Festival Programme - 2025
All events during the Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival are completely free to attend, thanks to the incredible support of local businesses, volunteers, your generous donations and community spirit.
If you enjoy an event, we kindly invite you to consider making a small donation to help us keep the festival running (and growing) for years to come. Every euro makes a difference and goes straight back into bringing joy to our town.
Thank you for being part of the celebration!
Live open-air music on the street
Friday 1st Aug at 8:30pm - Main Street
Kicking off the weekend in style, DJ Pat Coyle brings his legendary energy to Main Street for a lively, family-friendly set that’s sure to get the whole town moving. A firm local favourite, Pat has played in Newport several times, most recently on St. Patrick’s Day and never fails to deliver the right tune at the right time. Expect a mix of feel-good classics, crowd-pleasers and dancefloor favourites, tailored to all ages. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, this open-air set promises a great night of music, fun and festival spirit!
Saturday 2nd Aug at 9:30pm - Main Street
Hailing from the heart of the Irish Midlands, Shillelagh Law blends the soul of Irish tradition with bold, fresh energy. With powerful fiddle, concertina, banjo and bouzouki at their core, this talented four-piece brings haunting melodies, stirring rhythms, and storytelling to life on stage.
Featuring Adam Kelly (banjo, ex-Fureys), Chris Leonard (vocals, guitar), Aidan Burke (fiddle maestro and champion musician), and Éilis (concertina, Dublin-born and Clare-trained), the band delivers a rich, authentic sound with a modern edge.
Expect a set full of raw emotion, high energy, and spine-tingling tune. This will be Irish music at its most compelling.
Sunday 3rd Aug at 8:30pm - Main Street
Get ready to close the festival with a bang! The Afters are a powerhouse party band with over a decade of experience lighting up stages across Europe. Formed by members of The Aftermath and Cronin, they’ve shared line-ups with music legends like Kodaline, The Script, Shane MacGowan, Nathan Carter, and more.
From pop to indie, rock to country, their high-energy set covers five decades of crowd-pleasing classics. With serious stage chemistry and a playlist built to keep you dancing all night, The Afters promise an unforgettable finale to the Grainne Uaile Festival.
Pre-festival events
Festival Queen Celebration
On the 4th of July in Hotel Newport, our 2025 Festival Queen was crowned! A huge congratulations to Rachel Knox, who will represent the Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival for the next year. She will commence official duties by leading the Pirate Parade, raising the Festival Flag as she officially opens our 2025 festival on Friday, 1st August.
We’d also like to say a huge “well done and thank you for participating“, to all the contestants who took part in this year’s Queen Celebration Night and of course to their wonderful escorts!
Thanks also to our fantastic hosts this year, Sarah and Kenneth!
Children's Art Competition
This year’s competition is all about the adventures of Gráinne Uaile where children are invited to use their imagination to portray our festival’s inspirational figure. Thinks ships, pirates, rough seas and big battles!!!
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 30th July 2025
Submit entries to: Keane’s Meats, Main Street, Newport.
Theme: The Adventures of Gráinne Uaile
Winners will be announced during the festival, at the Children’s Disco, which will take place in Hotel Newport on Saturday 2nd August at 3pm.
All events across the weekend
Friday 1st August
Festival Beats Busking - 1pm - 4pm
Young musicians take to the streets! Our Festival Beats Friday session offers under-17s the chance to perform on Main Street. Whether it’s guitar, trad, vocals or original music, this is your time to shine. It’s all about celebrating young local talent – and enjoying music around every corner. If your child or teenager play music, encourage them to take part and round up a few friends to cheer them on!
Pirate Parade - 7pm
Ahoy, Newport! Channel your inner buccaneer and join us for the Pirate Parade, kicking off the weekend in swashbuckling style at the Grainne Uaile monument on the Westport Road. Everyone’s invited – families, kids, adults, clubs and groups – to march through town in pirate-themed costumes alongside the powerful sound of the Tonragee Pipe Band. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Child, Adult, Group, and Float, so dig out your tricorn hats, eye patches and parrots, and get ready to raise the anchor on a magical weekend!
The parade will be followed by the raising of the flag of our Festival Queen, Rachel Knox, marking the official opening of Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival 2025!
Open Air DJ with Pat Coyle - 8:30pm
A true Newport favourite, DJ Pat Coyle takes over Main Street with an open-air set, full of tunes for all ages. Whether you’re eight or eighty, Pat’s expertly curated playlist will have you swaying, toe-tapping or full-on dancing in the street. Expect classic hits, modern bangers and feel-good vibes for all generations. Bring your neighbours, your kids, your dancing shoes – and kick off the festival with fantastic music and great memories.
Saturday 2nd August
Children’s Sports Hour - 10am
Let the games begin! Join us at the GAA pitch (Glenhest Road) for an hour of fun-filled, inclusive novelty races and sports games designed especially for children. From classic sprints to sack races, egg-and-spoon challenges and giggle-filled three-legged races, every child is encouraged to take part and every child will win something. With medals, sweets and plenty of cheering, it’s a great way to start the day with laughter and healthy fun.
