Newry Goes Nashville returns bigger than ever

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: Arts, TV and Entertainment; Published: 08 June 2026

Pictured at the launch of Newry Goes Nashville are from left: Colleen Lennon, The Oliver; Barry Reilly, Ginger Janes; Pádhraic McArdle, Snaubs; Joe Moan and Ross McArdle, Nan Rices; Orla Hayes, Canal Court Hotel; Ruairi Cahill, Funk Soul Media; Sabrina McTaggart, Magees Bar; Ciaran Fox, Tempo Promotions; Siobhan Reel, Deli Lites; Sean Og McBraoin, Iúr FM; Cathy Goodfellow, Cobbles Bar; Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID; Kevin O'Neill, The Bank Bar and Restaurant and Andrew Connolly, McSwiggans bar. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Newry Goes Nashville is returning for a second year, with the popular country music festival set to take place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July. Organised by Newry BID, the festival will see more than 30 venues in the city taking part in a packed programme of day and evening events celebrating country music with at least ten venues hosting live music each evening throughout the weekend.

Daytime entertainment will feature prominently this year, with pop-up performances planned for coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets, as well as family-friendly activities and craft workshops. Among the highlights on the programme are an afternoon Hoedown in Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Saturday, a Trucks and Tractors showcase on Sunday, and a Join in Jivin family fun afternoon.

Inclusive activities have also been built into the schedule, including Sign and Rhyme sessions and family craft workshops, catering for all ages.

Festival favourites including the Roving Cowboy and the Newry BID promotional team will return throughout the weekend, with prizes to be won and plenty of opportunities for photographs.

Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID, said: "Following the fantastic response to Newry Goes Nashville last year, we are delighted to bring the festival back for a second year.

"The feedback from businesses and visitors was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the atmosphere, the live music and the feelgood factor it created across the city centre.

"This year we have listened to that feedback and placed an even greater emphasis on daytime entertainment, creating more opportunities for visitors and families to enjoy the festival throughout the day as well as into the evening."

Mr Connolly added that the event was a significant boost for city centre trade. "Newry Goes Nashville is a fantastic footfall driver for the city. It encourages people to stay longer, visit more businesses and experience everything our city centre has to offer. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far for what promises to be another memorable weekend."

Full programme details, booking information and event updates will be available at Newry.com and on Newry BID's social media channels in the coming weeks.