Write a comment
Tune your guitar, warm up your voice, tighten your bodhrán and rosin your bow – the countdown begins to Newry’s citywide music festival Iúr Cinn Fleadh from 21-25 August.
Supported by Newry BID, Newry Mourne and District Council and Narrow Water Events, the five-day fest is made up of nearly 100 shows and activities at venues across Newry.
The holiday spectacular starts with Poetry And Pancakes at Newry Library on 21 August - when budding and seasoned poets will meet to share stanzas and help launch a new anthology of local writers.
Trad Trail sessions will then kick off, involving musicians from around the locality and beyond, trending Irish tunes throughout the Bank Holiday weekend at local cafes and bars. And of course not forgetting the unforgettable daily trad cruises down Newry Ship Canal.
Some places such as Canal Court Hotel, Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Nan Rice’s, Railway Bar and Bellini’s will be staging weekend-long programmes.
Daytime sessions will be held at such venues as Finegan and Son, Caring Coins, Synge and Byrne, Grounded, The Oliver, Snaub’s, Cozy Corner and The Phoenix.
Evening sessions will run at locations like The Bridge, St John Bosco, Brass Monkey, McCoys, Larkins, Magee’s, Courtney’s Steakhouse, Catholic Working Men’s Club and McSwiggans.
There are other dimensions to the Fleadh. Some events involve walking into other worlds - such as the Ghost Walk through our spooky city - and Old Newry Society’s walking quiz through historic Newry.
Heralded as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands, Kíla will fill Newry Town Hall with trad and world sounds on 23 August. Sharing the bill is Rostrevor-born singer-songwriter Matt Benson - a member of George Ezra’s band who’s performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.
Event volunteer and ‘face of the Fleadh’ Aoibh Ní Thiománaí 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’.
Iúr Cinn Fleadh has been running for ten years, hosting a number of top Irish bands and artists including Horslips, Hothouse Flowers, Altan, Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black.
Newry BID, Newry Mourne and District Council and Narrow Water Events are supporting this year's Fleadh with the backing of local volunteers. For tickets and information, visit www.iurcinnfleadh.com
Write a comment
It’s Back from the Booley festival time again. The village of Hilltown, Co Down, is once more taking a long deep breath before plunging into its annual rural heritage festival this weekend.
With good weather on the horizon, it will be a fun-filled family celebration of culture, music and heritage. And old-time dress is the order of the weekend.
Booleying is an ancient Irish practice of transhumance. Families drove their cattle up to the high mountain pastures and lived there alongside them for the summer months. At this time of year they would have been returning home to begin the hard work of the harvest, after a long summer of milking, churning and cutting turf together, and sharing songs, stories and news around the campfires at night.
The festival begins on Thursday 21 August with an evening of song and storytelling at ‘Take Me Back’ which tells the stories of growing up in south Down in the Sixties and Seventies. On Friday 22, There’s foraging for adults, a forest school for kids and the symbolic Long Walk Home from the mountains. The opening parade, with marching bands, vintage tractors and the Armagh Rhymers will culminate in an opening ceremony with NMDDC vice-chair Geraldine Kearns. Wonder Bubbles, an open-air céilí and dance demonstrations follow.
Saturday 23 begins with more outdoor activities with walks and a Booley Bears Picnic, wild swimming and a tournament of Fidchell, the two thousand-year-old Irish version of chess. The afternoon brings a farmers market, a busking competition and the hilarious fundraising auction ‘Trades For Maids’.
The Big Booley Hooley is on Saturday night, with special guests All Folk’d Up, supported by up and coming local singer Anna Rose McCabe.
Sunday 24 is the big day in the field, outside Hilltown, at Doran’s Bar. Come along to play in a replica booley hut and try out heritage events like building a dry stone wall, panning for gold, rope twisting, thatching, fortune telling throwing the welly, tug-o-war, cutting stone, stooking and threshing corn, churning, baking, smithing, sawing the log. There is a sheep exhibition, crafts, events for children, food trucks, music, a bar and all the fun of the fair. Mayobridge country singer Gavin Gribben and Disco King are the entertainment that night.
