Rory G!

The Rory Gallagher International Festival turned 21 this year. I didn’t make it, obviously enough, but I have been many times over the years (8 I think) and it really is such a buzzin’ weekend. Used to be a great way to kickstart the summer after college exams, and being on the June bank holiday it often benefited from Leaving Cert weather.

An Impromptu Trip

I first made the trip up in 2007. Knew a few of the grungers were going up and so myself and my good pal Mooney hopped on the Ballyshannon bus on a Friday afternoon with a cheap tent and a few quid.

Got off the bus and our campsite ticket (€20 at the time) and perched up the tent. Then made our way back in to check out the craic. Was an absolute laugh, as underage drinking always is, and a savage way to start a memorable summer.

The Glory Days

Due to the Leaving Cert in ‘08, it wasn’t until ‘09 that I made it back, again with Mooney and this time a much bigger crowd, having spread the gospel of Rory G.

Weather was unreal the entire weekend and spent several days up there, ending with an epic escape.

In 2010 I sadly missed it again, as I was trekking across northern Spain, but 2011 - 14 were class craic, although the crowds were getting smaller.

Went again in 2016 on a whim where the campsite was much more empty. Mostly the diehard rockers and a few headers. Good fun, and big plans to be back again, but quite a hiatus then.

In Absentia

In the late 2010s there wasn’t as much desire to go, especially as most of the gang were living in Galway, and there was alternative fun things to do here.

Then 2020 happened and of course there was no festivals those years. By the time festivals were running again, Rory G had a competitor that was even closer to home – Wild Roots.

Two great years had there with spectacular weather, good acts, and great craic. Was all set for year 3 when, ah ye know the rest. So with Wild Roots out the window, Rory G seemed like a decent alternative.

The Modern Era

On a pleasant Friday evening myself and Dooli got the bus up. A new campsite than we were used to, but a lot of the same old heads (shout out to the Sligo Wall), the familiar tunes (obviously), great weather and class craic. Lasted the whole weekend up there, a rarity in this day in age, and renewed my love for the festival.

Maybe I’ll get back up to Ballyshannon 2026, and I’ll certainly try for the 20th anniversary of that faithful, impromptu trip in 2007.