Over 10,000 fans from around the world will converge in the town of his birth, Ballyshannon, for the award-winning four-day Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, running from 28 – 31 May.
The world-renowned musician was born at the appropriately named Rock Hospital in the town in 1948, and later became one of the world’s greatest and most exciting rock and blues guitarists.
Established in 2002, the festival has become the biggest annual event for Rory’s fans. It will have extra resonance this year as it marks the 20th anniversary of the sad passing of the much missed guitar hero.
More than 30 acts will perform in Rory’s honour over the four days. Among those announced to for the festival big top are Wilko Johnson and his Band, and the Band of Friends featuring long-serving bass player Gerry McAvoy, who played on every album Rory ever made.
Other notable acts performing include Sinnerboy (Manchester), Tony Dowler’s Hellhounds (UK) and Moonchild (Ireland), plus the legendary Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden, a Rory fan who has released albums in tribute to him, including ’Ballyshannon Blues for Rory’.
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has won many admirers for its chilled-out vibe.
The streets of the holiday town throng with music fans for free open air daytime street concerts, featuring many of the top acts, and at the big top concerts nightly.
There are also guitar workshops, Rory exhibitions and pub session trails to the beat of the blues and Rory’s music.
In 2010 a life sized bronze statue of Rory was unveiled in the town centre by members of the extended Gallagher family.
Fans taking a break either side of the festival can enjoy amazing adventure around Ballyshannon and County Donegal, including top class surfing.
The nearby sea cliffs at Slieve League are among the most spectacular in Ireland and a major stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest touring route that stretches from County Donegal to County Cork along Ireland’s stunning western seaboard.
Rory is commemorated elsewhere in Ireland with a sculpture in Cork where the local theatre is named after him, a mounted guitar in Dublin, a plaque in Belfast.
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