Aonach Jack

A century old fair which was revived in the Rosses seven years ago in a bid to raise the community spirit, will once again take place in Meenaleck, Crolly, on Saturday, July 16.

Aonach Jack (Jack’s Fair), founded around 1850, was a popular annual event until it ceased some years after World War II and although the fair has been taking place every few years since the 1980s, locals got together again in a bid to make it an annual event.

Following on the success of the event over previous years, which saw hundreds of people flock to Meenaleck every summer for ‘Aonach Jack’, dozens of stalls, farm animals and children’s entertainment will once again be on display at the fair held outside one of the country’s most famous pubs Leo’s Tavern, home of Clannad and Enya.

The fair focuses on handmade arts and crafts and local produce. Aonach Jack has attracted crafts from people all over the county and further afield. See crafts such as Donegal pens, Knitwear, Jewellery, Fairy crafts, fortune telling, Basket-weaving, Handmade cards, Celtic design crafts, Slate art, and Natural health products - Homemade breads, cakes, cupcakes, buns, deli and health foods and much more.

An event suitable for all the family, there will be Fun for the kids that includes children’s entertainment, face-painting, donkey rides, Aonach’s kids talent competition, ice cream, popcorn, farm yard animals which will surely keep the little ones entertained. There will also be outdoor music to add to the atmosphere and you never know what fantastic local musicians might turn up to play a bit of music in Leo’s Tavern. Some of the music for the weekend will include, the fabulous Inis Fail on Sat night and Moya Brennan with Club Beo on Friday night and the talented Culloden Ceilidh Band from Inverness on Sunday afternoon followed by Shannigans topped with surprise guests dropping in throughout the weekend.