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Get ready for a Jurassic-sized adventure this weekend as Skypark in Carlingford hosts an unforgettable Dinosaur Takeover.
From Saturday 31 May to Monday 02 June, families can experience the thrill of the live interactive dinosaur shows, “How to Train Your Dinosaur,” taking place at 11.00am, 12:30pm, 3.00pm, and 4.00pm daily. Watch as life-sized dinosaurs come to life in a roaring, stomping, high-energy performance the whole family will love and it's all included free with any Skypark pass tor his weekend only!
This dinosaur takeover is included in Skypark's epic activity passes: Ground Activity Pass (€30pp): Includes 10 fun-filled ground activities such as the Giant Skynet, Ireland’s largest wooden maze, mini golf, footgolf, and more.
Sky Aerial Pass (€30pp): Conquer the heights on Skypark’s iconic aerial adventure course featuring 30 aerial challenges and 7 thrilling zip lines (height restrictions apply).
Children under 3 and non-participating adults get in FREE with any full-paying child.
Whether you’ve got daring teens or curious little explorers, this is the perfect family day out. With breathtaking views, action-packed activities, and dino-mite entertainment – Skypark is the place to be this weekend.
Book now at www.skypark.ie
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Finegan & Son in Newry and Revive Saunas, Rostrevor are hosting an immersive nature-and-nourishment experience on Saturday, June 28.
It follows the sold-out success of their first wellness collaboration and is set against the stunning local landscape, including the beautiful Slieve Roosley. The unique event offers guests a rejuvenating combination of sunset sauna sessions, cold plunges, jacuzzi soaks, and Scandinavian-inspired dining, with optional overnight stays available on-site.
The event will feature guided breathwork by Wave Breathwork, gentle yoga flow by Hot Yoga Newry, Guest will float home feeling calmer, clearer, and deeply connected to themselves and nature.
“I've been up here with a few friends over the last month or so, and we just fell in love with the place” Graeme Finegan said of the newly opening outdoor sauna in Rostrevor. Watching the sun set on Slieve Roosley as the sun began to set, the team at the popular cafe immediately talked to visionaries behind Revive about a collaborative event.
Chris Cumming, owner of Revive, who had recently started his Revive Social Club. “We have amazing facilities here and beautiful scenery, we want to create a community of like minded individuals and teaming up with the guys at Finegan & Son seemed like a no brainer.
"At Revive we are all about experience, and we hope this event does just that, we have a few more really special events planned for over the summer, and we can’t wait for the public to join us.”
The overall experience will be based around wellness, nature and connection.
What’s on offer?
Sunset Sauna & Supper – Unwind with an evening sauna, relax in the jacuzzi as the sun dips, and finish with a wholesome, seasonal supper.
Guests can also stay overnight in on-site accommodation at Rostrevor Mountain Lodge making this the perfect local escape without the hassle of travel.
Spaces are limited and early booking is advised.
Location: Revive Saunas , 34 Lower Knockbarragh Rd, Rostrevor, Co BT34 3DP.
Date: Friday, June 28, 2025
To book go to www.revivesauans.co.uk
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Newry & District Motor Club are holding a meeting tonight, 23 June in Newry to help document the history of the club since its beginnings in the 1920's.
Current and past members are very welcome to tonights meeting which takes place in the Mourne Country Hotel, Newry at 7.30pm.
Desmond O'Loan, Chairman, NADMC said :In recent years we have struggled to keep the club alive and have decided to try and document the history before many of the older members disappear. To this end we have organised a gathering in the Mourne Country Hotel on Monday 23rd June at 7.30pm, inviting current and previous members to gather, bring memorabilia and reminisce.
"Out of this we hope to gather historical information, at risk of being lost and document the clubs history."
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People Before Profit are organising a fundraiser quiz for Newry Pride this Friday 4 July in Finegan & Son Café in Newry.
Organised by People Before Profit with permission from the Newry Pride Committee, funds raised will help the committee run Newry Pride events in the city in August.
PBP Newry & Armagh Rep Marc Mac Seáin said: "Pride is a logistically big undertaking in every city & town it takes place in across the country. In terms of finances, activist time & effort. We’d like to help shoulder the burden for the hardworking LGBT+ Women's Group Newry & Pride Committee by raising some funds to aid with building Newry Pride 2025.
