What's on? A look ahead to Féile na Sionainne in Athlone
The third annual Féile na Sionainne festival of traditional Irish music, song, and dance gets underway in Athlone on Friday, and continues until Sunday night. Here's a look at some of the events taking place for it.
Friday, August 1
Music Therapy Sessions: Music Therapy Sessions will be led by Anam Music Therapy in Athlone Library. Session 1, 6-12 year olds, from 10.30 to 11.15. Session 2, 13-17 year olds, from 11.45 to 12.30. Pre-booking essential through Athlone Library.
Age Friendly Trad Session: A Comhaltas age friendly trad session - for the young at heart! - will be held in Athlone Library from 1pm to 2pm on Friday. No booking required.
Athlone Inclusive Trad Disco: An Athlone inclusive trad disco, led by Louise O'Connor, will be held in St Kieran's Community Centre in Tormey Villas from 2.30pm to 4pm on Friday. It promises to be a fun, inclusive dance experience for adults with disabilities, their friends and families. To book call 087 7832689 or email louise@info.ie
Try An Instrument: A 'try an instrument' event will be hosted by Music Generation Roscommon and Westmeath in Athlone Library from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday. This is free of charge and open to all.
Kilfenora Road Show (5.30pm): The renowned Kilfenora Road Show, featuring Niall Fitzgibbon and friends, will perform in St Mary's Hall, at 5.30pm. Proceeds from a raffle at the event will go towards the Féile na Sionainne's charity partners, Athlone Sub Aqua. Tickets at the door: €20 (family), €10 (adults), €5 (children).
Mythical Ireland Street Parade: Athlone Family Resource Centre presents a Mythical Ireland street parade, featuring musical and theatrical street performances, beginning at John Paul Park / Fairgreen at 7.30pm and ending at McNeill's, Connaught Street.
Open Session: McNeill's, Connaught Street, 8pm.
Saturday, August 2
Music on Church Street: Saturday, August 2, will see a packed schedule of musical entertainment at the covered canopy on Church Street from 12 noon to 5.30pm, including the Reynolds Academy of Irish Dance; members of Tangelwood, Tang fiddle club and tiny tangles, under the direction of their tutor Geraldine McGlynn and junior members of Athlone Comhaltas branch.
Open Sessions: Brazen Monkey (7pm), Walsh's Pub (7pm).
Sunday, August 3
Music on Church Street: Live music at the canopy on Church Street continues throughout the day on Sunday, from 11am to 5.30pm. There will be performances by the Ukrainian Cultural Group, Cornafulla Céili Band, Jim Byrne and friends, The Coosan Cobblers, Liz Fletcher, and more.
Busking Competition: Féile na Sionnaine will feature a busking competition for the second year in a row. This is free to enter and open to under-18s. Check-in at the canopy, on Church Street, between 11.30 and 12. Adjudicators will visit competitors between 12 and 1pm.
Open Sessions: Sean's Bar (5pm), McNeill's (7pm).
Céili with Rise the Dust: A Céili with Rise the Dust will be held in St Mary's Hall on Sunday from 8pm to 11pm, which will bring to a close the packed weekend of activities for Féile na Sionainne 2025. Tickets: €12 (pay on the door)
For more on all events, see Féile na Sionnaine on Facebook and Instagram.