Local Artists Will Showcase Rathfriland’s Heritage and History

Rath Literary Festival is looking forward to showcasing a wide variety of local musicians and authors at next month’s much anticipated 3-day event.

The organising committee acknowledges the exceptional talent of the many remarkable history enthusiasts and talented artists who call Rathfriland ‘home’ and this is a great opportunity for them to tell stories of the town’s past to new audiences who perhaps don’t know some of the folklore.

Talented Dechomet couple Maggie Doyle and Dr Linley Hamilton will begin the festival with an evening of prose, poetry and jazz based on Maggie’s book Mountain Notes, which was inspired by the breathtaking Dromara Hills.

Ballyroney storyteller, musician and educator Anne Harper will perform ‘Myth, Magic and Music: The Bardic Heritage of Iveagh’. This will be a journey through time in mythology, history, and musical performance. Anne will explore the roots of the fascinating Poetic traditions and how they helped to shape society. Her talk also examines some of our own important (but largely overlooked) Bardic heritage of poetry, music and landscape.

Brontë scholars estimate approximately 2,500 books worldwide have been published on the Brontës, many refer to, but only one, The Brontës in Ireland, deals exclusively with the Irish part of the story and it was written by Dr William Wright. Dr Wright’s descendant, Finnard-born Uel Wright, will take us through the story of the Brontës in Ireland drawing out their significance and importance for our understanding of the Brontës. 

Also from Finnard, experienced tour guide Shelagh Henry will lead a historic walking tour ‘Hellfire and Heroines Tour: A Rich Tapestry of Rathfriland’s History’ sharing stories of the town’s former famous residents and explaining all the people behind the blue plaques that we see dotted around the town.

Popular Rathfriland band Whiskey Before Breakfast will be playing an acoustic set at the Old Belfast Bank on Saturday but no tickets are required. Why not test your literary knowledge over lunch and perhaps win a prize?

Events will be taking place in Chandler’s House and the old Belfast Bank in Rathfriland Square and on Sunday will move to the historic, atmospheric and unique schoolhouse and church where Patrick Brontë was Minister. Set on a hill with uninterrupted views of the Mournes, this is the perfect location to soak up the history and reflect on the Brontë family’s connection to Rathfriland.

Visit the Festival’s TicketSource website to view full details and prices of all the events www.ticketsource.co.uk or email your selection to rathliteraryfestival@gmail.com. Alternatively people can contact Ada Elliott on 07803 598801 who can take bookings. We advise people to book early as due to the event spaces, numbers are restricted.

The Rath Literary Festival, Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June, is being organised by Rathfriland WI, Rathfriland & District Regeneration Company and Hilltown Community Association with the support of the Rathfriland WI’s National Community Lottery Fund grant and Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council. 

You can follow developments via the Rath Literary Festival Facebook page.