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In just two weeks time, food and music fans can look forward to a weekend of culinary delights and live music as the Eats and Beats festival returns to Newcastle.
Set against the stunning background of the Mourne Mountains, the festival in Newcastle, County Down on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September is a foodie and music lover’s paradise with a wealth of flavours and incredible acts.
Sample the finest local produce from an array of chefs and local food producers, while talented artists create an electric atmosphere with live music performances.
Sit back and relax while local celebrity chefs cook up a storm, celebrate the finest artisan local produce for which the region is renowned and enjoy cookery demos from the likes of highly acclaimed TV chef Jenny Bristow, and Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe, who represented Northern Ireland on Great British Menu in 2021 and 2024.
Delicious fare and drinks will also be available at the Producers Pavilion with an array of local and Northern Irish food producers. There you will find the some of the finest food and drink on show from Savour Visit Mourne's producers and experiences such as Crawford’s Rock, NearyNógs Chocolatiers and Killeavy Castle Estate. There’ll also be a tipple or two on offer from our local distilleries and craft breweries from gin, whiskey, to beer from the likes of Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery.
At the same time music lovers can dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days. The weekend’s soundtrack will be played out across two stages from the best in local and international musicians and bands. Expect a mix of rock, gospel, folk, country, blues, and punk from musical talent across the island of Ireland.
On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will see incredible music from the likes of Stephen Rafferty, Paddy Casey, The Skallions and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is sure to add to the festival atmosphere.
Anyone looking for something different can lose themselves in the traditional roots with contemporary sounds and influences of Clare Sands. The Vibes, Mariachi San Patricio and Wookalily will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.
Speaking about the two-day festival set to takeover Newcastle in September, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “I am delighted the Eats and Beats festival is returning to Newcastle again this year. With its incredible backdrop and holiday vibe, Newcastle will provide the perfect location to draw visitors into the district to enjoy the area’s growing food and music culture.
“It is important that the Council provides opportunities for our hardworking businesses to showcase themselves to a wide audience. The Eats and Beats festival will be an excellent opportunity to sample our delicious award-winning food, chart-topping music, great drinks but above all else, a fantastic time with friends and family.”
Councillor Byrne continued, “We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark.
“Complementing our Giant Adventure series this year will be the return of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”
Jason Hawthorne, Franchise Manager, Lexus Belfast said, “Lexus Belfast is delighted to sponsor the Food Pavilion at the 2024 Eats and Beats Festival for the second consecutive year. The success of last year’s event brought significant exposure to local businesses and musicians, and we are proud to support a festival that emphasises sustainability—a value that aligns closely with our brand’s core principles.”
So, if you're looking for a fun-filled weekend that combines great food, fantastic music, and beautiful scenery; this is a weekend not to be missed. Get your friends or family, head to Newcastle and eat drink and dance your way around the Eats & Beats festival at Donard Park this September.
For the latest information on the Eats and Beats Festival visit: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
For ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details please visit: giant-adventures
Follow them on social media @VisitMourne #VisitMourne #MourneMountains #RingOfGullion #StrangfordLough
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Newry and Mourne Museum has arranged tours of the Castle and the galleries and bread making demonstrations as part of European Heritage Open Days. The events in keeping with the rich heritage of the building take place on the second weekend in September from Saturday 14 Sept to Sunday 15 Sept 2024.
On Saturday 14 September, the Museum will host Sharon Campbell from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Dundrum who will facilitate two bread making demonstrations, one at 11am and another at 2pm.
Sharon will make soda farls and potato bread from scratch, while highlighting various options that can be used when cooking. She will be available to answer any questions you have whilst you sample what has been cooked which will be accompanied by Sharon’s homemade jam.
These demonstrations complement their current temporary exhibition ‘Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery’, which looks at the Bakery’s long history going back to its establishment in 1837.
You visit can this gallery if you book a place on one of the guided tours of the Museum, also on 14 September which start at 10am and again at 1pm.
The tour of focuses on Bagenal’s Castle, a 16th century fortified house, as well as the main exhibitions that include prehistoric material, Newry as a merchant town, the working life of the area and modern experiences of living in a Border area. It will also take in ‘Newry Artists: Past and Present’, the temporary exhibition that celebrates the works of talented artists who hail from Newry or who have found inspiration in the local area.
The Museum will be open on Sunday 15 September from 10am until 4.30pm. This will offer visitors a chance to stroll through the galleries and use the free audio guides, (available in English, Irish, French German) which provide more information on the Castle and the exhibits. A specific tour aimed at children in the age range 7-12 is also available in English and Irish.
