by Ciaran Tierney

It is a very busy week here at Aras Eanna as we look forward to three events in our theatre over three consecutive nights.

A very special night is in store tomorrow (Thursday) when leading exponents of the traditional harp, Paul Dooley (Ireland) and Kseniya Rusnak (Ukraine), perform a fundraising concert for the people of Ukraine.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted on the door for ‘Ireland for Ukraine’. https://irelandforukraine.ie/

On Friday, the acclaimed writer and documentary maker Manchán Magan is bringing his new 70 mniute show, Árán agus Im, to the theatre. He celebrates the Irish language through sourdough bread and home-churned butter and you don’t need to be fluent to enjoy the show.

And on Saturday, singer-songwriter Pat Quinn brings guests including Leo Moran and Padraig Stevens of The Saw Doctors, comedian and actor Jon Kenny, Ruth Dillon and Yvonne Tiernan of Galway band The Raines, and Longford guitarist Mick Lane to our stage for a night of music, song, and storytelling.

‘Pat Quinn and Friends’ is always one of the muscial highlights of the year here on Inis Oirr.

You can buy tickets in advance for the Manchan Magan and Pat Quinn shows from the Áras Éanna page on eventbrite. There is no need to book for the Ukraine benefit gig, just turn up here tomorrow night for what should be a magical night of traditional harp music from two countries.

Doors open for all three shows at 8.30pm.

Tickets for the show are at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/aras-eanna-ionad-ealaine-49144750903

Don’t forget that the ‘Dath an Dóchais’ exhibition, celebrating 40 years of Gaeltacht art, continues in our gallery until September 13 (Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm).

And the Old Aran in Colour exhibition continues until the end of September, with a beautiful soundtrack each day courtesy of islander MacDara O Conaola (Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm).