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As part of Newry BID’s Health in the City month you have a chance to visit the Mindful Museum in March, with expert guides on hand and some special guests for a special walk through the peace and tranquillity of Newry & Mourne Museum’s galleries.
It's a chance for you to escape from the bustle of the working week. Discover relaxing new ways of looking and experiencing their beautiful collections and learn some techniques for staying curious and mindful in the world around us.
The event is on Wednesday 3 March from 12-30 – 2.00 pm at Newry & Mourne Museum, Bagenal’s Castle
There is no charge for this event, but capacity is limited so please book in advance by email to Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
You can check out all the Newry BID Health in the City events at Health in the City 2025
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The Newry, Mourne, and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) are hosting a free walk-in Safety and Wellbeing event in Newry Leisure Centre on Tuesday 4 March 2025 from 10am to 2pm.
The event is organised by the PCSP in collaboration with Start 360 an organisation that delivers a range of person-centred services to young people, adults, families and communities across Northern Ireland.
The safety and wellbeing event is open to all and will feature a mocktail bar and over 20 exhibitor stands. This year, the event will also feature a road safety demonstration at 11am by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), where the public will be able to watch as the Fire Service demonstrate on a vehicle, how they deal with cars and passengers who have been involved in a road traffic collision.
Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP Cllr Terry Andrews said, “Throughout a time of collective challenges, we as a PCSP feel it is important that residents of Newry, Mourne and Down know what local support is available for them and how they can access these resources to improve their wellbeing and keep themselves safe.
We invite those of all ages to attend this free drop-in event where we will have key workers in the safety and wellbeing field there on the day to provide help and offer some friendly advice. I would encourage the public to drop into the event in Newry Leisure Centre on the 4 March between 10am and 2pm, as it may provide information which could make a difference in their own day-to-day lives.”
A range of other organisations are attending the event and will provide information on drugs and alcohol use, mental health support as well as information on local support services and groups available in the district.
We invite everyone to our free drop-in event at the main hall in Newry Leisure Centre from 10am until 2pm and attendees are encouraged to come along and have a chat with local service providers.
For more information or enquiries please contact Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP at PCSP@nmandd.org.
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Later this month the Old Newry Society are holding a talk on Newry's historic waterways at Newry Museum. 'From the Basin to the Bar' is a photographic journey on our local waterways using photos which local maritime historian Seán Patterson has collected over the years. During the talk Seán will focus on local shipping histories, the railways and local folklore.
The journey begins at ‘The Swinging Basin’ in Newry and concludes at the Bar in Carlingford Lough where the lough meets the sea. Among the topics covered will be emigration and tragedies like the Carlingford Lough Tragedy of 1916.
Seán is a former schoolteacher, born and brought up in Drumalane Park, beside the Newry Ship Canal where he developed his interest in local maritime history. He was a watch leader with Ocean Youth Trust Ireland from 2003 until 2010. He has also appeared on numerous radio and television broadcasts in Ireland.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, said, “This talk is a reminder of this area’s proud maritime past. The Canal and the port of Newry provided employment for generations of local merchant seamen. The talk also acts as teaser to the opening of a new temporary exhibition, ‘Making Waves’, which will look at the history of Newry as a port town”.
The talk will take place at 2pm on Saturday 22 March in Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal’s Castle. The entry cost is £2.50 per person. If you wish to book or you require more information, please email Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Buttercrane Shopping Centre is offering a treat to anyone named Patrick, Patricia, or any derivative of these names. At the Centre on Monday, 17 March, customers named after Saint Patrick will be able to enjoy a free tea or coffee at any of their food outlets * (See how you get your free drink below). That's just one of the many happenings at the centre throughout the day.
There will be live music on mall on Sunday 16 March from 12-4pm with CeeV and throughout Monday 17 March from 12 noon – 4pm with music from Cairde Ceoil, The Molly Maguires and the Casino Jazz Band.
Free facepainting will be available from 12-4pm on Saint Patrick’s Day with Mascot Roary the Tiger giving out balloons to children throughout the day.
For more information, visit their website at www.buttercrane.co.uk or see their event listing on their social pages FB @ButtercraneCentre / IG@Buttercrane.Centre
* How It Works
Visit the Help Desk: Head over to our Help Desk located in the centre. Present Your Photo ID: Show your valid photo ID to confirm your name. Get Your Special Token: Receive a token that can be redeemed for one standard tea or coffee with milk at any of their food outlets including T2 Restaurant; Burger King; Muffin Break; Costa Coffee; Subway; Spoon Street (Speciality drinks are not included in this promotion.)
The offer is available from 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday, 17th March, and is open to anyone named Patrick, Patricia, or a derivative e.g. Padraig, Patrice, Paddy, etc
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Action Mental Health is inviting members of the public to support a good cause this April by tickling their funny bone with two nights of comedy from top local talent.
‘Stand-up for Someone’ will take place in Belfast on Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2 and will feature various home-grown comedians, including a mixture of both established names and up-and-coming talent. The line-up (subject to change) includes Colin Geddis, Micky Bartlett, Emer Maguire, Diona Doherty, Sean Hegarty, Aaron Butler, Andrew Ryan and Dave Elliott, who will also assist as compere for the events.
The charity’s ‘Stand-up for Someone’ gigs come on the back of its successful ‘I AM SOMEONE’ campaign, which launched on World Mental Health Day in 2024. The campaign highlights the fact that behind the statistics – including the fact that one in five adults will experience mental health issues in Northern Ireland within their lifetimes – there is a real person. All funds raised from ‘I AM SOMEONE’ and ‘Stand-up for Someone’ will subsequently go into supporting the services Action Mental Health provides to children, young people and adults throughout Northern Ireland.
Action Mental Health’s Head of Communications and Fundraising, Jonathan Smyth, said: “We’re excited to launch our ‘Stand-up for Someone’ events, which will bring together a host of comedians to help us raise funds for our mental health services, along with awareness about mental health in general.
“We encourage everyone to come along to enjoy a great night out at The MAC with us – have a laugh and support people in your local community at the same time. Every penny raised will go directly to helping someone struggling with their mental health and support our vital services across Northern Ireland.”
Comedian, Dave Elliott, added that the ‘Stand-up for Someone’ gigs were not to be missed, as they gave audiences a unique opportunity to enjoy a mixture of comedians that they wouldn’t normally get to see in the one night.
“This is a great chance to see some of your favourite local acts performing alongside each other,” he said. “Even better is the fact that, by supporting the event, you’ll also be helping to raise funds for Action Mental Health – a long-standing charity dedicated to helping people who are struggling with their mental health.”
The ‘Stand-up for Someone’ comedy nights will take place at The MAC, Belfast on April 1 and 2, with ticket prices starting at £22.50 and all proceeds going directly to supporting Action Mental Health’s on the ground services. To find out more visit: www.amh.org.uk
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This Saturday 5 April at 6pm, Newry Cathedral Parish are hosting a diocesan event to celebrate the Jubilee Year. In a story that reads like a powerful spiritual drama, Martina Purdy, former BBC political correspondent turned religious sister is set to share her deeply moving and hope-filled testimony at Newry Cathedral Parish in what promises to be a stirring and inspirational evening.
Martina, once a familiar face on our television screens reporting from the steps of Stormont, made headlines of a very different kind when she walked away from her high-profile broadcasting career in 2014 to follow a divine calling into religious life. She entered the Sisters of Adoration convent in Belfast, embracing a life of prayer, silence, and contemplation as Sr Martina of the Blessed Sacrament.
However, her journey took an unexpected turn five years later, when changes to Vatican rules meant that her congregation no longer had enough to continue her formation. Alongside three other women, including former barrister Elaine Kelly, Martina had to leave religious life and begin anew.
“It was the shock of my life from the God of surprises,” she says candidly. “I went from a two-act play to a dramatic mini-series.”
But out of the ashes of disappointment came a renewed sense of purpose. Now based in her native Belfast at St Michael the Archangel parish, Martina is part of the leadership team, working once again alongside Elaine Kelly. Their mission continues through spiritual retreats, parish ministry, and pilgrimages – most notably as guides along St Patrick’s Way in Downpatrick, where they helped create a unique Camino experience in 2020.
Martina is also a columnist for The Irish Catholic and part of the “Light the Fire” mission with Dana Rosemary Scallon and her husband Damien – an outreach aimed at rekindling the flame of faith first lit by St Patrick on these shores in 432AD.
