Sligo is the heartland of traditional Irish music. Some of the most famous tunes in our tradition were immortalised in legendary records made in the USA by Sligo musicians Paddy Killoran, Michael Coleman and James Morrison, in the early days of the recording studio in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sligo is also known for its incredible natural beauty, with stunning shores, majestic mountains and breathtaking bogland. Is it any wonder that some of the most complex and intricate melodies in our cultural heritage emanated from such an inspiring environment?
On Sunday, September 17th 2023, as part of the Paddy Killoran Traditional Music Festival, we invite you to join a musical mystery tour by bus from Ballymote, the home of Paddy Killoran, to the Ox Mountains to explore the biodiversity of the bogs of South Sligo. We’ll enjoy performances and stories about traditional tunes including the Geese in the Bog, the Moving Bogs of Powellsboro and the Hut in the Bog from musicians Mairéad Hurley & John Blake, followed by a bog walk with environmental experts Derek McLoughlin & Gary Goggins from the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE project. We’ll discover the habitats of native flora and fauna, and learn about sustainable ecosystem services and the ways that scientists and farmers in the North West are collaborating to protect our precious natural resources and to care for our heritage and our future. Finally, in honour of the famous tune, we’ll have Tae in the Bog (updated for 2023 with coffee and dairy-free milk available too!)
Tea & coffee provided, bring a picnic and sturdy footwear. Bus departing the Top of the Rock, Ballymote at 1.30pm, returning at 4.30pm.
Event for all ages - suitable for ages 8+.
Ticket types:
Paddy Killoran Festival Special: Return bus tour from Ballymote + musical bog walking tour (meet at Ballymote Day and Social Care Centre https://goo.gl/maps/mE1NTgq83gBPuRhAA at 1.30pm)
Bog standard: Musical bog walking tour only (meet at Lough Easkey Car Park https://goo.gl/maps/cyRAuMjAs26jjSvG9 at 2.15pm)
Free but places limited, booking essential - please do not book a ticket unless you can definitely attend the entire event.