Bernadette McAliskey to lead Dorn San Aer festival to celebrate life of Ronán Mac Aodha Bhuí

A festival of Irish music, language and culture has been organised to celebrate the life of much loved Donegal Irish language broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí.

Civil rights’ campaigner Bernadette McAliskey will open the Dorn San Aer (fist in the air) festival in Mac Aodha Bhuí's native Gaoth Dobhair in September.

Taking place from September 27 to 29, Dorn San Aer will feature poetry readings, food events, dance music of all genres as well as a showcase of street art.

Twenty bands have been announced as part of the festival's line up in Gaoth Dobhair, including John Spillane and IMLÉ.

The festival takes its title from the revolutionary mantra 'Dorn San Aer' that was a favourite expression of Mac Aodha Bhuí.

Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí died last September aged 53 following a long struggle with cancer.

Rónan Mac Aodha Buí was beloved by the Irish language community, with President Higgins saying: "In short, among the Gael, he was a legend".

KNEECAP also credited Mac Aodha Buí with giving them their first start in music.

A spokesman said in The Irish News that they wished to build on Mr Mac Aodha Bhuí's work with an exciting, innovative and professional platform for Irish language artists.

“The Dorn San Aer festival takes its name from the rallying call first coined by Rónán to Irish speakers the world over to make art, music, culture, community, on their own terms, in their own language,” he said.

The festival will be opened by Ms McAliskey at Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair on September 27.

Day tickets for the festival start at €30 are priced at while weekend tickets are priced at €70. Family tickets are also available.

Further details are available at here.