Things to do in Wexford this May Bank Holiday weekend

Irish Conversation Group at New Ross Library Are you interested in being part of an informal Irish Conversation Group for adults? Perhaps you could learn, or help others improve their Irish language skills? Join us for our new ciorcal comhrá which takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. in New Ross Library. Phone 051 421877 to register.

Solo Exhibition The ‘Narrative of the Past, Ever Present, Into the Future’ Exhibition by local artist Sheena Furlong of The Ford Studio in Kilmuckridge includes oil paintings and photographs of derelict buildings. This exhibition will run up until May 11 in Gorey Library.

Coffee Morning Grant’s Pharmacy on Rafter Street in Enniscorthy will host a coffee morning in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre. The coffee morning will start at 10am and there will be baked goods and a raffle of spot prizes.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

My Darling Clementine Wexford Arts Centre are delighted to welcome My Darling Clementine as they continue to tour in support of their most recent, critically acclaimed release 'Country Darkness - the songs of Elvis Costello’.

The album is a collaboration between Michael and Lou, and Costello's long-time, right-hand man, the brilliant Steve Nieve. They have taken 12 Costello songs and re-worked them for duet adding their own inimitable style.

Doors will open at 7.30 p.m.

Lunamare Black Cat Irish Theatre Co will present Lunamare by G.P.J Lombard at Gorey Little Theatre at 7.30 p.m. The show will also run on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4. Tickets cost €20 and are available from the Box Office.

Cockleshell Art Room For this May Bank Holiday The Cockleshell Art Room will open on Thursday, May 2, until Monday May 6, inclusive from 11.a.m. until 5.p.m. each day with a wide variety of works from over ten artists. Cash transactions. Discounts available on pieces over the value of €100.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival will take place in Enniscorthy town from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5.

As County Wexford prepares for the Fleadh Cheoil in August 2024, the Rockin' Food Festival will move from its usual date in August to the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Expect nothing less than your favourite summer festival jam packed with food, craft and family fun!

The 2024 festival will have lots of new events running throughout the weekend as well as welcoming back some festival favourites. The Artisan Food, Drink and Crafts Market brings over 50 vendors taking over the market streets.

The town will be jamming as free live outdoor music creates a fantastic energy around the town. The line-up features the best of both Irish and International rock ‘n’ roll talent. Dance it out by the Main Stage and dance floor or delve into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Gig Trail.

Kevin Lawlor celebrates International Jazz Day At Wexford Arts Centre, jazz drummer and educator Kevin Lawlor presents a live performance of contemporary jazz music by artists such as Jamie Oehlers, Jushua Redman and Mammal Hands as well as some choice jazz standards.

The group will be made up of Dublin based pianist Luke Howard who recently spent time as Artist in Residence at the Duncairn Arts Centre in Belfast. Chris Colloton is a Wexford guitarist performing on many projects for Jazz at Johnstown and is currently studying for his Masters in Music. Florian Kockott is a great German bass player now living in Wexford who recently recorded with Kevin Lawlor on his 5th album to be released later this year.

The concert will start at 7 p.m.

The Danny Byrne Band

The Danny Byrne Band will perform at the Crown Live in Wexford town, with the show starting at 9.30 p.m. One of the fastest growing bands on the Irish music scene, the Danny Byrne Band bring their unique style of high energy modern folk to entertain crowds.

Coffee Morning in St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross

A Coffee Morning will take place at 10.30 a.m. in St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross to talk about supporting elderly people in the area. Cllr Michael Sheehan will be there on the day, along with Minister Mary Butler, Minister for Older People and Active Ageing Homes Officer, Deidre Mullally. There will be a bucket on the day in support of Meals on Wheels.

The Bookshop Sessions The Bookshop Sessions at Red Books on 2 Rafter Street in Gorey will feature a night of spoken word, music and stories. Hosted by Anne Marie O’Byrne Hammel, the event will begin at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

May Bush Concert and Dance in Ballindaggin Hall As part of the Wexford May Bush Festival, there will be traditional music, song and dance in Ballindaggin Hall. The concert will feature of some of our finest traditional musicians, young and old, including special guests husband and wife duo Paddy and Nicola Egan, plus local musicians Leah Sweeney, Deirdre and James Jordan, Aileen Lambert, Annette Roban, plus young traditional musicians and singers from Ballindaggin NS. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. It’s 10 for adults, U18s free.

Shine a Light Festival Running at Hook Lighthouse from Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6, the Shine a Light Festival in association with Great Lighthouses of Ireland will celebrate all things nautical on the grounds of Hook Lighthouse. The festival will showcase the work of the Irish Coast Services, along with fun family games, lots of activities and great food.

