23rd to 25th of July 2026
The MacGill Summer School is one of Ireland’s most prominent and longstanding forums for public debate, held annually in Glenties, Co. Donegal. Founded in 1981 to honour local writer Patrick MacGill, it has grown from a small community initiative into a major international platform for political, social and economic discussion.
Each year, the school brings together a diverse mix of politicians, academics, journalists, business leaders and cultural figures to discuss the key issues shaping Ireland, Europe and the wider world.
Renowned for its open and accessible format, the event encourages public participation, allowing audiences to engage directly with speakers and debate contemporary topics in a lively and informal setting.
Hosted at the Highlands Hotel, it will run over a concentrated three-day programme from July 23rd to 25th, combining high-level panel discussions, keynote lectures and cultural elements, making it both intellectually significant and culturally vibrant within Donegal’s summer calendar.