Historical Walk - 10am
Step back in time on a guided walking tour through Newport with local historian Michael Chambers. Starting at Ned Lyons’ monument on Medlicott Street, this easy-paced stroll brings to life the rich stories, landmarks and local characters that shaped the town. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the Newport of old – perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Watersports - from 11am CANCELLED
The Pirate Gauntlet - 11:30am
Ahoy, young adventurers! Join us for The Pirate Gauntlet — a swashbuckling obstacle course designed especially for kids. Crawl through smugglers’ tunnels, dodge cannonballs, steal treasure and walk the plank! But don’t get caught – you must complete the course while outsmarting sleepy pirates!
Meet on The Quay (down from Newport House). Open to all children up to 13 years old, this fun-filled challenge guarantees smiles, excitement and a Pirate Certificate for every brave buccaneer who completes the course.
No winners or losers – just big laughs, great memories and a bit of pirate mischief!
Festival Beats Busking - 2pm - 5pm
Young musicians take to the streets! Our Festival Beats Saturday session offers under-17s another chance to perform on Main Street. Whether it’s guitar, trad, vocals or original music, this is your time to shine. It’s all about celebrating young local talent – and enjoying music around every corner. If your child or teenager play music, encourage them to take part and round up a few friends to cheer them on!
Family Treasure Hunt – Saturday 2pm
Join the great Newport treasure hunt – a fun and active way to explore the town with kids! Pick up your clue sheet at the playground and follow the trail around the town together on foot. This event is suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes for completed entries!
Kids Disco & Line Dancing – Saturday 3pm
It’s party time in Hotel Newport! Kids can dance their socks off at our upbeat disco and line dancing lessons will be provided by our local pro, Laura Whyte. Dress up in your best pirate or cowboy gear (optional), learn some fun group dances, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere full of music, movement and smiles.
Winners of the Children’s Art Competition will also be announced during this event!
Bingo – Saturday 7:45pm
Eyes down for a full house! Grab a seat at Hotel Newport for an entertaining evening of festival bingo, with spot prizes and plenty of craic guaranteed. Open to all ages but the young bingo stars should be accompanied by an adult.
Grog Race – Saturday 8:30pm (register from 8pm)
A hilarious festival event, taking place on Main Street! Contestants must fill two tankards of “grog”, settle them on a plank and sprint up the street without spilling a drop! Great prizes to be won for those with the most “grog” at the finish line. For those not taking part, arrive early to get a good spectator spot as this is always a well-attended event. Adults only (no real grog was harmed in the making of this race 
).
Registration at the Main Street stage from 8pm, look for any Festival Volunteer in the yellow bibs!
Shillelagh Law (LIVE) – Saturday 9:30pm
Enjoy an atmospheric open-air concert on Main Street with the incredible Shillelagh Law – a four-piece band that blends deep Irish tradition with fresh, passionate performance. Featuring fiddle, concertina, banjo, bouzouki and rich vocals, their music is both timeless and electric. A must-see for trad lovers and festival fans alike!
Sunday 3rd August
Nora’s Boxty with Ger Brannen – 11am
Start your Sunday with a taste of tradition! Local boxty legend, Ger Brannen returns with his much-loved and ever-popular boxty-making demo, sharing the secrets of how to cook this traditional Irish potato dish, live on Main Street at entrance to Stepping Stones. Expect delicious smells, live commentary, and plenty of laughs — and maybe even a sample or two!
Ceoil agus Craic – 12:30pm
Midday music and merriment! Join us outside the Bridge Inn on Main Street for a lively lunchtime session of traditional Irish music and street entertainment, guaranteed to lift the spirits. This relaxed slot is perfect for soaking up the festival atmosphere while enjoying a bite to eat or a stroll through town.
Family Fun Day – 1pm to 5pm
A jam-packed afternoon of free activities for all ages! Taking place on Medlicott Street and in Canon Killeen Park (Westport side of the bridge), this is an afternoon not to be missed.
Enjoy a vibrant mix of:
- Traditional music with Cuilmore CCE
- Dance performances from the Caroline O’Malley School of Dance (1pm)
- Live music with Pat Mulchrone (3–5pm)
- Sheep Shearing Exhibition (from 2pm)
- Face painting, balloon modelling, games and more
- BBQ and refreshments in Canon Killeen Park
There’s something for everyone – whether you want to dance, watch, eat or just soak in the atmosphere with the family.
The Afters (LIVE) – 9pm
Close out the weekend with a bang! The Afters are a high-energy party band known for feel-good covers across every genre, from pop and indie to country and rock. They’ve shared the stage with some of Ireland’s biggest names – and now they’re bringing their electric live show to Newport.
Bring your dancing shoes – you’re going to need them!
Also happening in Newport...
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August – Newport Sea Angling Club’s 59th Annual Fishing Competition takes place in Clew Bay with the awards presentation afterwards in Nevin’s Bar, Main Street on Sunday 3rd August.
Monday 4th August at 1pm – Annual Mass in Burrishoole Abbey, followed by the traditional Pattern Sports (for all ages).
Your Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival Brochure
Hard-copy brochures can be obtained from any local business premises. View it below or download to your phone for easy access.