An action-packed weekend of festivities will be on offer daily from 12 to 4 p.m. Join in the fun and games for all the family with the Pirate Pat and his pirate crew.

Crimson and support at the Presentation Arts Centre Crimson make their return to the Presentation Arts Centre’s stage in Enniscorthy, with support from Wizard Fruit, The Donnys, Martina And The Moons, and Fia.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with show starting at 7.15 p.m. Tickets are €10, plus €1.50 booking fee.

Dancing through the Decades – 70s Join Wexford Arts Centre for a nostalgic journey through five decades of history as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. It all began in 1974 when the Centre first opened its doors. Since then, it has continued to thrive, providing a cultural hub for the community.

The 70s were an iconic era, gifting us the groovy moves of Disco Inferno, the Bump, the Funky Chicken, and the Hustle and then along came Punk! Dive into the past and relive the magic of the 70s at the Arts Centre.

Admission is €10, with the event starting at 9 p.m. It includes a late bar.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Wexford Sinfonia’s 30th Anniversary Summer Proms After the success of Music in Movieland in March 2023, Wexford Sinfonia Orchestra and Composer-Conductor Liam Bates are collaborating once again at the Wexford National Opera House to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the orchestra’s founding.

At the centre of this programme of showstoppers, young rising star pianist, Kalle Peura, performs George Gershwin’s masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue. A native of Finland, Kalle is a recent graduate of the RIAM and lives in Dublin. From Bizet to Beethoven, this is a programme that will bring joy to the entire community.

Tickets are €20, plus facility fee. Show starts at 7.30 p.m.

Joe Rooney at The Jack Rabbitt, Bunclody

The Jack Rabbit’s Comedy Club present comedian Joe Rooney plus guests. Best known for his TV roles in Father Ted and Kilinaskully, Joe Rooney is one of Ireland’s finest comics, with his manic delivery and infectious humour. Joining Joe on the night will be Carlow comic Shannon Basso Gaule and Dublin comic Graham Morrissey. Bunclody native Blayne Hosey will MC the event, which costs €12.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Wells House Get ready for a magical day out for the Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the stunning grounds of Wells House and Gardens.

Bring the whole family and of course your favourite cuddly toy for a day packed with fun and adventure as you relax and reconnect on this family friendly fun day out. Meet the giant Bear and Little Red Riding Hood and enjoy storytelling on the lawn and more family fun!

Meet some of the adorable residents of the animal farm and get hands-on, with small animal handling taking place from 11 a.m. and on the hour.

Shine a Light Festival

The Shine a Light festival at Hook Lighthouse will feature the Irish Coast Guard Services including the local Fethard on Sea Coast Guard to demonstrate and talk to visitors about the importance of safety at sea and walking coastal areas and the role they play in coastal safety. They will also share details on opportunities to join the essential service teams. Events run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Stephen O’Leary Memorial 5k The annual Stephen O’Leary Memorial 5k run/walk will be held on Sunday, May 5 this year. This is a family fun run/walk and the entrance fee is simply a donation on the day.

It will be starting at 11.30 a.m. sharp from Monageer/Boolavogue GAA pitch and registration will be open from 10 a.m. All monies raised will be split between Monageer First Responders, First Light and Talk to Tom. Refreshments will be served afterwards. There are prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place man and woman. There are lots of spot prizes to be won alongside a raffle. Please come along and have some fun while supporting these very worthy causes.

Sunday Fun Day St Mogues Coiste na nOg are holding a fantastic May Bank Holiday Sunday Fun Day.

Taking place on Sunday, May 5, there will be something for every member of the family, including an Arts and Crafts Fair and GAA displays, Bottle Stall, Hook a Duck, Beat the Buzzer, Milk the Cow, a Building competition and a children’s Art Competition for budding young artists.

In addition to the cake stall, the Brown Bread Competition judged by Nancy Colfer of ‘Nancy’s Brown Bread’ fame returns. Entries must be dropped into St Mogues GAA Club with a name and number before 1.30 p.m. on May 5. There will be a monster raffle, thanks to the generous support of local businesses and residents.

Finally, but most importantly, the Treasure Hunt will take place around 3.30 p.m. Last year, the Easter Egg Hunt saw nearly 260 children searching the pitch for chocolate treasure so don’t miss out, tickets for the Treasure Hunt must be booked in advance and cost €5 per child. Contact Michelle on 087 9908115 to book a place.

All proceeds from the day will go to support St Mogues Coiste na nOg. Gates open at 2 p.m. Eircode: Y34XE26.

MONDAY, MAY 6

The Shine a Light Festival

The Shine a Light festival at Hook Lighthouse will feature the Dunbrody Archers from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. when they will showcase their activities and talk about up-and-coming competitions.