A number of creative events, workshops and community gatherings have taken place in Ballaghaderreen as part of the Creative Places Ballaghaderreen programme.
Spoken Word at Spells
Award-winning author and poet Jessamine O’Connor is curating a new monthly spoken word event at Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen.
The June event welcomed 21 performers, ranging in age from 18 to people in their 70s, and attracted a strong turnout.
The project is supported by the Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Local Creative Call Grant 2026.
The next Spoken Word Club will take place on Thursday, July 16th, from 7 pm to 9 pm in Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen. All are welcome.
Immersive Art at Willowbrook
A two-day art workshop exploring the landscape at Willowbrook Glamping was hosted by David Whitfield.
The project is supported by the Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Local Creative Call Grant 2026.
Artwork created by ten different artists during the workshop will feature in an upcoming exhibition at the New Art Gallery, Boyle, from August 15th to 23rd.
Henna Hands at the Family Resource Centre
A celebration of Eid and henna art also took place at the Family Resource Centre in Ballaghaderreen.
The Henna Hands event was supported by the Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Local Creative Call Grant 2026.
Artist Researcher Catherine Fanning at Ballaghaderreen Library
Artist Researcher Catherine Fanning recently hosted a journal-making workshop at Ballaghaderreen Library, exploring mixed media, collage and stamping in a relaxed, creative setting.
Her next Artist Researcher art action will take place in July.
Catherine is the Artist Researcher for Creative Places Ballaghaderreen for 2026.
Film Club meetings
A monthly Film Club is also taking place as part of the programme, offering people an opportunity to share films curated by different members each month, followed by chat, tea and coffee.
The Film Club is currently looking for new members.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28th, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Local Artist Meet-Up
The June Local Artist Meet-Up took place on June 26th at Ballaghaderreen Community Garden.
Organisers said the gathering took place on a warm summer evening, with artists meeting under the handmade awning at the community garden.
The next Artist Meet-Up will take place on Thursday, July 30th, from 6 pm to 8 pm. All are welcome.