There is no cost for any of these activities, but booking is advisable. For more information or to book please email
Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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All the ingredients you need for a fantastic weekend will be in the mix at Newcastle next weekend for the Eats and Beats free food and music festival. Held on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September there will be two music stages, local and Northern Irish food producers, and an abundance of food vendors, it will also be jam-packed with live music and a world of cuisine.
Festival goers can sample the finest local produce at the Food Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over 40 local and Northern Irish artisan food producers to sample from and buy.
It’s here that you will find some of the finest food and drink on show from our Savour Visit Mourne's producers. Killeavy Castle Estate, Crawford’s Rock and NearyNógs Chocolatiers will also be on hand to inspire you with their culinary experiences. For those who enjoy a tipple or two, local distilleries and craft breweries like Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery will whet your appetite with some local craft beers, gin, and whiskey.
There will be a wonderful line-up of cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs dishing up a delicious serving of tasty treats over the festival weekend in the Mourne Flavours Pavilion. From Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, celebrated chef, and renowned author to Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe, who represented Northern Ireland on Great British Menu in 2021 and 2024. Cookery demonstrations start at 10.45am each day.
Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen will also delight the crowds with her passion for crafting traditional breads and traybakes that capture the essence of homemade goodness. Completing the cookery demo lineup will be the Slieve Donard Hotel, Burrendale Hotel and Harbour Inn who will be on hand to inspire us with their culinary creations.
Music lovers can then dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days.
Visitors will be entertained by an incredible array of performances offering an eclectic mix of styles and genres that is sure to create a big festival vibe across the seaside town. Live music starts each day from 11.30am in Donard Park be sure to check the various artists set times at: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats/eats-and-beats-music.
On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will be hosted by QRadio presenter, comedian and DJ Ryan Hand. The festival weekend will see incredible music from the likes of Claudia Buckley, Reevah, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is joined by the Uplifted Gospel Choir who are sure to add to the festival atmosphere.
Anyone looking for something different will find it at the World Stage in Donard Park, hosted by Ripton Lindsey. Loose yourself in the vibes of Manukahunney, Wilson Magwere, Swar Ahmed, The Navigators of Sound and Havana Roots will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Newry Mourne and Down is gaining recognition for its exceptional food and drink offerings, and the area has a longstanding reputation for producing talented and successful musicians. The Eats and Beats festival promises to be a fantastic opportunity to sample our award-winning food, great drinks, chart-topping music, and, most importantly, a fantastic time with friends and family.
Councillor Byrne continued, “This year, we have a packed schedule with a wide range of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Throughout the weekend local businesses are also offering unique experiences which capture the spirit of Newcastle. From artisanal markets and craft fairs to live music and entertainment in the local bars and restaurants, ‘on the fringe events’ add an extra layer of enjoyment to the main festivities.”
Councillor Byrne continued, “We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark. All roads lead to Newcastle on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September for the Eats and Beats festival, a highlight in the Council's Giant Adventures series.”
Jason Hawthorne, Franchise Manager, Lexus Belfast said, “Lexus Belfast is delighted to sponsor the Food Pavilion at the 2024 Eats and Beats Festival, where the community’s passion for great food and live music meets the excitement of discovering the latest Lexus product range. At Lexus Belfast, we believe in fuelling memorable experiences, and there’s no better way to do that than by bringing people together for a day of flavour, rhythm, and fun!”
For visitors travelling to Newcastle, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road on both days. Public toilets and Accessoloo will be located across the site.
Stay tuned to the Visit Mourne Social Media pages where the full festival line-up, carparking and other important festival information will be available throughout the weekend www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
Also check out @VisitMourne
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The Oriel Traditional Music Archive is hosting an event in memory of of Willie McSherry, this Thursday 12 September 2024 from 7-9 PM, in Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail.
Willie McSherry, well-known Newry accordion player, was one of the founders of the Newry Comhaltas Ceolteóirí Éireann. His style and legacy will be the focus of the event which lines up a presentation and live music.
The tribute night is important on a number of fronts;
Cultural continuity: elder musicians like Willie serve as repositories of Irish traditional musical heritage. They embody a deep well of knowledge and empathy for traditional tunes, regional and personal stylistic interpretations, and the cultural context in which they inherited, and passed on the music. Young musicians can develop a deeper appreciation of the roots and evolution of their local repertoires, enabling them to become more fulfilled, sensitive and more representative ambassadors of their local region, by studying the music of the Elders, like Willie.
