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Athenry goes M.A.D. from Thursday 20th September until Sunday 23rd September 2018 with a programme of events that's suitable for all ages to enjoy. Experience this multidisciplinary event in locations throughout the town and discover the Arts from exhibitions, writing workshops, music and drama. This year's event also incorporates Culture Night 2018 which adds to the MAD weekend festivities. All Culture Night activities are free to attend and inclusive to all.

Experience the magic of Christmas in the award winning Athenry Heritage Centre and discover a place full of exciting activities that sparkles with the joys of Christmas.

Unwrap a world of treats and delights in a magical place for all the family to enjoy. Enter the woods and get creative with traditional Viking longhouse craft’s, visit the Christmas bakery and plant you colourful spring bulbs. Make your reindeer treats for Rudolph or fill a sweet herb basket for your tree plus there's face painting too. The centre is a place that is nautical and nice, with a Neverland experience which will thrill the young and the young at heart.

So come along and meet Santa, Mrs. Clause and the friendly Elves for a Christmas to remember in a place for the young and young at heart.

This year, the centre provides a unique babies and toddler time of 10:30am-12:00pm. First time parents can enjoy our Wonderland experience and relax in a world of Peter Pan and his friends from the frozen north. The Winter Wonderland commences on Saturday 5^th December and Sunday 6^th December and every weekend until Sunday 20^th December.

The doors are open from 12:00pm and last admission is 5:30pm, no pre booking is necessary.

Admission is:

• €15.00 per child,
• €10.00 under two's
• €2.00 per adult.

For instant updates and information LIKE our Facebook page or contact 091 844661.

A movie demonstrating an interactive 3D model of Medieval Athenry which aims to reconstruct how Athenry would have look in the late 16th century, just before the attack by Red Hugh O'Donnell in 1597 who destroyed much of the town. This is only phase I of the project. Athenry today has one of the best preserved town walls of any Irish walled town. This work has been developed by Realsim on behalf of Athenry Community Council Trust, The Heritage Council and Galway County Council and has been funded by the Heritage Council and Galway County Council.

 A Beat To The Poets Heart  

On Friday 18th September, the heritage centre will celebrate Culture Night 2015 with an evening of poetry celebrating the 150th and 110th anniversaries of W.B Yeats and local renowned poet, Padraic Fallon. The event commences at 7:15pm in the Market Square of Athenry with the Rhythm Drum School and this will be followed by a candlelit walk into the heritage centre. 

After a brief opening ceremony, the programme will start with music by the Padraic Fallon String Quartet, followed by readings of the poets work by members of the local community.

The centre is also pleased to announce that Brain Fallon will attend the event and provide a short presentation about Padraic Fallon, his life, poetry and connections to Athenry.

The Culture Night evening commences at 7:30pm and lasts about one hour. Please note that spaces are limited, so please arrive early to avoid any disappointment.

Programme For the Evening

7:15pm:    Athenry Samba Drumming in the Square

7:30pm:    Welcome in the Heritage Centre

                The Fallon Quartet, First piece of music, Fania (Fairy Fanfair)

                Yeats Story (The Lazy Beauty and her Aunts)

                Fallon Quartet- Impulse

                Brian Fallons’ talk.

                Madelyn Brophy. Yeats in Athenry

                Maureen Lawless- A Visit West

                Aideen Rynne – A Bit of Brass

                Fallon Quartet – ‘Show time’

8:30pm     Ends

Please note that all times and running order are subject to change