Friday 19th September 2025
Event: Chapter & Chord
Venue: Drogheda Library, 26 - 28 Stockwell Street, Drogheda, A92 PY20
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us for an afternoon recital of traditional Irish music on harp with meath based harpist Jennifer Leahy.
Jennifer has performed across Austria, Italy, and Switzerland on the Guinness Celtic Spring Tour in 2024, with past highlights including the World Harp Congress in Sydney and the Irish Embassy in Canberra. Most recently, she appeared as a guest at Alex Warren’s sold-out 3Arena show in Dublin and performed live on TG4’s Fleadh24. Her single Síle, released with An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, reflects her fusion of tradition and modernity. At home and abroad, Jennifer continues to redefine the harp’s role as a soloist and collaborator.
Family event. Partially seated, partially standing. Free admission.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Recital & Oscailt Oifigiúil na Féile
Venue: Highlanes Gallery, 36 St. Laurence St, Drogheda, A92 F7PH
Time: 6:45pm - 7:20pm
This traditional Irish music recital with Éilís Needham (harp) and River McGann (fiddle) complements Maelstrom, Maud Cotter’s large-scale sculptural exhibition exploring complexity and space within the historic Highlanes Gallery.
Join Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Michelle Hall to officially launch this year’s festival.
Éilís Needham
Éilís Needham, a multi-instrumentalist from Hazelwood, Co. Sligo, is the current winner of the International Harp Competition at the O’Carolan Harp Festival. A champion harpist and button accordionist, she holds multiple All-Ireland titles. Her debut album Fuinniúil was released in 2017, and she regularly appears on TG4, RTÉ, and Raidió na Gaeltachta.
River McGann
River McGann, a young fiddler from Ennis, Co. Clare, is the 2024 Fiddler of London, recognized for his distinctive and musical style. He is a member of the award-winning Siansa Gael Linn group Binneas and has performed at major festivals including Belfast TradFest and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Deeply passionate about music, he devotes every spare moment to his craft. With expressive playing and rising recognition, River is a standout talent in Irish traditional music’s new generation.
Partially seated, partially standing. Limited capacity. Booking recommended. Free admission.
Venue: McHughs, 1-3 Cord Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 E2NK
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Time: 7:00pm
Traditional Irish music session with Caoimhe Parry (flute), Evan Ó Cualáin (bouzouki) & Mick Bellarosa (button accordion).
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Clarkes Bar, 19 Peter St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 TY28
Time: 8:00pm
Traditional Irish music session with Bernadette Nic Gabhann (fiddle), Evelyn Broderick (flute) & friends.
Open session. All welcome. Limited seating.
Event: Night Moves Late Night Café
Venue: Bare Food Café, A92 PCF3
Time: 9.45pm - 10:10pm
Venue: Coffee Box, A92 RH51
Time: 10:40pm - 11:05pm
Join Fergus McGorman (flute) & Patrick O’Loughlin (button accordion) for an acoustic evening of traditional Irish music in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre.
Fergus McGorman, a traditional Irish flautist from Ratoath, Co. Meath, is known for his expressive tone, technical skill, and dedication to tradition. Influenced by the North Connacht flute style, he grew up in a musical family. His 2017 solo album Sweeping the Cobwebs Out of the Sky features reflective and lively tunes, with contributions from Paddy McEvoy, Ruairí McGorman, and John Blake. Fergus is also a member of the quartet KeaneConnollyMcGorman, whose debut album launched in 2023. A sought-after performer and respected teacher, he regularly appears at festivals and concerts in Ireland and abroad.
Patrick O’Loughlin is a traditional button accordion player hailing from Batterstown in Co. Meath, celebrated for his free-flowing style rooted in Clare traditions. Influenced by greats such as Finbar Dwyer and Joe Cooley, his playing blends intricate fingerwork with soulful melody, combining rhythmic drive and musicality that shine both in dance settings and listening performances .
Described as one of “the stars of his generation” with playing that is “controlled and structured,” his accordion work is frequently praised as joyful, distinctive, and comparable to the greats of any era.
Closed session. Free admission.
Event: Culture Night Late
Venue: Various
Time: 9:30pm - late
NIGHT MOVES provides new & engaging intergenerational night time cultural experiences in Drogheda across accessible public & shared spaces.
NIGHT POOLS uses video projection, sound and light sculpture to create an installation trail by artist Vivienne Byrne through the streets of Drogheda.
Produced and curated by Droichead Arts Centre in partnership with Louth County Council Arts Office & Drogheda’s Night Time Economy Advisor.
Full programme below.
Saturday 20th September 2025
Event: Traditional Irish Music Workshops
Venue: St. Oliver’s Community School, Rathmullan Road, Drogheda, A92 D766
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Workshops with Damien Mullane (button accordion), Seán O’Meara (guitar), Catherine McEvoy (flute), Bernadette Nic Gabhann (fiddle), George McAdam (banjo), Mark Redmond (uilleann pipes), Éilís Needham (harp), Sárán Mulligan (concertina) & Fergus McGorman (tin whistle).
Registration: €20
Please follow the link below and click on the tutor’s photo you wish to purchase tickets for.