Technical and stylistic insights: musicians like Willie Mc Sherry, Josephine Keegan and other local ambassadors in this part of Oriel can empower a new generation, in their performances, techniques, ornamentations and regions traits not available on the multivarious social media and Internet sources which provide shortcuts to the tunes that lack depth in colour and context.
Historical perspective: Willie was a much-venerated musician and custodian of the tradition. He understood the fast-changing context of traditional music in the middle of the last century. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have engaged with him at sessions or at his home were afforded unique opportunities to the background of music making at that time.
OTMA, together with Willie’s family and friends have organised an evening which will be informative, engaging and motivating. A rare occasion to hear at first-hand how Willie and his contemporaries worked hard by day and played furiously by night to strike the balance of maintaining a warm and caring home, and cultivating an accommodating and inclusive context for one of the critical identifiers of our community… our Irish traditional music.
Charlie McSherry, Willie’s son, invites musicians to join him playing some of the tunes that Willie played and shared so widely.
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Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a 14-week event aimed at enchanting visitors and boosting the local economy. Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering a journey through the ‘Land of Legends.’
The €500,000 investment in Adventure Lights highlights a commitment to creating a standout winter attraction. Visitors will enjoy an interactive adventure blending Irish myths with family-friendly activities.
Edward Fuller, General Manager of Skypark, emphasized the event’s importance in celebrating Ireland’s heritage and supporting local employment by attracting thousands of visitors.
The event’s themed zones include Dolmen Adventure, Maze Adventure, and Mythology Adventure, featuring 2D and 3D illuminated statues. Visitors can also explore Ireland’s Ancient East maze or the Skynet Adventure after dark.
Food options range from pizzas and burgers to sweet treats like crepes and donuts. Thomas McArdle, Managing Director, praised the team’s efforts and collaboration with Decoled, a specialist lighting company, in creating this unique event.
With Carlingford’s proximity to Dublin and Belfast, Adventure Lights is expected to attract visitors nationwide, boosting local tourism. Supported by Failte Ireland, Louth County Council, and Louth Leader, the event runs from 4pm to 8pm, perfect for families, schools, and groups. For tickets and details, visit Skypark.ie
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Sticky Fingers Arts based in Edward Street in Newry are hosting an international children's festival in October. The event runs from 8 - 20 October.
Féile na Draiochta (festival of magic) is a celebration of childhood and spans the Ancient East of Ireland with a full programme of magical events and arts activities across Newry and Dundalk.
2024 will see the return of old favourites as well as welcoming many new faces, spanning theatre, music, storytelling, and crafts as well as exhibitions, street art and signature outdoor events.
They are hosting events and activities in Dundalk for the first time and are looking forward to welcoming children and families from across county Louth to the many new events and the start of a new version for the festival that they plan to grow year on year.
The festival program is packed full of magical creative activities for everyone to enjoy and Sticky Fingers are looking forward to a very magical week of creative fun.
Theatre, felt making, play sessions, comedy, storytelling, workshops and dancing all feature.
Highlights
Belongings - Tangled Feet and Rowan Tree Theatre
We are all trying to work out our story. Who are we? How are we shaped? Where do we fit in?
Cleo arrives into a new home, unsure of what the future holds. She meets the playful Bertie, who brings her out of her shell, and Leila, who she has more in common with than she first thought. Life has been unsettled for the trio: Bertie is pushing towards the future, Leila is trying to reconnect with her past and Cleo is searching for answers. Together they balance, dance and climb to navigate imagined worlds, divided loyalties and loved ones far away. They unite to discover a place
called home, the value of play, and together, learn how to own their own stories.
Developed through working creatively with young people in care over a period of years, this "inspiring, engaging, beautifully evocative production"
(Everything Theatre) explores a fundamental need we all share - the need to belong.
Nominated for Two Off West End Awards!
Age 7+
Book online at www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk £5 / € 6
Venue: Imaginarium Theatre, Newry, BT35 6AX
Wednesday 9th October 11.00am & 4.30pm
Venue: An Táin, Dundalk, A91 ADK1
Thursday 10th October 11.00am & 4.30pm
Feltmaking workshop
Join Sticky Fingers resident artist Caóilfionn Murphy O'Hanlon who will guide you in creating a magical wool painting using a wet felting process.
Using wool and fibres along with your own magical ideas, create your own wonderland scene or far away land to take home with you.
Imaginarium at Sticky Fingers, Newry
Wednesday 16th October 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Ages 5 years + with an accompanying adult
£3.00
Booking required on www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk
Don't let the bugs bite by Banyan Theatre
A bedtime story like no other, join Karen, Zoe and the wee Granny on a playful and Imaginative 'Sleepover".
