Bagenalstown in Bloom is back and brighter than ever for its fourth annual celebration of community, creativity, and nature. Organised by the Bagenalstown Area Community Development Group, this year’s festivities are supported by a wide range of local groups and organisations from across Bagenalstown and Carlow. The event launches on Thursday, 5th June at Doyles Parlour at The Royal Oak, with a lively performance by Jitterbug Jackson to kick off the weekend (Doors Open @5.30pm, Show@6.30pm)
On Friday, 6th June from 10.30am-12.30pm local Community Musician Angela Keogh will launch the ‘Ceolway’ in Doyles Parlour at the Royal Oak. Join in a facilitated music session bringing music to life in the community. ‘This is a lovely opportunity for people to socialise, take part in and/or enjoy music-making’, community musician Angela Keogh explains.
6pm Friday, Carlow Sports Partnership will officially launch the new Outdoor Swim Infrastructure and Loc8code Public Safety Initiative along the River Barrow at Bagenalstown Swimming Pool. Friday’s programme also features Kayaking, Pilates, The Barrow Wild Swimmers, and ‘The Children of Wolves’ a walkabout performance preview along the riverbank.
The main day of activities takes place on Saturday, 7th June from 10am to 5pm, with events spread throughout the town. A diverse programme of events will be held at:
- Educational Workshops, at Coláiste Aindriú, The Community Centre and other venues.
- KCLR Live Broadcast with Edward Hayden, on the riverbank from 10-12pm
- Workshops and Live Entertainment, at Bagenalstown Community Garden (R21 TD61)
- Bagenalstown Scouts Den (R21 PK40) – including Bath Bomb & Jewellery Making workshops and a pottery exhibition from 11-3pm.
- AHA Storytellers, in Muinebheag Library at 11am
Highlights at the Community Garden begin at 12pm, featuring workshops, music, and Mr Cools Puppet Show and Magic Show. Meanwhile, Carlow Sports Partnership will host a Family Fun Run at McGrath Park at 10.30am, alongside old-school games in the Bagenalstown Community Garden from 12.30pm.
At 3:30pm, Creative Places Bagenalstown presents a live performance of “The Children of Wolves” by Hugh W. Brown starting at Muinebheag Train Station tickets are free booking required. Check out www.creativeplacesbagenalstown.ie for more information.
Water enthusiasts can head to the waterfront for “Come and Try It” SUP and kayaking sessions hosted by Muinebheag Kayak Club, taking place on Friday from 6-7.30pm and from Saturday 11-12.30pm and 1-2.30pm. The Bad Keppel will operate boat trips on the river and the swimming pool will be open throughout the weekend.
Throughout the month of May and June, Bagenalstown will bloom with yarn bombing, photography, and art displays. Don’t miss the Yarn Bombing Treasure Hunt on Saturday 7th June —maps are available at The Little Shop on Kilrea Street, perfect for a fun, family-friendly tour of the town’s artistic flair with a delightful reward of a free ice cream while stock lasts. Also check out Bagenalstown night life, with live music in a number of venues across the town over the course of the weekend.
Whether you book into a workshop or just drop by for the music and atmosphere, Bagenalstown in Bloom 2025 promises to be a fun, free, and family-friendly day out for all.
Workshops sign up are now live on Eventbrite Bagenalstown In Bloom Workshops | Eventbrite
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Enjoy these great events plus many more at Bagenalstown in Bloom 2025