A free shuttlebus will run between Dorans and Hilltown Square all day Sunday and into the night, so there will be no bother getting back and forward.
Monday brings forest bathing, the pulling of the Booley flax harvest, a blackberry ramble, pop-up Gaeltacht, Booley bingo, a discussion on Booleying and a special event at ‘Tumilty’s Bar’ on the Yellow Road, where everyone is invited to visit a little museum dedicated to Booley organiser of many campaigns, Micky Tumilty. The big music event on Monday is the fabulous Irish singer Mary Coughlan.
Everything begins to wind down on Tuesday with some Yoga for relaxation and then the festival finale that evening. The Parting Glass is a 20 singers 20 songs event where the local musical talent of Hilltown is showcased and the hard-working volunteers get to relax.
The weather is set to be good and the streets will be full at this last big family hurrah of the summer. Back from the Booley runs from Thursday 21 August to Tuesday 26 August. Festival programmes are available in local shops or online at facebook.com/backfromthebooley.
Write a comment
Newry’s spectacular Canal Court Hotel have launched their own line-up of ace singers and musicians this Bank Holiday weekend as part of Iúr Cinn Fleadh which runs from Thursday 21 to Monday 25 August.
The hotel have supported Iúr Cinn Fleadh for many years. Here are their offerings for the 2025 Fleadh…
Thursday 21 August
Sean & Owen 8.30pm
Get ready for some timeless trad. Sean & Owen bring their unique two-piece sound to your doorstep. Soulful acoustic guitar, haunting tin whistle, and foot-stomping banjo – a perfect blend to celebrate the city culture.
Friday 22 August
Daragh & Kevin 9pm
A melodic evening is guaranteed with Darragh’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar that pair perfectly with Kevin’s soaring violin, creating an unforgettable duo experience.
Saturday 23 August
Fáinne 8pm
Get ready to go wild. Fáinne are the ultimate Irish folk band, bringing high-energy sets and infectious trad sounds that’ll leave you mad for more. With their foot-stomping, hand-clapping beats, you’ll be dancing all night long.
Brother Vice 10.30pm
Brother Vice, hailing from Armagh, is a force to be reckoned with. This indie rock powerhouse is driven by raw talent and an unstoppable DIY spirit, delivering a sound that’s pure adrenaline.
Sunday 24 August
Trad Dispute 8pm
Get ready to reel. Trad Dispute will bring the house down with their high-energy trad sound, blending foot-stomping bodhran, soulful tin whistle, and driving acoustic guitar.
Iur Cinn Fleadh are holding nearly 100 events over this weekend including Kila and Matt Benson at Newry Town Hall, trad sessions galore and the famous Trad Cruise on Newry Ship Canal.
There's still some tickets left for the Cruise and the Concert. Get them at www.iurcinnfleadh.com/tickets/
Write a comment
Newcastle is getting ready to welcome visitors for the free Eats & Beats Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. With two music stages, a wide range of local food vendors and a host of family-friendly activities, the weekend promises a vibrant mix of live music, local flavours and fun for all ages.
It's part of the Giant Adventures events programme including the popular Footsteps in the Forest festival which will also make a welcome return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Monday 20 to Saturday 26 October.
Festival goers can begin their culinary journey at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, where the finest local produce will be on display. Here, visitors can sample and purchase tasty treats while enjoying cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Melissa McCabe, Great British Menu NI Winner 2024 and Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, alongside local favourites such as Jonny Murphy – The Hungry Hooker.
For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.
Alongside the cookery demonstrations, the Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase fresh breads and home-baked delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Mourne Food Adventures and Counter Culture Real Bread, while Raymie's Seafood Bar & Grill, The Whistledown Hotel, and the Montalto Estate will inspire visitors with signature dishes. Complementing the food offerings, Killowen Distillery and the Avoca Hotel will present craft drinks and cocktails, making the pavilion a true celebration of local tastes.
Adding an interactive element in the pavilion, the Meet the Producers sessions will allow visitors to learn directly from NearyNógs, Counter Culture Real Bread, Killowen Distillery, Castlescreen Farm, and Whitewater Brewery, who will share recipes, cooking tips and sustainable food ideas, providing insight into the region’s thriving food scene.
