Ardara. in south west Donegal, is a designated Heritage Town and attracts many visitors each year. The town sits on the river Owentocker It is home to the famous Cup of Tae Festival ("The Sweet Cup of Tae" is a favourite reel played by traditional Irish musicians and alludes to the addition of a drop of potin or whiskey to a cup of tea). This festival is held annually and celebrates traditional Irish music which brings musicians from all over Ireland and abroad to both play their music and join in the teaching sessions for those who attend the festival. The festival started in 2001 and was inspired by local musician John "The Tae" Gallagher (1923 - 24 January 2012) of whom the Irish broadcaster, Ciaran Mathuna (26 Nov 1925 – 11 Dec 2009), said was “probably the best fiddle player of all time”. Unusually, the St. Patrick's Day Festival in Ardara each year is held on the first Sunday AFTER St. Patrick's Day. This is so that both the people of the area and visitors can enjoy both the festival in nearby Glenties on St. Patrick's Day and then the Ardara St. Patrick's Day festival too.Just outside Ardara is the Maghera Caves which hold a history of their own. It is said that during penal times local people would hide in these caves to avoid being killed by invading forces.The beautiful waterfall of Eas a' Ranca, otherwise known as Assaranca Waterfall. Beside the waterfall is a wooden carving by Mike Henderson.For those interested in ancient history one of the finest examples of dolmen can be found just outside Ardara, the Kilclooney Dolman.Visitors can then take a drive to a hidden gem in Donegal, Bonny Glen Wood a place steeped in Irish history and the famine and once there you can park and take one of the two walks through the wood, passing three lakes as you go.The beaches of Narin and Portnoo are a short distance away and from Narin Beach, at low tide (check locally of the safest time to do it) you can walk across to the island of Inniskeel.