Donaghadee Summer Festival 2026 | August Events

Events happening throughout August

Saturday 1st August
Fit for Free in Donaghadee - Sarah Curry with Dance fitness class.
Organised by Sarah Cochrane
9.45am-10.45am
Shore Street War Memorial Green
A fun musical movement for all fitness levels.

Donaghadee Regatta
Organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club
Sailing Club From 10.30am
Dinghies and keelboats racing on courses set just off the harbour. Just turn up and sail. Prize giving in the clubhouse from 17:00.

The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee.
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Lego and Duplo Club
Organised by the Library
Saturdays from 11am – 12noon at the Library Be creative with Lego bricks

Children's Fun Day
Organised by Donaghadee Resource Centre
2pm – 4pm
Beechfield Estate Bouncy Castle and other entertainment for children

Sunday 2nd August
The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Sunday 2nd August
Comber Brass Band
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2.00pm-3.30pm Lemon’s Wharf
Comber Brass is a community brass band and competes regularly in the regional brass competitions organised annually by Brass Bands Northern Ireland and the North of Ireland Bands Association.

Sunday Sizzle
Organised by the Lighthouse Church
7pm
Dorman's Isle (the green at the Community Centre)
Note: Event will move indoors in the event of inclement weather
A mix of worship, personal stories and a free BBQ (first come, first served)
Monday 3rd August 2026 Rhythm & Rhyme Organised by the Library
Mondays from 10.30am to 11.00am at the Library Rhymes, songs and stories for children aged 0-4 years

Tuesday 4th August
The Library Science Lab
Organised by the Library
1pm to 2pm
Children aged 6-11 can come and be a library scientist and take part in a variety of experiments, Please book at the library beforehand.

Wednesday 5th August
The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden.

Knit and Natter
Organised by the Library
Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Library. If you like to knit or crochet and love to chat. Come and join the fun

Thursday 6th August
Festival of Golf: Junior and Seniors Open Golf Competitions
Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club
Donaghadee Golf club. For more information, please contact the office on 028 9188 3624 or office@donaghadeegolfclub.com

By The Seaside: A Family Sensory Adventure
Organised by Homestart North Down
10.30am -11.30am
Meet at the Slipway on the Shorefront
Dive into a morning of coastal wonder! Join us for By The Seaside, a multi-sensory experience designed to bring the magic of the shore to life for families. Whether you’re looking to get creative, find a moment of calm, or just get your hands in the sand, there’s something for every little explorer.

Rotary Walking Treasure Hunt and BBQ Organised by Rotary Club of Donaghadee 6.30pm
Donaghadee Sailing Club
A short walk around the town looking for clues. Return to Sailing Club for a burger or hot dog and announcement of the prizewinners. A fun evening for all the family.
Friday 7th August 2026
Festival of Golf: Team Scramble Open Golf Competition
Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club
Donaghadee Golf club
For more information, please contact the office on 028 9188 3624 or office@donaghadeegolfclub.com

Tea, Coffee and Newspapers
Organised by the Library
Fridays from 10.30am to 12noon at the Library
Talk about papers or just chat with a tea and biscuits

Sea Shanty Session with Calum Spence
Organised by Creative Donaghadee
2pm - 4pm
Grace Neils front bar
All welcome to this open Sea Shanty Singing Session led by Calum Spence! All welcome but this is an age 18+ event
Please register by emailing: creativedonaghadee@gmail.com

Saturday 8th August 2026
Fit for Free in Donaghadee – Yoga with Gayle.
Organised by Sarah Cochrane
9.45am-10.45am
Shore Street War Memorial Green
A breathwork & Yoga class. Bring a mat if you have one.
American/Ireland Flag Football
Organised by DCDA Stars, Stripes & Sausage is bringing the ultimate American game day atmosphere to Donaghadee Rugby Club this summer as the North Down Dragons host a full American Football Ireland Flag Football League Day for the very first time. With up to 12 teams competing, an all-American BBQ, music, and great vibes all day long, it promises to be a fun-filled event for sports fans and families
11.00am – 4.00pm
Donaghadee Rugby Club
Festival of Golf: Open Stableford Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club Donaghadee Golf club
For more information, please contact the office on 028 9188 3624 or office@donaghadeegolfclub.com
The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee.
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Lego and Duplo Club
Organised by the Library
Saturdays from 11am – 12noon at the Library Be creative with Lego bricks

