Daingean's Sundew Festival to celebrate place, people and creativity

The event formerly known as the Daingean Festival has been reintroduced this year under a new name, the Sundew Festival, which will run from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14.

The rebrand draws inspiration from the native sundew plant found in local boglands, with organisers saying the new identity reflects a stronger connection to landscape, biodiversity and community, while continuing the festival’s long-standing tradition as a volunteer-led celebration.

Taking place in Daingean, the programme will feature a wide mix of nature-based activities, family events, live music, and community staples. Among the new additions is an inaugural Festival Dog Show, alongside other inclusive attractions aimed at all ages.

A major feature of this year’s festival is the launch of “Sundew Sessions on the Barge”, a series of intimate performances staged along the Grand Canal. These floating cultural events are designed to bring audiences closer to music and spoken word in a unique waterside setting.

One of the highlighted events, “Voices Along the Canal”, will take place on Saturday, June 13, at 3pm.

It will bring together writers and poets from towns along the Grand Canal for an afternoon of storytelling, poetry and spoken word aboard a barge.

“Voices Along the Canal” is expected to be one of the standout cultural events of the weekend, with organisers highlighting its intimate format and focus on regional literary talent.

Further details on the full programme, including ticketed events and timings, go to: https://www.facebook.com/DaingeanFestival/