On Sunday 12th October 2025, farm families from across Donegal are invited to come together for the Donegal Farmers Harvest of Hope Wellbeing Festival, taking place from 1pm to 5pm at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.
The festival, organised to coincide with World Mental Health Week and the Green Ribbon Campaign, is the first of its kind in the county – a farmer-focused wellbeing event designed to tackle stigma, promote awareness, and connect farmers and their families with vital supports.
Research shows that farmers in Ireland experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Many face barriers to seeking help, including stigma, lack of awareness of services, and isolation. With over 20% of farmers considered at risk of suicide, the need for tailored initiatives is urgent.
This Connecting for Life event is being led by DLDC, supported by CfL Donegal and delivered by a working group made up of DLDC, CfL Donegal, HSE DMHS SCAN, Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Macra na Feirme, Teagasc, and Donegal Volunteer Centre.
“Farmers work in isolation and often don’t feel comfortable talking about their struggles. This event is about bringing people together in a relaxed, social setting where they can enjoy themselves, hear from speakers, and connect with services that may one day make a life-saving difference,” said Ciara Wray, Resource Officer for suicide prevention.
“Stress and depression among farmers and their families is something we see daily – in marts, in the fields, and in our communities. The feedback we’ve received already from farming organisations has been overwhelmingly positive. This festival is not just about one day – it’s about starting a conversation, breaking down stigma, and planting the seeds of hope for a healthier, more resilient farming community in Donegal.” added Paul Mc Daid, Lifelong Learning Project Officer, DLDC
“DLDC is delighted to work with our partners in delivering the first-ever Harvest of Hope Festival for Donegal. Mental health in farming communities is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. Through initiatives like this, we can begin to break down stigma and raise awareness of the supports available. DLDC remains committed to supporting our rural communities and we hope the connections made at this event will grow into lasting support networks for farmers and their families.” added Margaret Larkin, Head of Operations, DLDC
Festival Highlights
- Tractor Showcase
- Guest speakers on farmers’ mental health
- Free health checks
- Live music by Jason McCahill & Band
- Influencer Donkey 262
- Jiving competition with Alana O’Leary & partner (2024 All Ireland Jiving competition winner)
- Games & family fun (tug o’ war, walk the plank, face painting)
- Exhibitor stands including local and national mental health supports
- Food and Goodie bags and much more
Support Information
For those in need of immediate support:
- Samaritans – Freephone 116 123 (24/7) | https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=www.samaritans.ie&t=e6d5500d08a4d8206a3612a9a506e0039548b8ff
- Text About It – Text HELLO to 50808 (24/7) | https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=www.textaboutit.ie&t=13b85bfe70d0363b99e0c69bca914b509021b811
- Pieta – https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=www.pieta.ie&t=5bfcf9f642f71da81b54c79e0f17137e3a932d4c
- Your Mental Health – https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=www.yourmentalhealth.ie&t=84bc1e54facba26aba54910cbcb94257e4cdc9f0 | Freephone 1800 111 888 (24/7)
Event Details
📍 Venue: Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny
📅 Date: Sunday 12th October 2025
⏰ Time: 1pm – 5pm
🎟️ Free Entry – All farm families welcome
For more information contact:
Paul McDaid – DLDC
0749127056 / paulmcdaid@dldc.org