Loving Donegal arts and crafts exhibition in Derry

An arts and crafts exhibition with over twenty exhibitors is to be held in Derry later this month to showcase the unique qualities of Donegal for 'Love Donegal Day'.

Now in its sixth year, Love Donegal Day is a day for celebrating all things Donegal. Though it falls on September 10 this year, to recognise what makes Donegal special for anyone with any connection to the county, Rathmullan Makers Market will be bringing a burst of colour and community spirit to UV Arts Centre this September with a very special cross-border connecting creativity art and craft exhibition!

The exhibition involves a group of around twenty artists and crafters who will be taking over The Garden of Reflection Gallery at UV Arts Centre for two weeks from Monday, September 15 – Saturday, September 27 2025.

Rathmullan Makers Market began in December 2023 with a Christmas market as a test run to gauge community interest and explore its potential for a craft collective and regular event in Rathmullan. It quickly tapped into an already existing vibrant artist community and as interest spread, more creatives from throughout both Donegal and Derry began to join, and the regular seasonal markets have now become a staple for visitors and locals alike.

Rathmullan Makers’ Market is fostered and supported by the ‘Connecting Communities Project’ and ‘Rathmullan the Way Forward’, and funded by the International Fund for Ireland. The markets are held regularly in the Pier Sheds in Rathmullan and showcase everything from unique artworks, stained glass art, felt art, upcycled crafts, jewellery, ceramics, candles, soaps and bath bombs, home baking, hot food and facepainting. As well as the market there is also live music and creative drop-in workshops on various dates to create a festival vibe and attract families.

Now the market season has come to an end after a busy summer, many of its creatives will be decamping to UV Arts Centre with a diverse range of unique and handmade wares, inviting visitors to browse, buy, and be inspired by its twenty exhibitors.

Most of the makers are seasoned creatives, but this exhibition will also feature two of the Connecting Youth Forum Members - Lily Mae with some stunning landscape pieces from around the Bushmills area, and Grace, with captivating photo prints of her hometown of Ballycastle. This is a massive opportunity for these young people to be amongst such established Makers, so please, if you can - make sure to call in and see everyone’s work!

A launch event will take place on Saturday, September 20 at 3.00pm for anyone wishing to come along and meet the makers. All welcome!

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The Rathmullan Makers Market exhibition runs from Monday, September 15 to Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12noon – 4.00pm daily.