Try Line Dancing Organised by Alice Hegan 2pm-3pm
Lemon’s Wharf. Come along and join in the craic!! Also an opportunity to give it a try as a couple of dances will be taught.
Sunday 9th August 2026 The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee. Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.
Motorcycle Ride Out in aid of the Sir Samuel Kelly Project
Organised by David Cochrane
Registration from 11am for 11.30am start Marina Car Park
A display of motorcycles old and new will gather at the Marina Car Park beside the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat at 11am. Motorcycles will leave at 11.30am for a run around the Ards Peninsula, returning to the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and Heritage Centre for hot dogs, and tea/coffee.
Entry £5 per person with entry forms being available at Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat, or contact David Cochrane (davidcochrane153@gmail.com) for more details. Proceeds in aid of the Sir Samuel Kelly Project
Wellington Memorial Silver Band
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2.30pm-4.00pm Lemon’s Wharf
The band is currently joint third section band of the year having been successful at various competitions during the past year. The band hope you enjoy the programme that they have prepared for your enjoyment.
Festival of Golf: Clokey Cup Ladies and Men's Open Competition
Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club
Donaghadee Golf Club Visitors Welcome
For more information, please contact the office on 028 9188 3624 or office@donaghadeegolfclub.com
Monday 10th August 2026 Rhythm & Rhyme Organised by the Library
Mondays from 10.30am to 11.00am at the Library Rhymes, songs and stories for children aged 0-4 years
Donaghadee Youth Football Tournament – First Semi-Final
Organised by Donaghadee Youth Football Club
7pm
Crommelin Park
The first match in Donaghadee Youth Football Club’s exciting Under 18 knockout tournament gets underway at Crommelin Park. The tournament features Donaghadee alongside three invited teams.
Supporters are welcome to come along and enjoy an exciting week of youth football.

Tuesday 11th August 2026
Donaghadee Youth Football Tournament – Second Semi final
Organised by Donaghadee Youth Football Club
7pm
Crommelin Park
The second match in Donaghadee Youth Football Club’s exciting Under 18 knockout tournament will decide the other team to proceed to Thursday night’s final. The tournament features Donaghadee alongside three invited teams.
Supporters are welcome to come along and enjoy an exciting week of youth football.

Wednesday 12th August 2026
Historical Walking Tour
Organised by Donaghadee Local History Forum.
Meeting point for walks is harbour entrance. Walks start at 10.00 and are approximately 2- 2 1/2 hours duration. The tour includes the history of Donaghadee and its harbours, Montgomery's Settlement, buildings, Anglo Norman Motte (and Camera Obscura), Parish Church history and Graveyard.
Numbers are limited to be sure of your place please register at https://www.visitdonaghadee.com/donaghadee-historical-walking-tour/

The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee. Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Knit and Natter
Organised by the Library
Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Library
If you like to knit or crochet and love to chat. Come and join the fun

Thursday 13th August 2026
Donaghadee Youth Football Tournament - Final Organised by Donaghadee Youth Football Club 7pm
Crommelin Park
The final of the Donaghadee Youth Football Club’s exciting Under 18 knockout tournament Supporters are welcome to come along and enjoy what is sure to be an entertaining match

‘Emigration from Ulster to America’
Organised by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company
Venue Donaghadee Sailing Club Time 8.00 pm
Dr. William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation will explore the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the years leading up to the American War of Independence, and considering
 
the contribution of those born in the province to the American Revolution, whether as soldiers, politicians, printers, philosophers and financiers, among many other roles.
This activity has been made possible by the support of the Department of Communities
Friday 14th August 2026
Tea, Coffee and Newspapers
Organised by the Library
Fridays from 10.30am to 12noon at the Library
Talk about papers or just chat with a tea and biscuits
Friendly Fridays Organised by the Library 1pm to 2pm
Library
Opportunity for adults to socialise and connect through fun activities and games. Please book at the library beforehand.

Design your Clan Organised by the Library 2pm to 3pm
Library
Children aged 6-11 can design their own Ulster Scots tartan. Please book at the library beforehand.
Saturday 15th August 2026 The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee.
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.
Lego and Duplo Club
Organised by the Library
Saturdays from 11am – 12noon at the Library Be creative with Lego bricks
Hope Street Walking Tour - Step into the drama of Port Devine ……. In real life!
Organised by Maureen Lawrence
11am.
Meeting point: Pier 36 (The Commodore)
Join me for a FREE 90-minute Hope Street walking tour in Donaghadee, visiting iconic filming locations, harbour, lighthouse and coastal views, and step into the drama of Port Devine. Limited free places available.
Book now https://www.visitdonaghadee.com/hope-street-walking-tour-donaghadee/
Copeland Bird Observatory Open Day
Copeland Bird Observatory will be hosting an open day to showcase its ornithological and conservation activities on [Old] Lighthouse Island, Copeland Islands.
Pre-registration will be essential. Details of this will be announced on visitdonaghadee.com and social media nearer the time.
Fit for Free in Donaghadee – Alex with Body Combat Class.
Organised by Sarah Cochrane
9.45am-10.45am
Shore Street War Memorial Green
Alex with body combat class - energetic combat-based class with music

Junior Regatta
Organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club
Sailing Club
Racing in the morning and fun games in the afternoon for our young sailors.

