The village of Dunmore marks a significant milestone this week with the start of its 50th Annual Festival – and there’s a packed programme of events to ensure it’s one to remember as well.

The official programme was launched in Byrnes Bar, Dunmore, Co. Galway ahead of the start of festivities, with over 100 events catering for people of all ages and abilities – and the festival marquee – until the conclusion of affairs on Sunday, August 11.

Launching the programme, Dunmore Annual Festival Committee Chairperson Roslyn Martyn praised the ‘fantastic community in Dunmore, who come out every year to support the festival’.

“There are not many communities that can boast that they are about to celebrate their 50th Festival. It is something that we here in Dunmore and of course the diaspora that come home for the ten days every year should be very proud of,” she said.

“We must thank the very first committee for having the vision to start a festival here in Dunmore and congratulate the many committees who have kept it going down through the years, not an easy task at times.”

This year, the Festival Marquee will hosting a wide range of evening events from the annual Dinner Dance with Declan Nerney and his band, Rave Bingo to the Dirty Circus;  Smash Hits blasting out the 80s and 90’s classics; Country Night with Stuart Moyles and the Community Feud Live Quiz Show.

Bank Holiday Monday sees the annual Garrafrauns Tt Dunmore 6K Road Race for the James Murphy Cups and the Family Sports Day, with Medieval Knights from the 1316 Fight Club restaging the Battle of Dunmore in a defined medieval combat display.

Next Thursday is the Traditional Market Day Thursday, with Sheepdog and Vintage Trashing demonstrations and an Indoor Market in the marquee.

“We are delighted to include in our programme again this year the Sensory Bus for neurodivergent children and adults as it is important to us to ensure everyone has a fun space to enjoy the fiftieth festival festivities,” added Roslyn.

She thanked festival partners, St Jarlath’s Credit Union as well as the many sponsors who made the Festival Programme a reality.

“Their sponsorship not only goes towards the running of events but also contributes to the overall running costs of the festival itself; it allows the committee to host low cost and free events throughout the course of the week,” she said.

The Festival Programme is now online at https://dunmorefestival.ie/festival-programme/ and booklets are available in local shops.

Pictured: Some of the 50th Dunmore Annual Festival Committee launching this year’s programme (from left) Matthew Walsh, Robert Byrne , Mary Mullin, Lisa Mullarkey, chairperson Roslyn Martyn, Tracey Ronayne,  Jonathan Comer and Michael Burke.