UPCOMING EVENTS in Ballybofey
What's Happening in Town?
Experience unforgettable events at Villa Rose Hotel, the heart of Donegal, where luxury meets lively entertainment. From live music nights and gourmet food events to festive celebrations, there’s always something happening. Join us for special occasions, theme nights, and family-friendly gatherings that bring locals and visitors together for memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to enjoy live performances, dance the night away, or simply unwind with friends, Villa Rose is the go-to destination for vibrant events in Ballybofey.
Our sister Hotel & Bars, Jackson's Hotel & Gallen's Late-Night Bar, are just a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Between us all, there is always something happening in town.
Saturday, November 7th, 2026 - Dan McCabe | Jackson's Hotel
Sunday, 15th & Sunday, 22nd November 2026 - Christmas Markets | The Back Lane
Friday, November 20th- Sunday November 22nd, 2026 - Nathan Carter's Donegal Weekend | Jackson's Hotel
Saturday, November 28th, 2026 - Big Highland Radio Bingo Party | Villa Rose Hotel
Friday 11th & Saturday 12th December, 2026 - Christmas Party Nights | Villa Rose Hotel
Thursday, December 17th, 2026 - Christmas Candlelight Variety Spectacular | Villa Rose Hotel
Sunday, December 27th, 2026 - The Highstool Prophets | Jackson's Hotel
Thursday, 31st December, 2026 - One Last Table - New Year's Eve Dining at Fara's | Villa Rose Hotel
Friday 8th January, 2027 - The New Indians Showband | Jackson's Hotel
Saturday, April 24th, 2027 - Gearóid McCarthy | Jackson's Hotel
More Information & Ticket Links Below
Dan McCabe
Dan McCabe is Ireland’s modern folk sensation. From intimate pub performances in Kildare to viral hits online, his music blends traditional Irish ballads with contemporary storytelling.
Saturday, November 7th, 2026
Jackson's Hotel
Twin Towns Back Lane Christmas Market
After the huge success of last year, the Ballybofey Christmas Markets return to the back lane between Jackson's Hotel and Villa Rose Hotel again, but for TWO dates this year. Expect great food, drink, arts and crafts from local makers and live music. The first date will coincide with the McElhinney's window reveal and the turning on of the town lights.
Sunday, 15th & Sunday, 22nd November 2026
The Back Lane, Ballybofey
Nathan Carter's Donegal Weekend
Nathan Carter presents his Donegal Weekend - a weekend of concerts, dancing and trad in the heart of Donegal.
Friday, 20th November – Concert: Nathan and his band in concert with support from the fantastic Cliona Hagan
Saturday, 21st November – Dance: Dance the night away with Nathan & his band plus Jack Keogh and his band
Sunday, 22nd November – Trad: Nathan and friends lead an afternoon trad session to finish a great weekend
Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd November
Jackson's Hotel
To book the full weekend, contact Country Music Tours by phone at
+353 74 911 9955 or +353 87 341 0550
To book the Friday Concert only, go to Eventbrite via the link below
To book the Saturday Dance only, go to Eventbrite via the link below
Big Highland Bingo Party
Get ready for a night of bingo like you’ve never experienced before!
The Big Highland Bingo Party is back this November for a huge night of fun, laughs, music and plenty of chances to win!
Doors open at 7pm Bingo starts at 8pm sharp
Saturday 28th November
Villa Rose Hotel
Christmas Party Nights at Villa Rose
The Villa Rose Christmas Party Night is a fixture for local businesses and groups looking to properly close out the year - a table booked, drinks flowing, and a band and DJ to see the night through.
Friday 11th & Saturday 12th December 2026
Villa Rose Hotel
T: +353 (0)74 913 2266 E: info.vr@gallengroup.com
Christmas Candlelight Variety Spectacular
Show Ticket & 3 Course Dinner with T/C @ €69 pp
Starring:
Patrick Feeney
Trudi Lalor
The Ennis Bros
Jessica McKean
Sean Costello
The Show Band Show
Thursday 17th December 2026
Villa Rose Hotel
The Highschool Prophets
The band are hitting the road with their biggest headline tour to date, The 'This Is The Life' Tour, celebrating the phenomenal success of their hit single of Amy MacDonald’s ‘This Is The Life’, which has become a global streaming sensation. The track has amassed an extraordinary 50 million streams.
With a reputation built on sold out shows, national television and radio appearances, and an ever growing international fanbase, The Highstool Prophets have established themselves as formidable force in contemporary Irish folk music.
Seated concert with unreserved seating
Sunday December 27th, 2026
Jackson's Hotel
One Last Table - New Year's Eve Dining at Fara's Restaurant
Take your table at Fara's before the rest of the night begins. Bubbles waiting when you sit down. Something from the kitchen before you've even opened the menu. A three-course dinner made for the occasion.
New Year's Eve Dinner - €55 per person Bubbles on arrival · Bread & Irish butter · Kitchen snacks · Three-course dinner
Reservations from 5.30pm to 9pm, with tables arriving throughout the evening.
Thursday 31st December 2026
Villa Rose Hotel
T: +353 (0)74 913 2266 E: info.vr@gallengroup.com
The New Indians Showband
Expect classic showband favourites, country, rock ’n’ roll and plenty of singalong hits. Fronted by Chrissy Mac as Big Chief Blazing Star, the band bring the music, costumes and fun of the showband era back to the stage.
Friday 8th January 2027
Jackson's Hotel
Gearóid McCarthy
Gearóid McCarthy is an Irish folk singer-songwriter from County Limerick known for blending traditional Irish music with modern acoustic style and for viral songs like Going Out For One.
Saturday, April 24th, 2027
Jackson's Hotel
What's Happening in Ballybofey - Every Week
Jackson's Hotel, the Villa Rose Hotel and Gallen's Bar are all a short walk apart and there's something happening most nights of the week.
Tuesday - Trad Music Night in Gallen's Bar
Wednesday - Quiz Night in Gallen's Bar (from 8:30pm)
Friday - Live music in either Jackson's Hotel, Villa Rose Hotel or Gallen's Bar until late
Saturday - Live music in Jackson's Hotel, Villa Rose Hotel & Gallen's Bar until late
Monthly Trad Music Night in the Villa Rose Lobby
On the first 'teenth Wednesday (13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th or 19th) of every month, local musicians gather in the Villa Rose Lobby to play traditional Irish music. Everyone is welcome to come, grab a drink and enjoy the music - or bring their own insturment and get involved in the music session. All levels welcome.
