Donaghadee Summer Festival 2026 | July Events

Events happening throughout July 2026

Wednesday 1st July

Battle of the Somme Commemoration
Organised by Local Orange Lodges
Starting Point – Orange Hall, Manor St at 7.30pm and 8pm at Cenotaph.
The parade will proceed via Manor Street, High Street, Moat Street, East Street and Shore Street.

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

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Friday 3rd July

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

Belfast and County Down Railway Company Exhibition
featuring Gordon Hunt's celebrated working model of Donaghadee Station and Pier
The exhibition continues on Saturday and Sunday Donaghadee Community Centre
1pm to 5pm.
Admission to exhibition free. Website: BCDRailway.co.uk

Classic Car Meet
Organised by Morris Minor Owners Club
From 4.30pm The Harbour
Classic cars only from December 2000 and older. There will be overflow parking in the Marina Car Park. Parking by pre-registration only and costs £5 per car. Forms will be available for download from AOVC and MMOCNI websites and also from mmoc.chairman@aovc.co.uk . All proceeds will go towards the Sir Samuel Kelly and RNLI funds

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Saturday 4th July

Fit for Free in Donaghadee - Root to Rise with Cara
Organised by Sarah Cochrane
9.45am-10.45am
Shore Street War Memorial Green
Yoga class for mind-body wellness, please bring a mat if you have one.

Get Wet Day
Organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club
Open day at your local sailing club. Come and try sailing a dinghy, snorkelling and more. See the website for details or email sailing@donaghadeesc.co.uk

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

Be creative with Lego bricks

Wimbledon Saturday
Organised by Donaghadee Lawn Tennis Club
2pm–4pm | Donaghadee Tennis Club
Anyone interested in trying tennis come along for free. Taster Sessions will last for 30 minutes and we ask that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Rackets and tennis balls will be available to use on the day. Wimbledon style refreshments will be available and there will be prizes for those best dressed in Wimbledon colours.

Belfast and County Down Railway Company Exhibition
featuring Gordon Hunt's celebrated working model of Donaghadee Station and Pier
10.30am - 5pm | Donaghadee Community Centre
The exhibition continues on Sunday afternoon Admission to exhibition free.
Company meeting:
Donaghadee Community Centre 6.30pm
Open to anyone interested in becoming a member of the company. An initial meeting at which members will be registered and new directors appointed.

Lecture
Talk by Gordon Hunt on the history of Donaghadee Station and his model: 7pm
Admission to talk £5 donation to the Sir Samuel Kelly project. Website: BCDRailway.co.uk

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Sunday 5th July

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)

Belfast and County Down Railway Company Exhibition
featuring Gordon Hunt's celebrated working model of Donaghadee Station and Pier
Donaghadee Community Centre 1pm to 5pm,
Admission to exhibition free. Website: BCDRailway.co.uk

America's on the Water
Organised and written by Valhalla Street Theatre
11am and again at 2pm 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.

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Monday 6th July

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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Wednesday 8th July

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 here

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

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Friday 10th July

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

World Cup Quiz

Organised by the Library

2pm to 3pm
An opportunity for children aged 6-11 to test their world cup knowledge with a fun quiz. Please book at the library beforehand.

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Saturday 11th July

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.

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

Be creative with Lego bricks

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Monday 13th July

The Twelfth of July Demonstration Organised by Local Orange Lodges

10.00am | Starting Point Orange Hall, Manor Street
The lodges will parade round the town before boarding buses to Ballywalter for the main parade.

July 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

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Wednesday 15th July

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 here

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

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Friday 17th July

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 Opportunity for adults to socialise and connect through fun activities and games. Please book at the library beforehand.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

Organised by the Library

3pm to 4pm | Library
Children aged 6-9 can help fly a kite with song and movement. Please book at the library beforehand.

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Saturday 18th July

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 at https://www.visitdonaghadee.com/hope-street-walking-tour-donaghadee/

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

The Blackbird Market

Organised by The Blackbird

11am-3pm | Donaghadee Methodist Church Hall
A wide range of local craft and other unique stalls. Everyone welcome. Dog friendly.

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

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Sunday 19th July

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
 
Motorcycle Ride out in aid of Donaghadee RNLI
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 Donaghadee RNLI.

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Monday 20th July

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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Tuesday 21st July

Create Your Own Animal Story
Organised by the Library
11am to 12noon
Children aged 6-11 are invited to write their own animal story. Please book at the library beforehand.

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Wednesday 22nd July

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.

Donaghadee 5k Organised by Dee Runners

7:30pm | Starting from The Harbour
The event starts from The Harbour and the route takes the runners along The Commons and around the lighthouse. Proceeds from the event will go to Marie Curie and Women's Aid Ards and North Down.
For further info please email runninginthedee@gmail.com

Teddy Bears Picnic
Organised by Homestart North Down
10.30am -11.30am | The Commons
Pack up your favourite fuzzy friend and join us for a heartwarming session of Teddy Bear Fun! This event is all about movement, imagination, and making memories with the whole family. From active play to cozy storytelling, it’s the ultimate treat for kids and their cuddly companions. Since no picnic is complete without a snack! There will be a selection of drinks and snacks to keep everyone fuelled for fun.
 

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Thursday 23rd July

NOMAD Cage Football
Organised by Donaghadee Youth for Christ
Lemons Wharf 2-5pm
Enter the cage and face your opponents in a fast paced 2-on-2 game of football. Come with your friends or come on your own and partner up for an afternoon of agility, goals, and nutmegs. The cage is open to boys and girls P5 up to the age of 18 (our team will ensure players play with someone around their own age).

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Friday 24th July 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

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 4pm

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

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Saturday 25th July

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

Donaghadee Topper Sprints Challenge 2026
Organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club
Two days of exciting racing for young sailors from all over Ireland, booking is now open online: https://www.donaghadeesc.co.uk/events/topper-sprints-2026/

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

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Sunday 26th July

Donaghadee Topper Sprints Challenge 2026
Organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club

The second day of exciting racing for young sailors from all over Ireland.

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.

Rotary Sandcastle Competition

Organised by Rotary Club of Donaghadee

2pm-4.30pm | The Beach adjacent to Lemon's Wharf Playpark. Traditional Sandcastle Competition. Bring your bucket and spade - sand provided.

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Monday 27th July

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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Tuesday 28th July

Mystery in the Library

Organised by the Library
12noon to 1pm
Children aged 8-12 can help the librarians solve a mystery in the library. Please book at the library beforehand.

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Wednesday 29th July

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

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Thursday 30th July 2026

What Revolting People: the Ulster Scots and the American Revolution
Organised by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company
Venue Donaghadee Sailing Club Time 8.00 pm
David Hume will entertain us about the significant, role that Ulster Scots played in the American struggle for independence.
This activity has been made possible by the support of the Department of Communities

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Friday 31st July

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.

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