Swinford 250 & More celebrates 250 years of this bustling market town, with a diverse, year-long calendar of festivities – come be a part of it!
Drenched in history, Swinford has a rich cultural heritage dating back to 1769 and beyond, and this year, the people of Swinford are throwing open their arms and inviting anyone with a connection to the town and county to visit, in a year-long celebration of its history as a bustling market town in the heart of East Mayo – ‘Swinford 250 & More’. The official launch of Swinford 250 will take place on Thursday 14th March 7-9pm in the Gateway Hotel, hosted by Angelina Nugent.
‘Swinford 250 & More’ was the brainchild of the Swinford community, which has enthusiastically has come together to develop not a single event, but a series of celebrations of Swinford’s rich cultural story taking place throughout 2019. With the aim of celebrating everything Swinford has to offer, the programme is varied and diverse, from family reunions and clan gatherings to sports fixtures, conferences, music festivals, cultural, craft and interactive historical events, all with a unique and vibrant Swinford flavour.
While the initiative is primarily directed at the Irish diaspora worldwide and those with links to the town and county, with the hope of encouraging them to reconnect with the town, the organisers are also eager to enhance the experience of other visitors to the Swinford region, giving them opportunities to enjoy Swinford’s hospitality and partake in events.
Swinford has always traditionally been the gateway to north Mayo, and by channelling Swinford’s proud cultural and musical heritage, it is hoped that the ‘Swinford 250 & More’ initiative will bring economic revenue into the town, generate historical connections and create new ones, creating a reason for visitors to return to the town in future years.
More information on the year-long programme can be found on the Swinford 250 & More Facebook page or http://www.swinford.ie/250-celebrations/.
Image: © Michael Maye
