Laneways Come Alive on Friday, 19th September
Ballina is set to sparkle this Culture Night Late as the town’s laneways come alive with music, art, and atmosphere for the Laneways & Sessions Music Trail on Friday, 19th September from 6pm to 11pm. This unmissable evening will see various laneways throughout Ballina transformed into intimate, vibrant performance spaces, where talented local musicians and artists will showcase their creativity.
Warm up with tours of the new exhibitions at Ballina Arts Centre between 4 and 5pm and then the evening of music kicks off at 6pm at the Jackie Clarke Collection on Walsh Street with a lively warm-up session. Join Hannah Dunford and friends for the delightful ‘Cuimsiú’ session, creating a truly inclusive and joyous atmosphere. From 7pm to 9pm, visitors will be treated to the energetic sounds of Bofield CCÈ, alongside the mesmerising rhythms of Atlantic Rhythm / Moffatt School of Irish Dancing, getting everyone up on their feet and dancing.
Following this, immerse yourself in the dream of local man Ray Ford of Event Audio Visual, who envisioned a music trail weaving through Ballina’s historic laneways. These secret laneways, steeped in history and culture, will be transformed into a magical musical maze, offering a unique “musical treasure hunt” experience. Each laneway features a different style of music, inviting visitors to wander, explore, and follow the sounds through the town, all completely FREE to attend.
Heritage, Community, and Inclusivity
The event is being delivered by Event Audio Visual, The Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Library, and the NCF together with many community groups. Ballina Autism Friendly Town are ensuring inclusive spaces throughout the trail whilst Mayo North Tourism are delighted to help promote this celebration and ensure as many people as possible come out to experience it.
Adding a fascinating historical twist, the Jackie Clarke Collection has recently showcased a rediscovered notebook belonging to Jackie Clarke himself, uncovered by volunteer Trish Greaney. In it, Clarke recorded some of the old names of Ballina’s laneways—a discovery that beautifully connects the past with the present, and history with the arts. The Collection is inviting locals to share their own stories and memories of these laneways, weaving Ballina’s living heritage into the celebration. The Jackie Clarke will also be launching our very special “Knitmas Tree” project – not to be missed!
“We’re so excited to see Ballina’s laneways come alive again for Culture Night,” said Anne Marie Forbes of the Jackie Clarke Collection. “Jackie Clarke’s notebook is a wonderful reminder that these laneways have always been full of stories, and now, with music and performance, we’re creating new memories while honouring the old. It’s about connecting people, place, and history in a way that feels very special.”
“Culture Night Late in Ballina is about more than music and art,” added Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism. “It’s about collaboration—local organisations, artists, and volunteers working side by side to create something magical and accessible right in the heart of our town. The Laneways & Sessions Music Trail connects heritage with creativity, inclusivity with community spirit, and in doing so it not only enriches local life but also showcases Ballina as a vibrant cultural destination for visitors.”
Laneways and Locations to Explore
Laneways and locations throughout Ballina where sessions are due to take place include: Moy Lane, Pawn Office Lane, O’Hora’s Laneway, Cookes/Clarkes Lane, Kathleen Lynn Lane, Market Lane, Harrison’s Lane, 1798 / Quinn’s Lane, the IQ Centre at Market Square, and Walsh Street at the Jackie Clarke Collection.
Join the Celebration!
This not-to-be-missed free event promises an unforgettable evening of music, history, inclusivity, and community spirit at the very heart of Ballina. Everyone is invited to come, explore, and soak up the atmosphere.
For further updates and full programme details, visit culturenight.ie or follow the Jackie Clarke Collection online.