In March of 1968 an Irish group, Emmet Spiceland, made a recording of the song "Mary from Dungloe" which had been written many years earlier by a stonemason, Padraig MacCumhaill. It became the inspiration for an International Festival with girls from around the world competing for the title of "Mary from Dungloe". Some are seen here arriving at the local airport.

In 1996 the Festival was linked with Ballyclare May Fair Festival and there has been an exchange of ideas.