Thank you St. Brigid!
With the new February Bank Holiday weekend approaching, you don't have to go far to find ways to entertain yourself. Drogheda offers plenty of fun and engaging activities so gather up the family or friends and enjoy your long weekend while also supporting local. Below is a list of 10 things to do in Drogheda this Bank Holiday Weekend. (Some are even free!)
1: Be amazed by Joe the Magician-Droichead Arts Centre, February 4th
It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉ jr’s ‘abraKIDabra’ and ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ and he’s bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to the Droichead Arts Centre for one spectacular afternoon of mind boggling fun!
2: Reflect on Art in the Highlanes Gallery-The Tyranny of Ambition-up to February 18th
‘The selection reflects – among other things – respect. It has nothing to do with what I ‘like’. Odd as it may sound, I don’t think about painting like that – and I think about painting quite a lot. It’s time the weary old adage – I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like – was consigned to history. I’ve discovered that the enjoyment of painting isn’t a matter of taste or approval – but reflection. The question to ask is – ‘what do I make of this’?’
Graham Crowley (curator) October 2022
3: Take a stroll and discover Drogheda's Mythological Past-DRAWDA Urban Art Trail
A total of 6 large-scale murals, each depicting a character from our Mythological past, by local, national and international artists. Combined these murals create a fascinating Urban Art Trail, complete with audio-guides at each mural that tell the listener the story of each figure. DRAWDA Maps can be collected from the Droichead Arts Centre, The Tholsel Tourist Office and the Love Drogheda BIDs office.
4: Set sail down the Boyne River-Boyne Boats
Boyne Boats offers tours across the River Boyne and Boyne canal, combining historical facts, myths and legends and Game of Thrones trivia to make an unforgettable, family-friendly boating experience. Take to one of their handcrafted, traditional Irish currachs and paddle the same routes as Ireland’s Stone Age ancestors. Book your boat at www.boyneboats.ie
5: Step back in time-Millmount Museum
The mound at Millmount is reputed to be 3,000 years old and local folklore has it that Amegin, the Celtic poet is buried there. When the Normans came to Ireland in the 12th century, Hugh De Lacy built a defensive Motte and Bailey here, overlooking the mouth of the Boyne. In 1649 during Oliver Cromwell's attack on the town it is believed that much of the slaughter that took place then happened in Millmount , with up to 2,500 men killed on September 11th 1649. Later the complex served as an army barracks and in 1808 the Martello Tower was built, as a precaution against invasion by the French. The tower was badly damaged during the Irish Civil War in 1922 and was restored to its former glory in 2000.
6: Get your Pride On-Grahams Smartphone Quiz Night in aid of Drogheda Pride-Sunday 5th February, Mc Hughs
Quiz night while raising some funds in a buzzing local venue? Sounds good to us. Tickets can be purchased via https://nolabelsevent.sumupstore.com/product/grahams-smartphone-quiz-night
7: Support the Irish Oscars Nominations-The Arc Cinema and Omniplex D'Luxx Cinema
With a record number of Irish Oscar Nominations for 2023, show your support and go and see one of the movies nominated such as An Cailin Ciuin currently showing in Drogheda's not one but two stunning cinemas. Just one question, popcorn or sweets?
8: Have a laugh with Conor Moore-TLT Theatre, Sunday February 5th
Conor Moore brings his characters and sketches to the live stage. We will have addresses from our Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Higgins. We will hear some stand up from Tommy Tiernan and even a fresh live episode of the Tommy Tiernan Show. With all that, Ger Loughnane will finally be let loose on stage. We’ll also get loads of Davy Fitz, Joe Brolly and Anthony Daly and you’ll get to experience a few never seen before sketches. Tickets can be bought via www.thetlt.ie
9: Join Boyne Valley Trails in South-West Cooley, Sunday 5th February
Ok, so not technically in Drogheda, but still an unique activity. Not for the faint of heart this walk takes you along a lesser-visited part of the Cooley mountains, as it takes approximately 5 hours. Wild but worth it and you have the new Bank Holiday to recover! We will pass the home of the Puc Fada and have some great views, weather permitting. Details on how to book are on the Boyne Valley Trails Facebook Page.
10: Support Local Live Music-Various Venues all Bank Holiday weekend
We are spoiled for choice of live music venues and character-filled pubs and bars in Drogheda, with many of them hosting local musicians this February Bank Holiday weekend. Be sure to check out your favourite venues Facebook pages for details on live gigs and ticket info.
