Operational Changes Regarding Farm Animals
Due to operational changes, for the 2026 season livestock and farm animals will not be present on site at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum this year.
Four costumed interpreters sit around a long wooden table inside a historic room, laughing while participating in a traditional milling frolic. They are gathered closely, using their hands to rhythmically pull and bunch a large piece of cream-colored woven wool cloth across the surface of the slatted table.
A historical interpreter in a vintage kitchen holds a plate of traditional baked beans.

Donald Og Day

Event
Join us as we celebrate sgeulachd Dhòmhnaill Òig | the legend of Donald Og , which tells of the settlement of the Iona area by the MacNeils from the Isle of Barra.

Location

Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona, Cape Breton

Date

Friday 17 July from 11am to 2pm.

Pricing

Regular admission rates apply.
Following the 1758 Siege of Louisbourg, Donald Og MacNeil sailed aboard a British man-of-war patrolling the Bras d’Or Lake and carried news of the lake’s natural beauty and promise back to his native isle of Barra.
 
Join us for a Céilidh in the schoolhouse as we share the legend of Donald Og. Our L’nu interpreters will also share their stories of the first encounters with the Gaels, along with the story of the Three Crosses.
 
Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of traditional demonstrations, including blacksmithing, candle making, barvas ware (clay pots), net making, spinning, and tastings of fishcakes and marag. Be sure to visit our carding mill and shingle mill, both in operation for the occasion!
 
11:00am to 2:00pm on July 17 - Regular admission rates apply.