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) & friends.
Open session. All welcome. Limited seating.
Event: Night Moves Late Night Café
Venue: TBC
Time: 9:30pm - 10:30pm
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.
Amplified set. 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.