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The second Rath Literary Festival has been hailed an outstanding success following its return, with an exciting and diverse programme of literature, music, film and creative workshops, celebrating both local talent and visiting artists. This years festival had a strong emphasis on creativity, participation and young people.
of History, in Chandler’s House on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee of the Rathfriland festival, Catherine Fegan said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to our events over the weekend. We were so encouraged with the numbers of young people who took part this year. There was an amazing response to our Schools Competition with entries from ten primary and five secondary schools. We will soon be announcing our winners and celebrating their incredible entries. Our thanks go to Arlene Pattison for leading our children’s programme and two workshops over the festival. We also want to thank the renowned Irish scientist Eanna Ni Lamhna who encouraged children to see and question the magic of the world around us.
Peters and Catherine Fegan in Chandler’s House, Rathfriland.
“Belfast author Tony Macauley made a return journey to Rathfriland on Friday evening and local poet Maggie Doyle from Dechomet, read from her second book, Magy’s Farm - Where Music Grows. The authors were complemented by performances from local musicians Ria Maguire and Brídín Wells.
“Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council kindly allowed us the use of Drumballyroney Church, where authors Chrissie Walsh and Rosemary Jenkinson offered practical advice and insights into their writing journey and provided much needed inspiration and motivation to new and aspiring authors, whether it be poetry or prose, fact or fiction. Following their talk, the School House was the perfect intimate venue for guests to chat and swap their writing experiences over coffee and nibbles while listening to the local folk group Blended Whiskey.
the Rath Literary Festival in Drumballyroney Church.
“On Saturday evening, staying in the atmospheric setting of Drumballyroney Church, a special thanks has to go to our keynote speaker, Lord Iveagh, Edward Arthur Guinness, (head of the Guinness family) on his first visit to the area. It was a truly memorable evening with Anne Harper discussing his recent book on the history of his family as well as performing her beautiful piece Iveagh on the harp for him and the audience. Anne even got him to demonstrate the correct way to pour a glass of Guinness!
“Sunday brought us back to Chandler’s House where John Shannon led an open mic session allowing locals to have their moment performing work they have written to an audience and encouraging people in our area to be creative and keep writing and sharing their work.
book, Magy’s Farm - Where Music Grows.
“After lunch Newpoint Players performed their play, The Trial of PH Pearse before the Court of History, written by Anthony Russell when the audience made up the jury in the case, which led to some interesting discussion. The final decision of the jury whilst not unanimous was heavily in favour of ‘Not Guilty’ so had Mr Pearse been tried in Rathfriland in 2026 he would most likely be back in the pub straight after.
“Our finale was the Suzanne Savage Quartet bringing ‘The Songs of Joni Mitchell’ to life to a packed-out Chandler’s House. Her rendition of the songs brought so many memories back to members of the audience and it was impossible not to sing along. The evening was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful programme of events, with the audience captivated from start to finish. It was a memorable night of music, nostalgia and shared enjoyment, bringing this year’s festival to a close on a truly uplifting note.
“Thanks to everyone who made the weekend a success and for all those who supported us in buying tickets.”
Plans will now move to creating a bigger programme for the Rath Literary Festival 2027. Keep in touch with plans via the Facebook page or email rathliteraryfestival@gmail.com.
