Ballina's laneways will come alive for Culture Night 2025

Ballina is set to sparkle this Culture Night as the town’s laneways come alive with music, art and atmosphere for the Laneways & Sessions Music Trail on Friday next, September 19th, from 6pm to 11pm. This unmissable evening will see various laneways throughout Ballina town transformed into intimate, vibrant performance spaces, where talented local musicians and artists will showcase their creativity.

For quite some time, local man, Ray Forde, of Events Audio Visual, dreamed of a music trail weaving through Ballina’s historic laneways. His vision is being brought to life this Culture Night, thanks to the generous support of Culture Ireland, the Mayo Arts Office, and Culture Night Mayo, in partnership with the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina Arts Centre, The NCF and Ballina Library.

Adding another important layer, Ballina Autism Friendly Town is working alongside the organisers to ensure inclusive, autism-friendly spaces throughout the trail, while Mayo North Tourism is delighted to help promote this unique cultural celebration and ensure as many people as possible come out to experience it.

On Friday, September 19th. you are invited to follow the sounds to discover different music around every corner. You will be able to dance a jig to lively, traditional Irish music: groove to some cool jazz; feel the beat with some block-rocking DJs; sing along to your favourite folk and contemporary songs, and immerse yourself into a chorus of melodies with our beautiful choirs.

The sessions will kick off at 9pm and are preceded by a number of warm-up events. Get the evening started with a guided tour of the two new exhibitions at Ballina Art Centre (at 4pm and 5pm respectively), before heading to the Jackie Clarke Collection on Walsh St, at 6pm for a vibrant ‘Cuimsiú’ session led by the talented Hannah Dunford and her amazing friends. They will be followed at 7pm by the dynamic sounds of the Bofield Céilí Band, who will be joined by Atlantic Rhythm/Moffatt School of Dancing, bringing a fusion of musical styles that will captivate and energy. At 9pm, head out and explore the laneways, discovering various kinds of music as you wander.

Adding a fascinating historical twist, the Jackie Clarke Collection have just showcased a recently rediscovered notebook belonging to Jackie Clarke himself, uncovered by volunteer Trish Greaney. In it, Clarke carefully recorded some of the old names of Ballina’s laneways, a discovery that beautifully connects the past with the present, and history with the arts. The Collection is inviting locals to share their own stories and memories of these laneways, weaving Ballina’s living heritage into this celebration.

“We’re so excited to see Ballina’s laneways come alive again for Culture Night,” said Anne Marie Forbes of the Jackie Clarke Collection. “Jackie Clarke’s notebook is a wonderful reminder that these laneways have always been full of stories, and now, with music and performance, we’re creating new memories while honouring the old. It’s about connecting people, place, and history in a way that feels very special.” Laneways and locations throughout Ballina include: Moy Lane, Pawn Office Lane, O’Hora’s Laneway, Cookes/Clarkes Lane, Kathleen Lynn Lane, Market Lane, Harrison’s Lane, 1798 / Quinn’s Lane, the IQ Centre at Market Square and Walsh Street at the Jackie Clarke Collection.

As it is Culture Night, all these activities are completely FREE so everyone can join in the fun!