Local Arts Scene

Music Festival/Events:
An Tain March	The Táin March was established in 2011 as a community walking festival to celebrate and promote the epic tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The festival is run by a voluntary committee who are passionate about preserving the history and culture of the Táin with the hope of generating greater interest and participation of local communities.
	https://www.tainmarch.ie/
	www.facebook.com/TheTainMarch/
	Telephone: 087 9344851
Vantastival	Vantastival is a gloriously independent, award-winning festival which takes place at Beaulieu House. Music fans and campervanners flock to this unique family-friendly event for its fantastically diverse line up, super-friendly vibes, and quirky extras. Attractions include gourmet food stalls, festival traders, scheduled kids’ activities, arts, and crafts ensuring that Vantastival has something for everyone, with or without a campervan!
	https://www.vantastival.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/Vantastivalfestival/
	info@vantastival.com
Boyne Music Festival	The Boyne Music Festival (BMF) was established in 2013 by twin sisters Aisling and Julie-Anne Manning and their cousin Deirdre Brenner. The aim is to bring international performing artists to the Boyne Valley for a weekend of chamber music, poetry and song. The BMF is committed to engaging in the vibrant cultural ecology of Ireland and is particularly interested in supporting the development of young musicians in the country. The festival is held annually in Townley Hall in Drogheda.
	https://boynemusicfestival.com
	boynemusicfestival@gmail.com

Music Repositories/ Libraries:
A Louth Lilt	A Louth Lilt is an online repository for the research, compositions and recordings of the traditional Irish musicians and musicologists Adele Commins and Daithi Kearney. It is also the title of the duo’s album which is inspired by places in Louth and further afield.
	https://www.alouthlilt.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/alouthlilt/
	alouthlilt@gmail.com

Recording Studios:
Lockup Records	Lockup Records strives to be the most comprehensive service on the Irish music scene. Recent developments of the record label include an e-commerce site and an array of artist management services. The Lockup also has an in-house production team that can create professional Audio Visual content to cater to every requirement.
	https://www.thelockup.ie/
	Telephone: 086 4075074
	dagan@thelockup.ie
Jason V Recording	Jason V Recording is a high spec recording facility established and operated by the engineer, mixer, and producer Jason Varley. The studio offers clients a comprehensive portfolio of services in the way of recording, mixing, mastering, editing, musician hire, and tuition, as well as an online submission platform for artists to have music mixed and mastered from the convenience of their own home.
	https://jasonvrecording.com/
	Telephone: 085 1257422
	info@jasonvrecording.com

