Donegals’s Marys set for special Newbridge visit

The special visit will see a number of this year’s Marys travel to the heart of County Kildare to experience one of Ireland’s most celebrated visitor destinations, while further strengthening the warm and valued relationship between Newbridge Silverware and the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival.

READ THE LATEST KILDARE NEWS HERE.

For more than 90 years, Newbridge Silverware has celebrated Irish craftsmanship, creativity and community, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for reinvention while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage.

Located in the heart of County Kildare, the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre offers a unique and enriching experience, bringing together Irish design, craftsmanship, fashion, food, heritage and hospitality under one roof.

At the heart of the Visitor Centre is the renowned Museum of Style Icons, home to extraordinary collections and pieces associated with some of the most recognisable names in film, fashion, music and popular culture.

Visitors can discover items linked to global legends including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Barbra Streisand — alongside a very special Donegal legend, Daniel O’Donnell.

For the Mary From Dungloe delegation, there is particular excitement around seeing the Daniel and Majella O’Donnell exhibit, which was unveiled earlier this year.

The connection could hardly be more fitting.

Daniel O’Donnell has been a central figure in the story of the Mary From Dungloe Festival for many years — as a loyal supporter, Festival Ambassador and host of the much-loved Crowning Cabaret. His deep roots in Donegal and his extraordinary international career have made him one of the county’s greatest ambassadors.

Festival Directors Gavin Boyle and Pat Connaghan said the visit promises to be a very special occasion for the Marys.

“We are genuinely excited about this visit. Newbridge Silverware is one of Ireland’s most iconic and internationally recognised names, and its Visitor Centre is an outstanding showcase of Irish craftsmanship, creativity, heritage and tourism.’’

“Of course, for us there is something extra special this year with the opportunity to see the Daniel and Majella O’Donnell exhibit. Daniel is such an important part of the Mary From Dungloe story and has given the festival extraordinary support over many years.’’

“He is not only our Festival Ambassador and host of our Crowning Cabaret, but a true friend of the festival. To see Daniel and Majella celebrated in the Museum of Style Icons will be a very proud and meaningful moment for our Marys.”

The Museum of Style Icons is just one part of the wider Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre experience. Guests can also enjoy the beautifully curated retail spaces, showcasing the company’s renowned jewellery, giftware and home collections, alongside the popular Silver Restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and tempting selection of cakes, pastries, sandwiches and refreshments.

Festival Directors Gavin Boyle and Pat Connaghan added:

“For our Marys, these experiences are about much more than simply visiting a destination. Our contestants represent communities from across Ireland and overseas, and throughout their journey they become ambassadors for the festival, for Donegal and for the wider story of Irish culture and connection.’’

“That is why this visit feels like such a natural fit. The Mary From Dungloe Festival is built around heritage, community, tradition, international connections and bringing generations together. Those same themes can be seen throughout the remarkable story of Newbridge Silverware.’’

“We are extremely grateful to everyone at Newbridge Silverware for their warm welcome and continued support of the festival, and we know our Marys are looking forward to experiencing everything the Visitor Centre has to offer.”

Now entering its 59th year, the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is one of Ireland’s longest-running community festivals and attracts more than 45,000 visitors to Dungloe and the wider Donegal region.

The ten-day celebration features more than 100 events spanning live music, arts, culture, family entertainment, Irish-language programming, parades and international celebrations, culminating in the famous Crowning Cabaret.

With contestants representing communities from Ireland and across the global Irish diaspora, the festival continues to celebrate heritage, identity, friendship and the enduring connections that bring generations back to Donegal year after year.

The visit to the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre on Tuesday, July 14 will form another memorable part of the 2026 Marys’ journey — and with a very special Donegal connection waiting inside the Museum of Style Icons, it promises to be a particularly proud occasion.