Event: Youth Session
Venue: Nelly’s, West St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 A8XF
Time: 1:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with 2024 Fiddler of London River McGann from Ennis, Co. Clare.
Joined by hosts Caoimhe Parry (flute) & Evan Ó Cualáin (bouzouki).
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Singing Session
Venue: McHughs, 1-3 Cord Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 E2NK
Time: 3:00pm
Join Drogheda Traditional Singers for an afternoon of song in McHugh’s situated under Drogheda’s historic St. Laurence’s Gate
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Market Bar, 17 Magdalene St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 ND66
Time: 5:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Rachael Dooley (harp), Enda Dooley (banjo/bouzouki) & Aoibhin Doherty (concertina)
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Nelly’s, West St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 A8XF
Time: 5:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Áine Ní Chróinín (fiddle), Clare Bohan (fiddle) & Colm Ó Conghaile (guitar).
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: The Hops, Scotch Hall Shopping Centre, Marsh Road, Drogheda, A92 HF5F
Time: 7:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Fionnuala Kirby (flute) & friends.
Open session. All welcome.
Damien Mullane & Nós Nua Orchestra
with Seán O’Meara & Conor Broderick
Event: In Concert with Damien Mullane Seán O’Meara, Conor Broderick & Nós Nua
Venue: St. Augustine’s Church, Shop Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Time: 8:00pm. Doors 7:30pm.
Damien Mullane is a powerhouse of raw talent, technical mastery, and musical artistry.
He boasts a musical résumé that would rival that of any seasoned performer. Celebrated as a virtuoso with a distinctive avant-garde flair, he has earned multiple All-Ireland titles on both the accordion and melodeon. His professional journey began with De Dannann, yet his talent has since graced some of the world’s most iconic stages, including Carnegie Hall, Slane Castle, Electric Picnic, and Glastonbury. Over the years, he has played for a host of distinguished figures, including U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Prince Albert of Monaco, former Irish President Mary Robinson, and current President Michael D. Higgins.
The Nós Nua Youth Trad Orchestra — an inspiring 60-piece ensemble formed through the dynamic collaboration between Music Generation Louth and the Oriel Centre at Dundalk Gaol — proudly presents their latest work, featuring powerful original compositions and innovative arrangements that revitalize Ireland’s rich traditional music heritage.
Comprising talented young musicians from across the Oriel region—Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, and Armagh—this exceptional group has been mentored by renowned composers and musicians, including most recently Dr. Ryan Molloy and Fergal Scahill.
Join us on Saturday 20th September 2025 for an evening that celebrates tradition, creativity, and the rising voices shaping the future of Irish music.
Tickets: €20/€12
Nós Nua Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): €40
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Clarkes Bar, 19 Peter St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 TY28
Time: 8:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session Patrick O’ Loughlin (button accordion), Róisín Ward Morrow (fiddle), Breifne Holohan (guitar)
Open session. All welcome.
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: McHughs, 1-3 Cord Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 E2NK
Time: 9:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Catríona Kennedy (fiddle), Ciaran Hesnan (button accordion) & Tommy Darby (guitar)
Open session. All welcome.
Sunday 21st September 2025
Venue: Barlow House, West Street, Drogheda, A92 CPF9
Event: Composition & Arrangement Workshop
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Learn the tips and tricks of composition and arrangement with Damien Mullane.
Mixed instrument workshop.
Suited to musicians with a good command of their instrument, however no need for prior experience in composition /arrangement.
Not suited to beginner musicians.
Registration €20.
Please follow the link below and click on the tutor’s photo you wish to purchase tickets for.
Venue: Scotch Hall Shopping Centre (Food Hall), Marsh Road, Drogheda, A92 HF5F
Event: Traditional Irish Music Recitals
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
A host of young musicians take to the stage at Scotch Hall Shopping Centre to showcase their talents. Hosted by Paddy Callaghan.
12:00pm: José Misael Rivas Cortéz (guitar)
12:30pm: River McGann (fiddle), Caoimhe Parry (flute) & Evan Ó Cualáin (bouzouki).
1:30pm: ALLTACHT
2:30pm: Mick Bellarosa (button accordion) & Ger Lord (guitar)
3:30pm: Ronan McEvoy (fiddle) & Rory McEvoy (bouzouki)
4:30pm: SAOL
Event: Slow Session
Venue: McHughs, 1-3 Cord Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 E2NK
Time: 3:00pm
Join us for a slow session with Órla Brannigan (flute) & Aoife McEvoy (fiddle)
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Clarkes Bar, 19 Peter St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 TY28
Time: 5:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Darragh Ó Héiligh (uilleann pipes), Mick Bellarosa (button accordion) & Josh O’ Loughlin (guitar)
Event: Traditional Irish Music Session
Venue: Barney Mac’s, 35 Cord Rd, Drogheda, A92 P656
Time: 7:00pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Ronan McEvoy (fiddle), Rory McEvoy (bouzouki) & Oisín Bradley (concertina)
Event: Farewell Session
Venue: McHughs, 1-3 Cord Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 E2NK
Time: 7:30pm
Traditional Irish Music Session with Noreen Morgan McManus (fiddle), Mairéad Gaffney (flute) and Gerard Lord (guitar).