Families are also well catered for with the Curious Minds experiences in Donard Park, as well as Castle Park activities including The Mourne Eye, Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.
This year, Sensory Sessions will take place at the ADHD Hub Coffee Shop & Info Point, 2 Savoy Lane. From 9.30am – 2pm each day, a gentler festival experience can be enjoyed with quieter music, fewer crowds and no queues for visitors with sensory or access needs.
In the week leading up to the festival, visitors can also savour the flavours of Newcastle during Restaurant Week from 1 – 7 September, with exclusive offers served daily from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm. Local eateries, set between the sea and the stunning Mourne Mountains, will highlight the best of regional produce, perfectly setting the stage for the festival weekend.
Beyond the main festival, Newcastle’s fringe events provide additional experiences, from live performances and food tastings to artistic displays throughout the town. Whether indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the lively atmosphere, On the Fringe adds an extra spark to the Eats & Beats experience.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, "Newry, Mourne and Down is renowned for its award-winning food, drinks and music. The Eats & Beats Festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious local dishes, live performances and family-friendly fun."
Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, "This year’s festival also includes fringe events and unique experiences offered by local businesses, bringing Newcastle to life for all ages. Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival, is an integral part of this year’s celebrations and encourages visitors to stay longer."
"Together, these events enhance our tourism offering, creating unique opportunities to connect with the local community, celebrate Newcastle’s vibrant culture and make lasting memories. From savouring delicious local food to enjoying live music or a fun-filled family weekend, the Eats & Beats Festival is the perfect way to experience everything this beautiful town has to offer.”
For those attending, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on Carrigs Road, Newcastle BT33 0JZ, where free parking will be available. The Park and Ride route will be clearly signposted and open to all festivalgoers. The service will be available on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, operating from 9.30am to 7.30pm each day. Toilets, Changing Places and Accessible facilities will also be located at the site.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council also host an exciting programme of summer events that will also celebrate the district’s culture and heritage. These events will add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Full details on www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
1 Comment
Footsteps in the Forest returns to Slieve Gullion Forest Park this October with tickets for the incredibly popular event going live on 6 October. This year’s programme will run from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October 2025, offering residents and visitors an unmissable opportunity to step into the spirit of Samhain.
The festival will once again celebrate the Gaelic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, with Slieve Gullion Forest Park transformed into the ‘otherworld’. Visitors will encounter a spellbinding blend of immersive storytelling, captivating characters, spectacular illuminations and seasonal treats set against the park’s hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Footsteps in the Forest is a magical event that has become a firm favourite for families across our district and beyond. It offers children and adults alike the chance to step into the spirit of Halloween in a safe, fun and unforgettable way bringing folklore and mythology vividly to life.
“Slieve Gullion, at the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, provides the perfect setting for this celebration. Its mystical woodland trails make it a truly unique place to experience Halloween.”
Held in the evening, festival-goers will enjoy guided illuminated sessions, which trace the journey from the ancient origins of Samhain through to the modern-day celebration of Halloween.
Guided sessions will run each evening from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 October, starting at 5pm and departing every 55 minutes until the final session at 9pm. On Sunday 26 October, the focus will be on celebrating the Irish heritage behind the Gaelic festival of Samhain with Irish language sessions following the same schedule - starting at 5pm and departing every 55 minutes until 9pm.
To ensure the festival is inclusive, autism-friendly sessions will also take place each day from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October (Irish language sessions) at 5pm and 6pm, featuring brighter lighting and lower music levels for visitors with sensory or access needs.
Tickets for this year’s free, ticket-only event go live at 10am on Monday 6 October on the Visit Mourne Mountains website: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk. Each ticket is valid for one car with a maximum of two tickets per household.
In addition to Footsteps in the Forest, a wider programme of Halloween events will take place across the district, celebrating the area’s unique culture and heritage and adding to the fantastic offering already available to locals and visitors.
Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell continued, “Slieve Gullion Forest Park itself remains a highlight for any autumn escape, with its tranquil woodland trails, panoramic views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins, as well as excellent visitor facilities for walkers and families, so please dress for the weather and get outdoors this Halloween.”
For ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Gullion Strangford and for Giant event details, please go to: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
Follow @VisitMourne social media pages for reminders and updates.
Write a comment
The 2025 Cuimhneamh Michael J. Murphy Winter School takes place in Tí Chulainn, Mullaghbane, south Armagh, from Friday, November 14th to Sunday November 16th
The theme of this year’s forum is Emigration and Immigration. The keynote speaker on Friday, November 14th at 7pm is English trade unionist Mick Lynch, former General Secretary of the Rail, Transport and Maritime Union (RMT) from May 2021 - March 2025. His talk is entitled “The Irish Emigrant Story in Britain and the Struggle for Recognition”
Mick Lynch whose mother is from Crossmaglen and father is from Cork, and who counts James Connolly as one of his heroes, was a high profile spokesperson for the RMT during the rail strikes of 2022-23 and was a symbol for the wider trade union movement.
This year’s panel talk is chaired by local historian Úna Walsh. The panel: Damien Doyle, Conor McGinn, Csilla Toldy and Sherman Hall will share the experiences of Irish people who have lived abroad and those who have chosen to make Ireland their home.
Songs of Emigration/Immigration in both Irish and English will be performed throughout the evening by renowned South Armagh singers Blaithin Mhic Cana and Garett Doran. On Saturday 15 of November at 7pm, poet and author, Rosemary Tumilty, will host selected readings of poetry, prose and non-fiction from ‘Harvest The Light’ an anthology of creativity from the Wordsmiths Writers' Group, followed by readings from the ‘Ode to Sea and Stone’ workshops.
At 8.15pm, Kevin Murphy, author and historical researcher, will discuss ‘Ice Emigrants’- the harrowing story of the Hannah which carried famine emigrants to Canada and was known as a ‘coffin ship’. Kevin will explore the trail of this migration through to descendants in modern times, with particular emphasis on a three cemeteries in South-Eastern Ontario. The fate of the Hannah and its passengers was meticulously researched by Kevin and Una Walsh for their 2006 publication of the same name, and Kevin has visited its descendants in Canada.
On Sunday 16th November at 12pm, Tommy McKearney will unveil a plaque to the family of labour leader Jim Larkin, at the site of the Larkin farm at the Low Road, in Ayallogue townland, Killeavey.
At the Cuimnheamh Winter School all aspects of the Emigration/Immigration question will be explored.
Admission is open to all and free but voluntary contributions are welcome. It promises to be a very interesting weekend.
See www.facebook.com/Cuimhneamh for more
Write a comment
Newry and Mourne Museum is hosting two contrasting talks this month, taking audiences from the wonderful world of printing through the ages to the dark tale of two infamous serial killers with local roots.
Dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours is bringing his Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out talk on William Burke and William Hare to Hare's erstwhile home and workplace of Newry for the first time. Andrew will tell the ghoulish tale of the infamous miscreants, from their origins in rural Ulster to the shocking murders in 1820s Edinburgh that made them arguably the first modern serial killers. The talk will remember Burke and Hare's victims and reveal what became of the duo, their wives and the doctors who paid for fresh cadavers during the body snatching era. Andrew will reclaim the two Willies from Scotland for the north of Ireland in this informative and entertaining evening of horror and true crime. The talk takes place on Thursday 29 January from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at Newry and Mourne Museum, costing £2.50 per person.
Earlier in the month, renowned local photographer Billy McAlpine will present "A History of Printing" with everything from the Book of Kells, through to W&S Magowan to the Digital Age. Starting with the intricate artistry of the Book of Kells, Billy will guide audiences through the local legacy of the W&S Magowan Printing Works, based in Edward Street, Newry, and into the fast-paced world of modern digital processes. Drawing from his own extensive personal archive, Billy will share the stories behind the craft and showcase the images that define printing's evolution. This talk has been organised in association with the Old Newry Society and will take place on Saturday 17 January at 2pm, costing £2.50 per person.
Both events promise to be engaging evenings of local history and storytelling. To book or for more information please email Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
 |
 |
 |