Live music, kids’ creativity and more at the Linenhall Castlebar

The Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar is set for a wonderful mix of music, film, creativity and family fun ahead this week. From an intimate concert with a renowned Irish singer-songwriter to our ongoing magical children’s arts festival, Roola Boola.

Music lovers are in for a treat on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 pm, when Bridge of Song celebrates its seventh anniversary with special guest Luka Bloom. One of Ireland's most treasured singer-songwriters, Luka brings five decades of beautiful songwriting, masterful guitar playing and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. Bridge of Song is a monthly intimate listening event in Castlebar that is known for its respectful, attentive audiences. Founded by Eamonn Mulderrig to spotlight Mayo’s singer-songwriter scene, it has grown to attract national and international acts.

The Linenhall’s monthly Creative Coffee session takes place on Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 pm, offering artists of all disciplines an opportunity to connect, chat and exchange ideas in a relaxed, welcoming setting. These lively sessions feature a different guest host every month, and this time it’s the turn of Cormac O’Leary, a Cork-born artist whose work explores the atmosphere of place, especially remote places marked by the elements.

The arts centre’s annual children's arts festival, Roola Boola, is now underway, bringing imagination and adventure to Castlebar, with children from all four corners of the county taking part. On Friday, October 23, schools can enjoy Branar Theatre’s How to Catch a Star, with performances at 9:45 am and 11:45 am. Families can then experience this enchanting production on Saturday, October 24 at 12:30 pm. Inspired by Oliver Jeffers' much-loved story, How to Catch a Star promises a delightful theatrical adventure for little imaginations.

Also beginning Saturday, October 24, is Listen! Éist!, a multilingual audio story installation, celebrates storytelling in different languages, running until Saturday, October 31 during opening hours. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are invited to take part, whether they speak one language or many, fluently or just a cúpla focal.

For creative adults, the new Connacht Collage Collective meets on Saturday, October 24, 1:30–4:00 pm, offering an opportunity to explore collage and connect with fellow creatives.

On Tuesday, October 27, between 10:30 am and 12 noon, young writers aged 10 and over can discover their inner passion for the Mayo team at the All-Ireland Writing Workshop with seasoned Mayo sports journalist and author Edwin McGreal. Then at 12:30 pm, Julianne Hennelly leads a joyful Champion Sing-A-Long – perfect for passionate young voices.

With all this on the agenda, as well as the Linenhall’s ongoing creative workshops (including 3D Print and Design, Stage School, Art Portfolio Prep, Kids Robotics, Inclusive Singing and Slow Trad), the week ahead offers a huge range of inspiring events to choose from. Time to get creative!

For more details and bookings, visit www.thelinenhall.com or call the Linenhall Box Office on 094 902 3733.