"We wholeheartedly support our LGBT comrades as they come under renewed assault on their fundamental rights in society, with the struggle for many social & medical rights still ongoing. The work they do keeping their community visible, undeterred & marching forward is admirable. We want to support them how we can.
"Trans rights & sex education have been turned cynically into wedge issues across Ireland. The North has seen a rushed ban on puberty blockers for the small number of children experiencing gender dysphoria, whilst there remains significant controversy/ dispute with the Cass Review used to justify that from the likes of the BMA. The British Supreme Court made a ruling to legally define a woman in line with biological sex rather than gender, which presents an issue for transgender women now either in limbo or outright lumped in with men. Never-mind how the ruling endangers cisgender women who are not viewed as gender-conforming by others, with some being physically threatened. Libraries and their staff have also been significantly harassed by far-right agitators destroying LGBT literature & making threats.
"Needless to say, Pride is needed more than ever to rally our entire community around & support our LGBT sub-community. Bígí linn!"
Donations will be taken at the door with a suggested amount of £5.
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Newry Museum is once again hosting their popular Summer Workshops, packed with creative activities for children.
Due to overwhelming demand last year, they're now running two weeks of workshops to ensure more children can join the fun!
Your child will dive into a world of artistic discovery, inspired by the fascinating main and temporary exhibitions at The Museum. Their engaging sessions will spark their imagination as they explore a variety of exciting crafts, including:
Workshop Dates
Week 1: Tuesday 29 July – Friday 1 August
Week 2: Monday 4 August – Thursday 8 August
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM daily
Cost: £10 per child
Capacity: Limited to 10 children per session.
Ages: Suitable for children aged 7-12.
Please note: The crafts for Week 2 will be the same as Week 1.
To make the most of the creative fun, the museum recommend children wear clothes that can get messy! There will be a short break at 12 noon for those who wish to bring a small snack.
If you plan for your child to attend unaccompanied, please complete the Children's Registration Form and return it to the Museum as soon as possible to secure their place.
Spaces are limited and will fill up quickly, so don't miss out on this wonderful summer experience!
More info: Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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Preparations are well underway for Newry Pride 2025 and this year's parade and outdoor concert heads your way in a blaze of colour and fun on Saturday 30 August.
This year's Parade Grand Marshall is Alexa Moore. Originally from Newry, Alexa is now Policy, Campaigns and Comms Manager at The Rainbow Project Belfast. She has been at the forefront of the fight for Trans rights through very challenging recent years. She has also still found time to be a Múinteoir of Set Dancing and an all-round legend. The parade leaves from the Albert Basin at 1pm and travels via Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island and Hill Street to Marcus Square.
This year's theme is 'Louder, Prouder, Together'. The theme is in response to all those who say there's no more need for Pride parades, and LGBTQIA+ people should just be quiet and keep themselves hidden - That's not going to happen! It's also a nod to the LGBTQIA+ community and all its letters, each important and seen, and to the wider community and all the allies who support their LGBTQIA colleagues, friends and families.
A Newry Pride spokesperson said "There may be a lot of work still to be done to tackle stigma, homophobia, and transphobia, and to make society a safe and welcoming place for all, but we can get there - loudly, proudly and together."
Concert Line-up
Belfast Quire, Clare Sands, SOAK, St. Bishop and indie punk band Tramp have all been added to the concert bill in Marcus Square directly after the parade, and it's completely free.
Expect another colourful and lively day of enjoyment for all. There will be family fun stands, entertainment and food and drinks available in the square throughout the day. You can look forward to seeing your favourite local drag queens serving up some glam - Miss Auntie Marie and her friends will be out doing the rounds and there may even be a few more surprise guests in store.
Organisers welcome everyone who wants to show their support for LGBTQIA rights to come and take part. Parade registration remains open. You can sign up at the link: forms.gle
For information on volunteering, or taking out adverts in The Pride Guide, or finding out about sponsorship opportunities for the festival, please contact newrylgbtwomen@gmail.com or newryprideparadeinfo@gmail.com
Tickets to the Official Pride After-Party are available at Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk
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Newry is ‘a vibrant place to grow up and be a musician,’ says local student Aoibh Ní Thiománaí – who has become the face of Iúr Cinn Fleadh 2025. The citywide music, arts and culture festival runs in venues across Newry from 21-25 August.
