A good part of Donegal faces the sea, the North Atlantic, so you will find song and tune connected to life and work on the waters, to harbours, to coming home, those who watch and wait for those out on the sea, and to leaving as well.

 

That sea connection has also meant that Donegal music and musicians have long connected to the music of Scotland. This is due to the prominence of fishing routes along the Wild Atlantic Way and the local fishermen who used them. This means Donegal music has a great link to the Highland music of Scotland.

 

​Part of Donegal’s landscape is certainly defined by its sea coasts. Another big part of the county’s landscape is defined by mountains. In times when travel was more difficult than it is now, the mountain ranges that take up music of the county meant that people travelled by land, when they did so at all. amongst their nearby communities, and learned music from their neighbors, family, and friends.