Food Fair
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
10am-4pm Community Centre
Local food producers will have stalls featuring a rich variety of locally produced foods.

Ulster Fry World Championships (sponsored by Lakeland Dairies)Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association, Ards and N Down Borough Council and FoodNI and sponsored by Lakeland Dairies12noon – 2pm Community Centre

The fourth Ulster Fry World Championship returns with sizzling competition and plenty of entertainment for festival visitors to enjoy. Join Jenny Bristow as she judges this much-loved event, bringing her trademark warmth, humour and passion for local food to the stage.

Food Demonstrations
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2pm-4pm Community Centre
Celebrity Chef, Jenny Bristow will be showing us how to make several tasty meals – all with an Ulster Scots influence

Copeland Challenge
Organised by Donaghadee Coastal Rowing Club
Launch 11am; start 12noon

This is approximately a 10 km row leaving from Donaghadee Harbour, crossing the Sound and circumnavigating Copeland Isle in clockwise fashion keeping Mew and Lighthouse Islands to port side, avoiding Ram Harry tidal race at easterly end of the Big Isle, then heading back to Donaghadee with finish line at the mouth of harbour.

There will be a fleet of St Ayles coastal skiffs from the various clubs around the County Down coast

Sunday 16th August 2026 The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee.
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.
 
Newtownards Silver Band
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2.00pm-3.30pm Lemon’s Wharf
Newtownards Silver started off as a flute band but changed in 1923. They have played at special occasions including the opening of the Queen's Hall and also the original leisure centre. The band plays a range of traditional and contemporary music which you will hear today.

America's on the Water
Organised and written by Valhalla Street Theatre
2pm and 5pm The Harbour
Step back to 1778 with Valhalla Street Theatre in this engaging piece of historical drama, created to commemorate the signing of the USA Declaration of Independence.
America’s on the Water is set in April 1778, when American colonists, under the command of Captain Paul Jones, sailed into Donaghadee’s waters aboard a man-of-war, sparking conflict off the local coast.

The story unfolds the following day, as townspeople gather at the market to share news, rumours, and fears after the encounter. As they reflect on what has passed, uncertainty looms over what lies ahead for the people of Donaghadee.
Performed on the pier, this lively production blends rich historical detail with humour—bringing to life a story over 250 years in the making.
This event has been made possible with the support of the Department for Communities.

Monday 17th August
Rhythm & Rhyme
Organised by the Library
Mondays from 10.30am to 11.00am at the Library Rhymes, songs and stories for children aged 0-4 years

Tuesday 18th August
Meet Kubo
Organised by the Library
2pm to 3pm Library
Children aged 4-9 have an opportunity to learn how to code with Kubo the Robot. Please book at the library beforehand.
Wednesday 19th August 2026 The Secret Fairy Garden Organised by Sharon Regan 10.30am – 3.30pm
34 High Street, Donaghadee.
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Knit and Natter
Organised by the Library
Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Library
If you like to knit or crochet and love to chat. Come and join the fun
 
Thursday 20th August
Dee Dance Annual Lifeboat Dance
Organised by Dee Dance
Sequence dancing to live music by Rosko Dancing 7.45pm-10.30pm
Community Centre
Admission £7 (includes tea and biscuits). There will also be a raffle in aid of the RNLI.

DnD in the Library
Organised by the Library
11am to 1pm Ages 8-16 are encouraged to join with the library to create their own fantasy story in our DnD world. Please book at the library beforehand.

Friday 21st August
Captains' Open Charity Day in aid of Marie Curie Fund
Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club
Donaghadee Golf Club Open to ladies and gents
18 and 9 hole Stableford tee times 8.30 am-4pm

Tea, Coffee and Newspapers
Organised by the Library
Fridays from 10.30am to 12noon at the Library
Talk about papers or just chat with a tea and biscuits
Tea Coffee and Newspapers

Saturday 22nd August 2026
Fit for Free in Donaghadee – Jamie Lemon with Family Fitness
Organised by Sarah Cochrane
9.45am-10.45am

Shore Street War Memorial Green
Jamie Lemon with a fun filled fitness programme focussed on family fitness

The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm, 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Lego and Duplo Club
Organised by the Library
Saturdays from 11am – 12noon at the Library Be creative with Lego bricks
Pup Idol

Organised by Donaghadee Methodist Church
11.00am with registration from 10.30am
The Courtyard, Donaghadee Methodist Church Carpark
A fun, family dog show where it’s time for the pups to take centre stage. From scruffy to fluffy – it’s their time to shine!
 