Dancing Bugs, Silly Spiders and some Crazy Caterpillars. A fun and Imaginative show using puppetry, storytelling and physical Theatre perfect for children 3+ and their families.
40min duration
Saturday 19th October
Imaginarium, Newry
12.00pm and again 4.00pm
£5 booking required
Booking www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk
Sunday 20th October
An Táin Theatre, Dundalk
12.00pm and again 4.00pm
€6 booking required
Check out the full event guide at Féile na Draiochta 2024
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Newry Museum are hosting Debbie McCann from Wee Yarn Designs for a ‘Dorset Button Making’ craft workshop in October.
The workshop will take place at the museum on Saturday 12 October from 10am to 1pm.
Designed for adults (or anyone over 16) participants will be taken through the history of the Dorset button and how it can be used today for embellishment or as a piece of quirky jewellery!
Debbie will demonstrate how to make a simple cross wheel button and then guide the participants in the creation of their own brooch or necklace, which you can take home.
This will appeal to anyone with an interest in traditional heritage craft and textiles.
There will be a £5 cost and pre-payment (cash or card) is required to secure a place as numbers for these sessions are very limited. The Museum would appreciate if participants could inform them if they are unable to attend.
More information by emailing Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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From haunted tours to ghostly storytelling, there's something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween across Newry, Mourne and Down.
Residents will have their pick of spooktacular Halloween events happening in all corners of our newly designated UNESCO Geopark, organised by both the Council and local community organisations.
The hottest event of the season, Footsteps in the Forest in Slieve Gullion Forest Park, is now fully booked. Every year it provides the perfect opportunity to experience the park's hauntingly beautiful landscape while enjoying some festive Halloween fun. Visitors will go along illuminated trails that will take them on a journey tracing the origins of Samhain to modern day Halloween. The mystical experience will be held each evening between Monday 21 – Tuesday 29 October, enthralling and capturing the imaginations of all ages.
Halloween in Newry City on Thursday 31 October promises to be a spine-tingling delight, bringing the city’s streets to life in the darkness. With Halloween Children’s Craft Cave at Newry Variety Market and a family-friendly street carnival in Marcus Square, it will be a night for all to enjoy.
Earlier in the day, on Thursday 31 October, little trick-or-treaters can take part in a Halloween storytelling event in Newry and Mourne Museum. The storytelling sessions take place at 11:30am and 1:30pm and will be sure to get the whole family in the spooky spirit.
Warrenpoint fireworks display will take place on Thursday 31 October at 7pm. A glittering fireworks display will shoot over Carlingford Lough. A wonderful way to enjoy your Halloween night and even better if you have a hot chocolate in hand.
A Halloween festival will take place on Thursday 31 October in Crossmaglen, with plenty of family-friendly activities happening in Crossmaglen Square from 1pm and a finale fireworks display later in the evening which can be viewed from Crossmaglen Rangers.
Kilkeel will host a spectacular fireworks display on Friday 1 November at 7:30pm to 8pm at Mourne Esplanade. Visit the Traders Market in at the Bowling Pavilion, catch firebreather performances from 6pm to 8pm and round off the eerie evening by watching the fireworks light up the night sky.
Anyone looking for a scary seaside adventure should make their way to Newcastle for Hallow Scream on Sunday 27 October. The event will run from 3pm to 8pm with a spooktacular entertainment, music, food, and fireworks.
Halloween night entertainment will kick off in Market Square in Ballynahinch on Thursday 31 October from 6pm to 9pm. The Market Square will be filled with stalls, street entertainers, a fun fair and lots more!
Spooktastic Downpatrick will take place in venues and outdoor spaces across the town on Halloween Night. You can dial up or dial down the scary with activities such as arts and crafts, bonfires, storytelling, a spooky trail, and a fancy-dress parade. For those that really like to feel the fear, there will be a free family friendly ghost tour, ‘Return of High Sheriff Ward’, departing from Down County Museum. The annual Halloween fireworks display taking place at 8pm is sure to dazzle the crowds.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “We are excited to be part of a wide range of Halloween activities taking place across the District. There is truly something for everyone happening throughout the week and on Halloween night itself. From fireworks to fancy dress, street entertainment and spooky storytelling, people are sure to find something they will enjoy and maybe get a few scares along the way.”
Families and children of all ages can find something to amaze them this Halloween in Newry, Mourne and Down. To find a full list of all that’s happening make sure to check the Visit Mourne Mountains Halloween page at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
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