Dohertys come together this week for Clann gathering in Culdaff
Speakers include Dr Brian Lacey, Dr Zack Daugherty, Caroline Carr, Sean Beattie and John Moulden
Members of the Ó Dochartaigh Clann from near and far are invited to come and share in a warm Irish welcome with other Dohertys for a four-day gathering full of good Craic and Heritage events.
Beginning this Wednesday evening August 12th, through Saturday August 15th, the events are based at McGrory’s Hotel in Culdaff. This is the first multi-day gathering sponsored by the Association since July 2015.
To officially open the Ó Dochartaigh Clann Association Gathering 2026, Pearse Doherty of Idir Dha Loch Productions is proud to present a special one-night-only performance of ‘Sara Dougherty Carter – The Un-Crowned Queen of Country Music’. Doors open at 7pm.
This original production brings to life the remarkable and often overlooked story of a pioneering figure whose influence helped shape the very foundations of country music.
Thursday morning we will join local historian Neil McGrory for a relaxed and engaging tour through Inishowen, exploring the stories, history, and landscapes of Ireland’s northernmost peninsula.
Known for his popular podcast, Lands of Eoghain, Neil brings the past to life with insight and humour.
At 7pm McGrory’s will open its doors for a Genealogy Forum event where local genealogists offer one-to-one free consultations to assist with your research.
Following that, the friendly competition will begin. A pub-quiz, organised by quizmaster Peter Doherty [Saddler] will entertain and challenge participants. Bring your friends and family and join in.
Friday is a fabulous day of heritage talks at McGrorys. The speakers include Dr Brian Lacey, Dr Zack Daugherty, Caroline Carr, Sean Beattie and John Moulden, while the evening Ceili dance is being held at the Wee Hall in Culdaff.
Saturday includes field trips to the Doagh Famine Village and the Clonmany Genealogy and Heritage Group Exhibition at the Market Square in Clonmany. We will close out the incredible itinerary with a Banquet at McGrorys.
Many of the gathering events have no cover charge and donations are welcome.
This non-profit organisation has been active in Inishowen and Derry since the early 1980’s, when Paddy ‘Bogside’ Doherty from Derry and Pat ‘Inch’ Dougherty from Michigan had the vision to “Gather the Clann.”
The group continues to build on what was started. Over the past couple of years, the Ó Dochartaigh Clann Association leadership has been holding monthly meetings and classes over Zoom, on various subjects concerning clann history, Irish culture and Irish language, as well as clann genealogy. Recordings are available on the Association's YouTube channel.
The current president of the O Dochartaigh Clann association is Eva Doherty, Gremmert, Washington, USA; the Vice-President is Joe Doherty ‘Paul’ from Carndonagh, and the secretary is Kathleen Travers from the Scottish Borders.
The other 10 board members include Clann members across the globe united in purpose to gather the Clann.
These special Clann Gatherings offer a unique opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our shared heritage, and strengthen the bonds that unite our clann across generations and continents.
These gatherings draw members of the Ó Dochartaigh diaspora from the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Meeting cousins you never knew you had – or connecting with people who have pieces of your shared story – can be one of the most rewarding experiences in heritage travel.