The festival which has been running since 2014 has went from strength to strength and even though tickets for the popular trad cruises on Newry Ship Canal only went on sale last night, 14 July over half of them are already sold. The Fleadh has hosted a number of top Irish bands and artists including Horslips, Kieran Goss, Hothouse Flowers, The 4 of Us, Altan, Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black.
Aoibh is pictured on the cover of the Iúr Cinn Fleadh Event Guide, which has just been launched. Tin whistle in hand, she was photographed by Fleadh Chairperson Teresa O’Brien at Newry Museum, one of the festival venues.
The 16-page Guide features 22 descriptions of artists and activities with a timetable of over 90 events across the August Bank Holiday weekend – from a small intimate gig by local singer Pearse Larkin to a full-scale Town Hall concert by Irish supergroup Kíla with support from Matt Benson.
The publication shows the wide variety of Newry's festival treats – from poetry to puppets, bodhráns to boats, comedy to canoeing, photography to film, bugs to bees, kites to bikes, records to runners and ghosts to grub.
Reflecting on this vast array of activity, Aoibh said, ‘I hope Iúr Cinn Fleadh brings people into Newry to see there’s so much going on in the arts, that there are so many talented people and that it’s a vibrant place to grow up and be a musician’.
From nearby Jonesborough, 20-year-old Aoibh is studying Irish at Queen’s University, Belfast. It’s an intensive language course that’s giving Aoibh a broad understanding of Irish literature, culture and history.
When not diving into the depths of Celtic mythology, Aoibh works at Aonach Mhacha, the Armagh centre for promoting Irish language, art, music and culture.
‘For as long as I can remember, Irish culture and music have been central in every part of my life,’ said Aoibh. ‘From the moment I was introduced to our rich song tradition and beautiful language, I realised how lucky I was to be part of something special.
‘Iúr Cinn Fleadh’s ongoing encouragement and promotion of Irish arts and music provides an environment for musicians, singers, artists, Irish speakers, and enthusiasts from all backgrounds to thrive. There’s no better time for it than now!’
Aoibh cites recent figures from Irish culture agency Údarás na Gaeltachta which show 73 per cent of Irish people believe language is essential to their identity – ‘revealing a wave of renewed appreciation for Irish culture I’ve been fortunate enough to witness,’ she said.
‘There’s no doubt its increased popularity in the arts shows a generation of young people embracing the cultural enrichment that Irish provides – regardless of their political background and beliefs.’
Newry BID, Newry Mourne and District Council and Narrow Water Events are supporting this year's Fleadh with, of course, the backing of local volunteers.
To find out more about the festival or to purchase tickets, go to www.iurcinnfleadh.com
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Wee Binnian Walkers have announced the itinerary for their 2025 hillwalking festival, taking place from 12-14 September across the stunning Mourne and Cooley mountains as well as Slieve Gullion. The three-day event promises to showcase the natural beauty of our area with graded walks for all abilities in what is a hikers paradise.
Friday Night Kicks Off with Slieve Gullion
The festival opens on Friday 12 September with an ascent of the iconic Slieve Gullion. The Grade 2 walk starts from Slieve Gullion Forest Car Park at midday, covering 9km with 580m of elevation gain. The mountain, part of a unique volcanic ring dyke complex, is home to Ireland's highest surviving burial cairn.
Friday evening also offers something special for astronomy enthusiasts - a stargazing walk around Rostrevor. The enchanted evening walk takes in Fiddler's Green, the Cloughmore Stone, and the mystical Fairy Glen, with spectacular views over Carlingford Lough. Participants must bring functioning head torches for this limited-capacity walk departing from Kilbroney Car Park at 8pm.
Saturday's Mountain Marathon
Saturday 13 September features the festival's most challenging offering - the two-day Mourne Wall Walk. Day one covers an ambitious 18.6km route starting at Silent Valley, ascending Binnian and continuing via Long Seefin, Rocky, Slieve Donard, Commedagh and Corragh to Hare's Gap, with 1,533m of elevation gain. Day two of the walk continues Sunday 14 with starting at Meelmore Lodge taking in Hare’s Gap, Slieve Bearnagh, Meelmore, Meelbeag, Carn, Muck and Slievenaglogh to finish at the Silent Valley with elevation gain of 1,234m.
