Ballinamore rocks into autumn with Springsteen tribute and star-studded shows

Ballinamore is buzzing this August, with the annual festival, the 63rd Agricultural Showand and the annual festival, and a packed theatre calendar set to keep the town alive with music, culture, and entertainment well into the autumn.

To cap off a whirlwind August, The Island Theatre will host Springsteen – A Tribute on Friday, 30 August. And for fans of The Boss, this is as close as it gets without hopping on a plane to New Jersey.

Based in Ireland, this six-piece band is made up of top Irish session musicians who have played with some of the biggest names in the industry – Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, The Waterboys, Mary Black, Henry McCullough, Joan Jett, Smash Mouth, and more. At the heart of the show is veteran American singer and guitarist Monte Thompson, whose uncanny ability to channel Springsteen’s passion and grit makes for an electrifying performance.

Having toured extensively across Ireland and the UK since 2011, Springsteen – A Tribute has earned widespread acclaim for their authenticity, energy, and note-perfect renditions of the classics. Whether it’s the raw power of Born to Run, the soul of Thunder Road, or the stadium-shaking energy of Dancing in the Dark, this band covers every nuance of Springsteen’s timeless music. For those who have yet to see them, it’s an experience that will have you closing your eyes and swearing you’re in the presence of The Boss himself.

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And the entertainment doesn’t stop there. The Island Theatre’s autumn line-up is packed with variety and star power.

On 13 September, singer-songwriter Inez Hargaden returns home from Canberra, Australia, for the Irish launch of her deeply moving debut EP Dear Songs, joined by the Ballinamore Ukulele Group. Her heartfelt melodies and stunning vocals promise an intimate night in the Crannog Room.

On 11 October, contemporary Irish folk sensation Onóir will bring their fresh, harmony-rich take on traditional ballads, Americana, and even soul. Known for their viral rendition of The Auld Triangle, the Donegal quartet are selling out venues across Ireland.

The laughs arrive on 18 October with Loophole, a modern comedy from the Acorn Players, before things turn soulful again on 25 October with the Drifters Anniversary Tribute Tour, featuring legendary voices and slick choreography celebrating the golden era of Motown and soul.

Country fans are in for a treat on 9 November when The Legends of American Country returns, bringing tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and more in a toe-tapping night of Nashville-style entertainment.

Comedy lovers can mark 15 November for A Celebration of Father Ted with Joe Rooney, complete with games, quizzes, and a singalong of My Lovely Horse.

And to round out the year, The Björn Identity takes the stage on 29 November with a high-energy, pitch-perfect ABBA tribute that will have the audience singing along from start to finish.

With the excitement of the festival, the tradition of the agricultural show, and a theatre schedule boasting everything from international tribute acts to homegrown drama and comedy, Ballinamore is set to be the place to be over the coming weeks. Whether your tastes run to folk, rock, soul, country, comedy, or classic pop, there’s a night out waiting with your name on it.