www.donegalcottageholidays.com Burtonport is a compact fishing village nestled on the northwest coast of Ireland with a population, in the local vicinity, of about 1100 people. The village acquired its name from a wealthy English landowner of the time, Lord Burton Conynham. He established a jetty and a few other amenities at the location and called it "Burton's Port", hence the name "Burtonport". There are a large number of islands visible off the coastline including Rutland, Arranmore and Innishfree. Arranmore, which is 3 miles (5 km) offshore, is the largest of these islands with a population of about 800 people and has a daily ferry service to and from the island from Burtonport. Up until recent years Burtonport was a thriving fishing port, however due to the decline in fish stocks over the years and strict fishing quotas, the harbour area is now being developed for the tourism industry with facilities for water sports and boating enthusiasts. The Burtonport Festival takes place towards the end of July and is then followed by the "Mary from Dungloe Festival" - an international event, drawing participants from all around the globe. The festival runs for ten fun-filled days of music, song, Irish dance and traditional entertainment most of which is free and live on the busy streets of Dungloe.

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