Arts & Theatre Events

Wander the galleries or take in a show with the Mourne Gullion Strangford. Our theatres, art centres and galleries are home to a busy calendar of events and festivals. Whether you’re a lover of musicals, or an art history buff, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. 

Theatre, Music and Workshops in Downpatrick 

A bustling hive of community arts, Downpatrick Arts Centre offers a busy calendar of events for all ages. Housed in the red brick walls of the old Downpatrick town hall, the centre is the beating heart of the local artistic community. 

A noted stopping point for touring shows from around the UK and Ireland, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick is the perfect venue for lovers of all things theatre.  Down Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub offering a year-round programme of theatre, live music, comedy, exhibitions, and creative workshops. Housed in the historic former town hall, it features monthly visual arts exhibitions and hands-on arts & crafts events for all ages, including themed events for children. With activities like pottery, painting, and collage, the centre inspires creativity in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford region. Perfect for families, art lovers, and visitors seeking local culture, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring County Down. Find out more here.

Get Some Much Needed DownTime 

What about a festival combining the area’s artistic credentials with its equestrian heritage? DownTime is a celebration of all things arts, music, history and horses in Downpatrick, where Ireland’s first ever horse race took place in 1685. 

Whizz between a multitude of events over the course of the festival, with highlights including an open air busking competition, and re-enactments of historical battles. With countless options for refreshments, DownTime is the perfect family escape under the June sun. 

Family Favourites in Annesley Hall 

Newcastle’s Annesley Hall brings amazing arts and entertainment to one of Northern Ireland’s best loved seaside towns. Housed in a former parish church hall, The Annesley Hall is one of Newcastle’s best loved venues. 

For a lively night on the town, why not check out the Newcastle Glees Musical Society, who rehearse and perform in The Annesley Hall. 

Musical Giants in Downpatrick 

It’s no secret that the people of Northern Ireland love their music. The Great Hall in Downpatrick is one of the region's leading venues for major musical events. The Great Hall is a hive of musical talent to say the least. 

Major artists like Van Morrison have stopped off to play in Downpatrick throughout the years. For a more theatrical experience, you’ll adore their calendar of musical theatre events, with performances from companies from around the UK and Ireland. 

A Modern Theatre in Victorian Style 

Want to combine the comforts of a modern show with the splendour and delight of the Victorian era. The 460 seat auditorium in Newry Town Hall is the place to go. Opened in 1893, the building hosts concerts, shows and lecture series. 

The Town Hall celebrates Newry’s unique place in history. Snap a photo with the statue of local hero Terence Bannon, the first Irishman to scale Everest. 

Legendary Acts and New Talent in Warrenpoint 

Warrenpoint Town Hall has attracted the biggest talents in Ireland for well over 100 years. The Victorian superstar, Percy French, was one of the first acts to perform there in the late 1800s. 

These days, it’s also home to some of the region’s finest up and coming talent including Warrenpoint Feis and the local pantomime. Find out more about Warrenpoint Town Hall here.