Saturday also offers several other options including walks in the High Mournes taking in multiple peaks from the famous seven summits and a beautiful traverse route in the Cooley Mountains steeped in the folklore of the legendary warrior Cúchulainn.
The day concludes with the "Blister Boogie" at Warrenpoint Golf Club described as the social highlight of the weekend, featuring dinner, music and dancing until late. Tickets cost £30 and must be purchased in advance.
Sunday's Sea to Summit Adventures
Sunday's programme includes several 'sea to summit' walks, with the most popular being the ascent of Ulster's highest mountain, Slieve Donard, starting from Bloody Bridge. Various graded routes are available, from a challenging 12.4km Grade 1 walk taking in multiple peaks, to a more accessible 9.6km Grade 3 option.
The Cooley Mountains feature again on Sunday with a ridge walk to Louth's highest peak, Slieve Foy, following the route through the landscape of the Táin Bó Cúailigne or Cattle Raid of Cooley.
Information
All walks depart from Warrenpoint Town Hall on Church Street, which serves as Festival HQ. Free parking is available nearby on The Square and other public car parks. Registration is required for all walks, either online via Eventbrite or on the day at the Town Hall.
Organisers stress that walking boots are essential, jeans are not suitable, and participants should carry full mountain gear including rainwear, spare clothing, packed lunch, and at least one litre of water. The festival is restricted to adults only, with no children under 18 or pets permitted.
With walks ranging from accessible Grade 3 routes to challenging Grade 1 mountain marathons, the Wee Binnian Walkers festival offers something for every level of hill walker looking to explore the magnificent Mourne and Cooley mountain ranges.
For full details and registration, visit the Wee Binnian Walkers website or check EVENTBRITE for advance booking options.
Download the full Wee Binnian Walking Festival 2025 Guide
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A special fundraising commemorative raffle and quiz night in memory of the late Newry born Dominican Fr. John O Rourke is to be staged this Thursday, 21 August in the Bank restaurant, Newry at 8.30pm. It marks his pastoral years in which he served the Dominican churches in Newry and in Tralee.
Fr John was the youngest ever prior in Newry and the only one who served for three terms. He later served in Holy Cross, Tralee from 1991until his death a year ago.
A team of clergy is coming up from Tralee and taking a table at the quiz and representatives from the Newry community will also be present at this rare event.
Fr O Rourke is still warmly remembered by Newry parishioners for his pastoral attention particularly during the Troubles. In fact he attended the members of the Miami Showband massacre in all its horror and trauma, and remained friendly afterwards with the survivors especially Stephen Travers who made the celebrated statement that ‘Mr Blundell saved my life, and Fr O Rourke saved my soul.’
He is the brother of well known former Abbey Grammar teacher Aiden O Rourke, creator of the celebrated fund-rising quiz which raised in excess of a million pounds for Newry and Mourne charities over seventeen years. His son Vincent and John Paul O Hare assisted him in setting it up at the very beginning and it grew into a major Newry institution.
This quiz also led to the formation of the world famous Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, providing financial assistance and guidance to families seeking to repatriate the remains of loved ones back to their home land. Kevin, from The Glen, was killed untimely in New York in June 2013 and the quiz to raise funds in order to bring him home generated an unprecedented £45,000.The remainder was utilised by his parents Colin and Eithne Bell to create the unique Trust which twelve years later is still relentlessly busy.
Fr O Rourke is also very much remembered for the ten o clock Sunday folk mass held in his time in Newry, totally packing the church and containing many singers now very well known, such as Kieran Goss, Cormac and the late Allison Goss, Paul Murphy from The Four of Us, Declan Mc Allister, Fr Colm Wright, Gary Price , Brenda Rankin, Paul Fitzsimmons, Paul Murphy and Declan Murphy.
During the coming quiz night there will be a special auction for 2 Man Utd tickets and 2 Liverpool tickets, the latter for executive and hospitality tickets for either an FA cup game, a league game or a champions league game.
The main organisers, Richie Kehoe, Ryan Dineen and Michael McKeown are confident that Thursday’s event will prove to be a nostalgic occasion, recalling the warmth and respect the Dominicans such as Fr John O Rourke retain in the affections of the local people and his equally outstanding thirty years pastoral ministry in Tralee.
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