If you are in Gweedore Thursday please join us
Thursday
July 2, 2026
3:00pm-6:00pm—booked out, text Nora about any possible spots
Surfing/Stand Up Paddle with Narosa (all ages and levels wetsuits provided)
Falcarragh Back Strand/Marble Hill Beach
Logistics: Location will depend on the surf report that day —please text Nora (917) 572-9361 by July 1 if you plan to join all levels and ages welcome. Wetsuits and surfboards provided by Narosa. This is a rain or shine event you just manage through the rain. we have done it in downpour you are going to be wet anyway :).
Food Situation: There is a coffee shop at Narosa but we wont really be eating so bring snacks if you need it .
Transportation: Self drive or taxi.
5:00pm-7:30pm
Whiskey Tasting and Distillery Tour (no Rsvp needed)
Croithlí Distillery, Crolly, Gweedore
Croithlí Quercus Alba Oak Cask Finish was voted best Irish Single Malt
at New York International Spirits Competition 2024
Logistics: This is the one thing that is strictly 18 and up. Also the distillery closes at 7:30pm its license does not extend into the evening.
Food Situation: There is some food there cheeseboards, cafe, snacks. Plan is then to head to Teac Mhichi for food and then to Sean Ogs for a pub night.
Transportation: Self drive or taxi. On the way back we can get taxis or designated drivers.
7:00pm-9:30pm
Coal Oven Pizza and Wine
Teac Mhichi, Gweedore
Dress: Its a casual sports bar/pub
Food situation: We will have pizza, salads and sides
9:30pm- until late
Pub Night, Sean Og’s, Gweedore
All roads will lead to Sean Ogs most nights which is owned by my cousin Cliona and her husband John. A night in Gweedore doesn’t get better than here.
The Official 25, 50, 250 Weekend Parties & Festivities
Friday
July 3, 2026
1:00-6:00pm*
Island Day
Gola Island, Gweedore, Donegal
Logistics: Take the Gola Island Ferry or referred to as “Sabba’s Ferry” it is CASH ONLY (you only pay one way the way back is included) from the pier at Magheragallon beach. You can’t take your car on the ferry. When you get off the pier take a left and type “Portacrin” into google maps that will take you to Eamon’s house. You walk left to the other side of the island.
We will spend the day enjoying island life and relaxing at my Uncle Eamon’s house which he built himself!
Optional Activities—all available to everyone—or you can curl up with a book ( we recommend Normal People )
- Nature Walk to the Sea Cliffs (2 miles no experience required, just a walk :-)
- Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle from Campa Gabhla
- Rock climbing at the Sea Cliffs with Unique Ascent (will have options for experts and non experts)
- Learn to cook seaweed
- Swimming, and pier jumping
-Chilling and relaxing at Uncle Eamon’s house
Dress/weather: Forecast right now is for scattered showers all day. I can change plan for changing weather , wear layers. It could rain and the sun could shine shortly afterwards. If swimming bring your suit! We will have towels.
Food situation: We will have gather for a meal at Uncle Eamon’s on the island at 3:30 pm—its a remote island there are no shops or cafes. There is a tiny candy shack that may or may not be open.
there is a ferry so you can come and go. Last ferry at 6
3:30 pm
Gola Island Dinner
6:00 pm
Last Ferry Home from Gola
6:00pm-9:00pm
Unscheduled time—if you want to do another meal please make reservations and plan ahead things book up.
9:00pm-11:00pm
Ceili Dance
Music by the Duntally Ceili Band
Teac Jack Glassagh, Gweedore
We are bringing the Duntallly Ceili Band for a ceilli. We will have a “caller” and dance instructions. We have also invited local experts to come and dance. Its a casual setup. We will also be at Teac Jack so you can go to the ceilli and also go into their lounge/bar. Hopefully if it isnt raining it has a nice outside porch to also relax and hang out. We wanted to do an activity that would be all age inclusive but also be something that is different and captures the spirit of the local culture.
Dress: Casual and wear your dancing shoes!
Food situation: Tea service midway through ceili with like sandwiches and finger foods. If you think you need more food after Gola dinner we advise you make reservations at restaurants in advance . Its high season. We recommend Sean Ogs call them and make a reservation walk-ins are hard to come by this time of year. Also if you want a fancy place a 20 min drive will get you Danny Minnies (delicious we had rehearsal dinner there) You can then join the Ceilli whenever works for you. it is more of an open house feel. Do what is best for you.
