In Pictures: Love Donegal Day gets spirited launch at Crolly Distillery
There was plenty of Donegal spirit on show as the #LoveDonegal campaign kicked off at Crolly Distillery this week.
On Wednesday evening, councillors, community representatives and local stakeholders came together to count down to the 2026 campaign and celebrate the county's people, culture and identity.
A night of celebration for the launch of the 7th #LoveDonegal campaign at Crolly Distillery, including Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D., Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Gary Doherty, Cllr John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh, Cllr Jimmy Brogan and Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig on Wednesday evening.
The gathering marked the official launch of the campaign ahead of Love Donegal Day on Thursday, when people at home and across the globe flooded social media with posts about what made the county special to them.
The campaign, now in its seventh year, follows on from the success of 2025 when the #LoveDonegal and #DúnnanGallAbú tags had a global reach of 109 million.
Guests at the official launch enjoyed a showcase of local food and hospitality from Peter and Briege Campbell, Albatross Seafoods, Little Mamma's Gelato, Coco Millis and Donegal Food Coast.
Isla McGuckin, Paul Sharkey and Eileen Doherty also entertained attendees with stories and music celebrating Donegal's rich cultural heritage.
Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD, Catherine Nic Grianna, Crolly Distillery Visitors Experience Manager, Karoline Sweeney, Castlegrove House, Letterkenny Chamber President and Kevin Dooher, Wild Atlantic Traveller
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gary Doherty, said:
"Love Donegal Day is about pride in place.
"It celebrates our people, communities, culture and creativity, while giving those at home and abroad the chance to share their connection with Donegal and help tell our county's story to the world."
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Economic Development at Donegal County Council, highlighted the importance of sharing personal connections to the county and said:
“Love Donegal Day is an invitation for everyone to share their Donegal story.
"Whether it's a cherished memory, a special place, an inspiring person, or an unforgettable experience, every story helps celebrate the warmth, creativity, and strong community spirit that make Donegal so unique."
Donegal Daily asked some of those attending one simple question: What do you love most about Donegal? Watch our video below to hear their answers:
Eimear Walsh, Donegal Airport with Donegal Tourism team members Shane Smyth, Mary Daly and Joy Browne
Kieran Davis, Crolly Distillery, Mícheál Mac Giolla Easbuig, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Carol Meenan, The Yellow Pepper restaurant, Conor McMenamin, Crolly Distillery, Karoline Sweeney, Letterkenny Chamber President and Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD
Peter Campbell, who was one of the local food providers at the LoveDonegal launch at Crolly Distillery.
Kevin Dooher, Wild Atlantic Traveller, Caitlín O'Donnell, Discovering Donegal, Rachel McLaughlin, Donegal Daily and Karoline Sweeney, Letterkenny Chamber.
Maureen Brogan, Cllr Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council and Cllr Jimmy Brogan.
Musicians Hughie Boyle, Joe Armstrong and Eileen Dohert.y.
Author Isla McGuickin speaking at the LoveDonegal launch.
Mairead Carlin, Donna El Assaad and Orla Howells, Economic Development department at the LoveDonegal launch at Crolly Distillery on Wednesday evening.
Pictured at the launch of the seventh #LoveDonegal campaign at Crolly Distillery on Wednesday evening were, from left: Mary Daly, Senior Tourism Officer, Donegal County Council; Conor McMenamin, Co-founder of Crolly Distillery; Pat the Cope Gallagher TD; Cllr Jimmy Brogan; Cllr Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council; Cllr John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh; Brenda Hegarty, Head of Economic Development, Donegal County Council; Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, Food Coast Donegal; Karoline Sweeney, President of Letterkenny Chamber; Joy Browne, Tourism Manager, Donegal County Council; Mícheál Mac Giolla Easbuig, Regional Manager, Údarás na Gaeltachta; Catherine Nic Grianna, Visitor Experience Manager, Crolly Distillery; and Mairead Carlin, Senior Economic Development Officer, Donegal County Council.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme