Legends of Louth Festival this weekend

Musicians, actors, historians and performers are gearing up to delight the public at this year’s Legends of Louth Festival, a one-day celebration of Dundalk hitting the town centre on Sunday, May 12th.

Following last year’s very successful community event, this year’s festival will be bigger and better, with something for everyone, and all are welcome to a day of free entertainment and fun.

The highlight this year will be a performance from Bagatelle who are making a special appearance to honour one of Dundalk’s finest musicians, singers and songwriters Liam Reilly, frontman of the multi-platinum award band.

The day will be filled with a variety of activities on offer.

Those interested in learning more about the town can join a unique Military History Tour of Aiken Barracks; an Archeology Walk of Mount Avenue; or a popular walking tour of Dundalk’s beautiful and ever changing SEEK Murals.

Later, the fun will be focussed on the Market Square where the Carlingford Pipe Band will set the atmosphere for a day of music and entertainment, hosted by LMFM’s Pat O’Shaughnessy.

During the afternoon, the crowds will be treated to performances from some of the finest up and coming local musicians from Dundalk School of Music; a performance from Dundalk Youth Centre; a set from the talented musician TJ Murphy; and a comedy show from An Táin Arts Centre featuring acrobatics, unicyling, escapology and much more! Bagatelle will take to the stage at 5pm.

Jock McArdle, one of the festival organisers said: “As a significant destination along Ireland’s Ancient East, Dundalk has a rich heritage, with legends and figures unique to this area like Cuchulainn and St. Brigid, as well as a fascinating history, and strong traditions of music and culture.

“It’s so important to keep that alive and pass it on through the generations.

“This year we’re proud to celebrate local legend Liam Reilly, who carried with him the musical talent he inherited and brought it to national and international audiences.

“He’s one of our own, and Dundalk people will always support and celebrate our own.”

Dundalk BIDS manager Martin McElligott said: “This promises to be a great day for the town.

“Over the past few years we have been attracting more and more tourists who are just now realising how much this part of the country has to offer as they come to visit for festivals like Legends of Louth as well as the St. Brigid’s Day Festival or Frostival among others.

“These events are also a chance for the people of Dundalk to learn more about their own home and to feel proud of the area.

“We’re also delighted that all of this takes place in the Market Square and that it’s now being used as it was intended – as the vibrant, beating heart of Dundalk.”

Fergal Cassidy, one of the festival organisers, continued: “This is a festival for the community, organised and sponsored by the community.

“It came about as a result of the passion and dedication of a group of folks with a common purpose and was made possible by the generosity and kindness of a multitude of like-minded people and small organisations who stepped up to sponsor the event in whatever way they could. We’d like to express our gratitude to all involved and look forward to a fabulous day!”

More information on the programme for the day can be found on the Legends of Louth Facebook and Instagram pages.