Saturday
July 4, 2026
Pony riding through Dunlewey Forest ( under 16 years old and less than 5 foot 4 inches for riders)
10:45 am-11:30am—(no more slots—booked out)
Pony riding at Errigal Equestrian Centre at Dunlewey forest (45 minutes ). Please RSVP by texting to Nora
Transport: self-drive or taxi
Golf at Cruit Island (4 of 8 slots available)
12:00pm-2:30pm
Golf at Cruit Island (9 holes)—GOLF magazine’s world ranking #10 for nine hole courses—please text Trey (646-413-1593) if you plan on going. We can arrange clubs.
Transport: No shuttle bus, meet at Aran Espresso Bar at 11:30 if you need a ride.
Hike/Climb Mount Errigal
11:45am-3:15pm (no RSVP needed )
Hike Errigal Mountain (3.5 hours) —this will depend on weather and visibility .
Transport: Bus will depart at Aran Espresso Bar Coffee at 11:00am and Ostan Loch Altan at 11:20am. If you are driving, meet at the hike parking lot at Errigal at 11:45am.
Dress: Climbing wear good sneakers, and check the weather report, it can get cold and windy.
Food situation: Bring water and pack snacks.
Visit Glenveagh Castle & Gardens
12:00pm-2:30pm (no RSVP needed )
Visit Glenveagh Castle and Gardens (2.5 hours).
Transport: Bus will depart at Aran Espresso Bar Coffee at 11:00am and Ostan Loch Altan at 11:20am. If you are driving you can just meet everyone inside the castle and gardens. Bus will depart the Vistor Center at 2:30pm
Dress: comfortable shoes, and check the weather report
Food situation: Glenveagh Castle has a tea/lunch room called the Synge & Byrne tea room
Horseback riding
3:15pm-4:45pm (booked out)
Horseback riding at Errigal Equestrian Centre at Dunlewey (2 hours). Please RSVP by texting to Nora .
Transport: self-drive or taxi . The riding centre is 5 minutes from the church.
5:00pm
25th Anniversary Mass/Church Service
Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunlewey
Join us back where we got married for a 25th Anniversary Mass.
For a view of the interior see Netflix’s “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,” Episode 2, minute 36
8:30pm until late
250th 4th of July Dinner and Party
Our House, Magheragallon, Gweedore
Join us to celebrate 250 years of beating the redcoats! What a better place to celebrate than Donegal!
Dress: 4th of July Fancy (Trey wearing a bow tie) & Festive (Nora wearing a sparkly dress)
Food situation: Come hungry we are having dinner made by Yes Chef catering from Raphoe, County Donegal.
Entertainment: Dinner and a carnival like atmosphere with games, live music and a DJ for late night
Sunday
July 5, 2026
1:00pm
Sunday FunDay
Golf Club, Magheragallon, Gweedore
We’ll have food and the golf club has a bar
1:00pm
Timothy’s Beer Mile, shotgun start
2:00pm
Genevieve’s Beach 5k Run
1:00pm-2:30pm
Pier jumping also available at Magheragallon Beach.
4:00pm
Brewery Tour (no rsvp needed)
Errigal Brewing Company, Caisleain Oir Hotel, Annagry
They started in 2021 and have made some great beers. The pub is on site.
If you are in Gweedore on Monday please join us
Monday
July 6, 2026
2:00pm
Tea and Scones and Coastline Walk
Our House, Magheragallon, Gweedore
We’ll have tea and scones at our house & can head for a walk on the coastline. If weather really good beach day.
8:00pm until late
Pub Night and Traditional Session
Teach Hiúdaí Beag, Gweedore
Join for world-renowned Monday night traditional Irish music sessions, widely considered one of the most authentic in Ireland.
8:00pm until you go home
Kids House Party & Derry Girls Marathon hosted by Daniel Fitzpatrick (14)
Magheragallon, Gweedore
For those not going to pub Daniel Fitzpatrick will host everyone for a kids house party Derry Girls Marathon, video games and late night food run
Some great lines from Derry Girls
“Of course God doesn’t hate you. You’re not interesting enough. I’d say he’d be ambivalent towards you at best. ” – Sister Michael
“Look, I wanted to be an individual but my ma wouldn’t let me”- Erin
“Well I am not being individual on me own.”- Claire
“ You can’t ring the Childline every time your mother threatens to kill you”-Michelle
