The sun is shining as I write this; the gales have blown away and the weather looks set - if not fair, exactly, at least bright.

While a couple of weeks in the Mediterranean sun might seem appealing right now, think of all the craic you'd miss while you were away.

It's almost time for the splendid Earagail Arts festival, which encourages many of us to make a break for the border every July, with its promise of drama, music, dance and spectacle.

This year, the festival will run from July 10-20 — perfect for those of us in need of a Lambeg drum and a bowler hat, you might think.

The line-up is a mouth-watering one, from Shakespeare to Hansel and Gretel, with the promise of a picnic at Rathmullan House to boot.

Here's some of the highlights in Donegal this summer: On July 10, the festival moves into Letterkenny, where our very own David Grant directs a sumptuous production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at An Grianan Theatre.

If you thought Hollywood invented the rom-com, think again.

Shakespeare was writing them all the way back in the 16th century, and in A Midsummer Night's Dream he created one of his most accessible and funniest plays.

A favourite with audiences the world over, you'll be enchanted too by this story of love and magic.

Of course, the path of true love never did run smooth, and storms can strike even during high summer. So it's no surprise that Earagail Festival has chosen to stage The Tempest, as well.

The show will be staged in the gardens of Rathmullan House, where Chapterhouse Theatre Company will perform the Bard's final play £ a story of romance and revenge on a magical island kingdom, where mischievous spirits play havoc with shipwrecked sailors.

The grounds of Rathmullan House are open for picnics from 5.30pm on July 17, and refreshments are available both before and after the show. Bring your own rugs or low-backed seating, make yourself comfortable — and enjoy.

Staying with the Shakespearean theme, and the award-winning Black Sheep — two of England's finest actors £ will cross the sea to perform their show I Lear.

The pair celebrate the wonder of the theatrical technique in a feast of comedy theatre culminating in a rendition of King Lear that will leave you in tears.

Described as one of the funniest shows to hit the stage, you'll miss it at your peril. It will visit Buncrana, Ballybofey and Donfanaghy during the festival.

Meanwhile, Earagail favourite Little John Nee will be travelling the highways and byways of the county to perform his Dead Rooster Blues.

He's preparing for the grand re-opening of an isolated singing lounge called The Mother's Arms, in a show that combines storytelling, comedy and live music. You can catch Little John and his cast of hundreds (well, dozens), in Dungloe, Ballybofey and Falcarragh.

Far from the song-filled snug is this year's offering from Axis Ballymun, which will present Our National Games by Gerard Humphreys — a new play which examines the 1969 Arms Crisis, when Captain James Kelly was catapulted into the limelight when he was charged with illegally importing arms for use by the IRA in the defence of nationalist communities.

His co-accused included two senior members of Taoiseach Jack Lynch's cabinet — rising young Donegal deputy and then Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Neil Blaney, and Charles Haughey, TD, Minister for Finance. Both men were summarily dismissed from office before the case came to trial, although both were later to be found innocent of all charges.

Focusing on the interrogation of Captain Kelly, the play takes us behind the scenes as it explores the concept of loyalty, leadership and the power of the state.

Our National Games will be performed in Ramelton Town Hall.

The final festival offering which caught my eye is The White Tent, a mini-circus theatre, complete with wooden caravans and a marquee.

Inside, ancient folk tales are retold, alongside the stories of the Grimm Brothers. The stories are played out with music, song, juggling and acrobatics. This summer's fare is Hansel and Gretel, followed by The Musicians of Bremen. The White Tent will be pitched at The Glebe House, and is just the right size for families.

For more information, www.eaf.ie

grania.mcfadden@gmail.com