Sunday 23rd August
Donaghadee Sea Sprint
Organised by Peninsula Triathlon Club
Race starts 7am
750m swim, 27km bike, 5k run
300 athletes will swim in the sheltered waters at Donaghadee harbour, cycle along the coast to Bangor and run around the lighthouse and the Commons.
Entries available through Triathlon Ireland or contact ptcsec1@gmail.com for more information.

The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. 

Lord Londonderry's Own CLB Concert Flute Band
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2.00pm-3.30pm Lemon’s Wharf

CLB are based in Newtownards and play a complete range of music from classical pieces to the latest chart hits and musicals.

Monday 24th August
Rhythm & Rhyme
Organised by the Library
Mondays from 10.30am to 11.00am at the Library Rhymes, songs and stories for children aged 0-4 years

Tuesday 25th August
Comic Creations in the Library
Organised by the Library
2.30pm to 3.30pm | Library
5-13 year olds can create their own comic/manga storyboard or superhero. Please book at the library beforehand

Wednesday 26th August
The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

Knit and Natter
Organised by the Library
Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Library.
If you like to knit or crochet and love to chat. Come and join the fun

Thursday 27th August
Project Ella at the 'Kelly
Organised by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company and Ards & North Down Borough Council
Meet at Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and Heritage Centre 1pm
Rock pooling & Beach Bioblitz. A family event for those interested in learning about the wide variety of marine life we have in and around our beaches and rock pools.

Natural Art & Craft Sessions. Fun for the young ones with craft and art activities using beach sourced materials such as shells and sea glass. All materials provided.
Beach & Commons Litter Pick. Join in as we tackle the problem of litter in our precious open spaces.

Project ELLA is a ground-breaking reimagining of existing Council activities and new initiatives, Environment Learning Lifestyle Action

Friday 28th August
Tea, Coffee and Newspapers
Organised by the Library
Fridays from 10.30am to 12noon at the Library
Talk about papers or just chat with a tea and biscuits

Friendly Fridays
Organised by the Library
1pm to 2pm | Library
Opportunity for adults to socialise and connect through fun activities and games. Please book at the library beforehand.

Saturday 29th August
Artisan Market
organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association Venue to be decided (check out www.visitdonaghadee.com) 10am – 5pm
The market will feature a wide range of stalls

The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. 

What the SeaSaw
Organised by the Library
10.30am – 12.30pm | Library
Ages 5-11 can learn about marine litter and how to protect our coastlines.

Lego and Duplo Club
Organised by the Library
Saturdays from 11am – 12noon at the Library Be creative with Lego bricks
 
Donaghadee Home Industries Show
Organised by Alison McCaw Open to the public 12noon-3pm Community Centre
Residents of the local area are invited to enter their home grown/ home-made/ home baked goods. Entries can be received on Friday night from 6pm or at 8.30am on Saturday. Entries close at 9.30 sharp.

Judging will take place behind closed doors from 10am and the show will be open to the public from 12 noon. Let’s showcase the skills and talents of local people, including home baking, photography, home grown produce, crafts and floral creations.
Show schedules available from Alison 07710 466379

Horse Relay (Sponsored by Pier 36)
Organised by Gransha Equestrian in collaboration with DCDA)
Donaghadee Shorefront Beach Estimated start time: 6.00pm

One of the highlights of the festival, the Horse Relay attracts crowds of several thousand spectators each year to Donaghadee Beach. Watch from behind the sea wall as teams race their horses across the sand and over a series of jumps in a fast-paced and thrilling spectacle.
Please note: for safety reasons, access to the beach is restricted to participants and event officials only.

Sunday 30th August
The Secret Fairy Garden
Organised by Sharon Regan
10.30am – 3.30pm | 34 High Street
Step into a little world of magic at the Fairy Garden. Further details on page 4.

CWA Brass
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
2.30pm-4.00pm | Lemon’s Wharf
CWA brass is an amalgamation of Carrick Amateurs, Whitehouse and Ashgrove brass bands and compete throughout the province in competitions organised by the NIBA and the BBNI. They are now conducted by Donaghadee resident, Mr Stephen Cairns

Sunday Sizzle
Organised by the Lighthouse Church
7pm Dorman's Isle (the green at the Community Centre)
Note: Event will move indoors in the event of inclement weather
A mix of worship, personal stories and a free BBQ (first come, first served)

Monday 31st August 2026
Bank Holiday Open Golf
Organised by Donaghadee Golf Club
Donaghadee Golf Club
Ladies', Gents' Open Competition. Visitors welcome
For more information, please contact the office on 028 9188 3624 or office@donaghadeegolfclub.com
 
Rhythm & Rhyme
Organised by the Library
Mondays from 10.30am to 11.00am at the Library Rhymes, songs and stories for children aged 0-4 years

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All events are subject to change. Please check www.visitdonaghadee.com for any changes to the programme.