August 2002 will see Donegal, in particular Ballyshannon, playing host to the Pan Celtic Games. Participants will come many European Celtic areas, including Brittany, Asturias and Galicia (Spain), Isle of Man, Portugal,
Scotland, Cornwall, Wales and, of course, Ireland.

Water sports, sailing, rowing, kayaking and surfing, dominate the agenda, and venues for various competitions, in addition to Ballyshannon, will include Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, and nearby Mullaghmore in County Sligo.

In addition to the interface of regional cultural traditions, the Games will be preceded by the 25th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Festival.

Some 700 participants from the European regions are expected to attend
the week-long event, which will begin on August, and will encompass parades, pageants, music, dance and drama. Many thousands of visitors and spectators will swell local tourism coffers.

The president of the international committee, Mr. Jean Kerhoas, said he was hugely impressed by the facilities the area has to offer, and paid tribute to the professionalism of the members of the local organizing committee.