At the upcoming event in Newry Cathedral Parish, Martina will speak on the theme of “Finding Hope in the Darkness of Impossibility” – a subject she knows intimately.
“It is only when everything falls apart that you really come to know the depths of faith and what hope really means,” she reflects. “When you only have God, you learn that God is enough.”
Her story is a compelling reminder that faith is not about perfection or predictability, but perseverance and trust in the face of the unknown.
This is an unmissable opportunity to hear from a woman who left the corridors of power for the sake of the Gospel. All are welcome to attend what promises to be an evening of honesty, inspiration, and renewed hope. Her talk will take place as part of the Vigil Mass.
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Buttercrane Centre in Newry has lots of free events on over the Easter weekend. Get along and enjoy the school break with the children and of course get some shopping done too!
There's music, faceprinting and even a Kids Farm Petting Zone. Buttercrane has got lots of coffee stops and lunch time choices for you throughout the weekend and lots of convenient parking in their multistorey.
Enjoy great value and new arrivals at anchor stores Primark, Dunnes Stores, Sport Direct and LIDL.
Saturday 19 April
On Saturday 19th April Buttercrane will have free facepainting with Marion from 12-4pm located at the Help Desk.
Performance duo Lana del Rich and her guitarist Ryan will perform from 1-3.30pm beside the Costa Coffee pod on our mini stage.
Monday 21 April
On Monday 21st of April, there will be lots of cute baby animals at Buttercrane's special Easter Petting Zone with the experts from Kidz Farm.
Marion from Cool Kidz will be there too will face painting from 12-4pm located at the Help Desk.
The talented local singer/songwriter Ceev will be on the mall entertaining shoppers from 1 - 3.30pm on the Costa stage.
Come shop & stay and enjoy the free entertainment across the Easter weekend.
Happy Easter from the team at Buttercrane Centre.
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Buskfest, one of the year's most anticipated musical events, returns to Banbridge on Saturday 14 June 2025. Buskers of all ages and genres are invited to register for the chance to perform and compete for prizes from a total pot of £3,500.
BBC Radio Ulster's Ralph McLean, one of the event's judges said, "Buskfest is one of my favourite musical days of the year and in my opinion, the biggest and best celebration of busking around. What makes it so special is the platform it gives performers of all kinds to step out, be heard, and connect with an audience. Every year I'm blown away by the range and quality of talent on show. Whether you're a solo singer, a band, or something in between, there's a space for you here. Judging is never easy, but it's always inspiring and I can't wait to see Banbridge come alive once again with music on every corner."
Registration is open at buskfest.com until 13 June. On the day, buskers must check in at the Old Town Hall between 11:30am and 1:00pm to claim their performance pitch. Music will fill the streets from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, followed by the Prize Giving & Evening Concert until 8:30pm featuring Banshee (last year's winner), The Reillys, and headliners The Nooks.
The free, family-friendly event includes afternoon activities for all ages. To register, visit buskfest.com
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Newry Museum is hosting several events this month with free tours and childrens craft sessions.
To celebrate International Museum Day Newry and Mourne Museum is offering free tours of the Museum’s galleries from 20 – 23 May, from 2pm until 3pm.
International Museum Day is an annual event established by International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977 to highlight the crucial role of museums in cultural exchange, enriching cultures, and fostering understanding among people.
The Museum will be open to the public 26 May, Bank Holiday Monday from 10.00am until 4.30pm.
On 26 May for their younger guests the museum will host a drop-in ‘Spring into Summer’ craft session making flowers, chicks and maybe a May-Pole. This is suitable for children over 5 years and takes place from 11am until 1pm. We are also hosting face painting from 11am until 3pm.
In the afternoon there will be a unique planting workshop with beautiful summer pots to brighten your front door packed full of summer bedding plants. Numbers for this session is limited so booking is required. This will take place from 1.30pm until 3pm and is suitable for children aged 5 to 11.
An adult must accompany children. If you require more information, please reply to Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
For visitors who wish to take a stroll through the galleries, the Museum provides FREE audio guides in English, Irish and French German which provide more information on the Castle and the exhibits. A tour aimed at children in the age range 7-12 is also available in English and Irish. Currently on display is the temporary exhibition “Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery”.
For opening hours, information on events, upcoming exhibitions and other services please telephone 0330 137 4422.
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