Weston will be hosting a special event where he’ll talk with lifelong residents who were born and raised right here on the peninsula.
Come hear their stories, from childhood adventures on the beach to the village traditions that have made Donabate the close-knit community we all love.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, this is a unique opportunity to connect with your neighbours and learn more about the history that shapes our community.
Don’t miss out on this evening of nostalgia, laughter, and shared memories. We’d love to see you there!
Saturday 28th. Sept.
Mask Making Peter and the Wolf
Time: 11.00
Location: Donabate Library, Community Centre, Portrane Rd., Donabate. K36 F598.
Join artist and children’s art facilitator Kim Jenkinson for a fabulous mask making workshop inspired by the characters in Peter and the Wolf and using natural materials to create your mask. Recommended for 4-7 years.
(To book email Donabate.library@fingal.ie or phone (01) 8905609.)
Sunday 29th. Sept.
Peter and the Wolf
Time: 3.30
Location: The Shoreline Hotel, Balcarrick, Donabate. K36 V064
The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival is delighted to welcome the 60-strongDublin Orchestral Players with conductor Dara Pender
The Dublin Orchestral Players is a long-established amateur Orchestra
who gave their first public concert in Dublin on the 5th of June 1940 The
orchestra performs three main concert programmes each year, and also
provides a platform for talented emerging and established professional
soloists.
They have performed under the baton of the late Brian Boydell, and
A wonderful introduction to music through the popular tale of Peter and the Wolf. Performed by the Dublin Orchestral Players.
Spaces are limited – booking essential
Our Sponsors
The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable support in making this year’s festival a resounding success:
- Balcarrick Golf Club – For their invaluable assistance and participation.
- The Brook, Portrane. – For their dedication and support.
- Fingal County Council (Fingal Co Co) – For their continuous support and partnership.
- Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society – For their amazing performances and participation.
- Newbridge House – For their wonderful venue and support.
- Donabate Library – For their invaluable assistance and resources.
Thank you all for your continued support and for helping to make the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival a memorable and vibrant celebration of our community’s culture and heritage. We look forward to your continued partnership in the future!