Group/ Production Companies/ Event Management
Geraldine Kieran/Geraldines School of Drama (GSD)	Geraldine Kieran has more than a decade of experience teaching drama as a drama facilitator and creative director. She is a broadcast and theatre producer and has scripted many plays for theatre and radio. Over the past decade Geraldine’s School of Drama (GSD) has created original theatre for children and young people. It specializes in speech and drama exams through the Leinster School, and the development of ‘page to stage’ projects and creative modern theatre for children.
	https://gsdschoolofdrama.ie/?fbclid=IwAR3hv6bAn499xP76q40CKjwhTwdF82Ch2llRY6jOWyERseFXqsOtZsBiFLY
	https://www.facebook.com/EloquenceDrama/
	Telephone: 087 1914076
Encore Productions – RehabCare	Encore Productions is a theatre company based in RehabCare Resource Centre Dundalk. They have been devising and performing original shows and adaptations ranging from Brecht to Shakespeare since 2002. They are currently Theatre Company in Residence at An Tain Arts Centre.
	http://www.rehabcare.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/EncoreDundalkRC/
	Telephone: 042 9328766
	sandy.sneddon@rehabcare.ie
M.A.D. Youth Theatre	M.A.D Youth Theatre has been working with children and young people between the ages of 6 to 21 years old in Dundalk and wider community since 2011. Providing professionally led weekly drama workshops and quality arts experience in a variety of arts disciplines, the company endeavours to create new and exciting work with relevant and youth-centred themes.
	https://www.madyouththeatre.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/M.A.DYouthTheatre/
	Telephone: 083 1404747
	info@madyouththeatre.com
Patricia Reynolds – Reynolds’ Academy of Performing Arts” (R.A.P.A)	Established and run by Patricia Reynolds, Reynolds’ Academy of Performing Arts (R.A.P.A) offers a wide range of drama, musical theatre and public speaking classes to students aged between 4 – 18 years old in the Dundalk and surrounding areas. The academy covers all aspects of speech and drama, including speech training and projection, mime and movement, improvisation, public speaking, presentation, and communication skills.
	http://rapadrama.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/rapadramadundalk/
	Telephone 086 1700501
	info@rapadrama.ie
An Tain Arts Centre	An Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space in Dundalk, Co. Louth based in the former Táin Theatre, Town Hall, Crowe Street. Supported by Louth County Council and The Arts Council, An Táin Arts Centre houses a 350 seat main theatre, a 55 seat studio theatre, a visual arts gallery and two workshop spaces. The programme is a diverse collection of local arts, national tours, workshops, exhibitions and in-house productions.
	https://www.antain.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/antainartscentre/
	Telephone: 042 9332332
	info@antain.ie
Dolmen Theatre Group	Dolmen Theatre Group is an Amateur Drama Group established in 1983, who have performed various productions, locally, nationally and internationally.
	https://www.facebook.com/Dolmen-Theatre-Group-219660031575807/
	dolmentheatre@gmail.com
The Castle Players	The Castle Players drama group was founded in 1975 with the aim of bringing new faces to the stage in North Louth. They organise adult drama workshops and have a close working relationship with Dundalk Youth Theatre. Their repertoire includes seminal plays from the Irish theatrical canon and contemporary drama. They also perform and produce short films of locally-scripted drama.
	https://www.facebook.com/Castle-Players-421246738024431/?ref=page_internal
	Telephone: 087 1605319
Dundalk Theatre Workshop	Dundalk Theatre Workshop is the foremost drama group in Dundalk Town and environs. It has participated in drama festivals in Ireland and all over the world in as far ranging locations as Toyama Japan and Midland Texas. The group has performed a huge variety of Irish and international drama with the emphasis on American drama, and has won many awards at both all Ireland and individual festivals.
	rosettawhyte51@gmail.com
Spacers	SPACERS performed their first production Grainne Jordan’s ‘THE SPACE’ in the Friary Hall, Dundalk in October 2017. Since then the group has produced two other Irish-authored comedies and hosted a night of one-acts in the Museum.
	https://www.facebook.com/SpacersDramaDundalk/
	Telephone 086 2268606
	spacersdramadundalk@gmail.com
Mercury Players Dundalk	Mercury Players Dundalk is an amateur drama society with an impressive track record of staging and producing plays of local, national and international interest. As well as seminal texts such as Hugh Leonard’s adaptation of Dickens’ Great Expectations, previous performances of contemporary works include Proof, Calendar Girls and Gods of Carnage with all productions carried out under the masterful direction of Ultan Hodgers.
	https://www.facebook.com/mercury1dundalk/
	uhodgie@gmail.com
Hagglerock Theatre Group	Hagglerock Theatre Group is a friendly group of people based in the Parish of Haggardstown and Blackrock who have an interest in all aspects of theatre. The company is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, and donates proceeds surplus of performance costs to charities and community initiatives.
	https://www.facebook.com/HaggleRock-Theatre-Group-711184872264793/
	Telephone: 086 1700501
	hagglerocktheatregroup@gmail.com
From The Top Theatre School	“From The Top Theatre School” provides classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama to children 3-18 years. They aim to teach the three disciplines of performing arts equally, in an enjoyable and structured environment.
	https://fromthetop.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/FromthetopTS/
	Telephone: 085 7674681
	fromthetoptheatreschool@gmail.com
Moo Music Louth	Linda Elmore is the founder of Moo Music Louth: a music-focused Children’s Club for children from 0 to 5 years old. Sessions are held in The Moo Rooms: a local hub for families to attend interactive, music, sensory and movement sessions with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Merchandize is also available to purchase online.
	www.moomusic.ie/louth
	https://www.facebook.com/TheMooRooms
	Telephone: 083 0717391
	Linda@moomusic.ie
An Tain Drama Workshop	In An Táin Arts Centre children are encouraged to learn new drama and theatre devising skills through a series of fun games and activities. Each workshop is designed to foster and support creativity and confidence, with class sizes affording each child the attention they deserve. Workshops are facilitated by Karen Shields.
	https://www.antain.ie/drama-workshops/
	Telephone (An Tain Arts Centre): 042 9332332
	info@antain.ie
Quintessence Theatre	Quintessence dedicates itself to exploring the human condition through the most theatrical means available: the actors’ themselves, and their imagination creating visceral, compassionate story-telling that touches on urgent issues at the heart of Irish society. Led by Anna Simpson (Founder & Artistic Director), Quintessence is made up of three core performers and company liaison personnel: Leah Rossiter, Fiona Keenan O’Brien, and Anthony Kinahan.
	https://www.facebook.com/quintessencetheatreco/
	quintessencetheatreco@gmail.com
Gigs Ireland (Tracey Hanby)	Gigs Ireland, headed up by Tracey Hanby, is an event management company covering Leinster & the North Eastern Region specialising in aspects of the contemporary Irish music scene. In addition to being a DJ, Broadcaster, Photograher, Nurse and a Midwife, Tracey was CRAOl awarded for her shows 100% Irish show & The Takeover on Dundalk FM. Both shows promoted new & established Irish artists developing an audience with a keen interest in the Irish music scene
	FB @GigsIreland
	tracey@gigsireland.ie
	Instagram @GigsIreland
Dance Kids Stage School	Freda Hearty and the Dance Kids are Dundalk’s most well known and established Dance Group. The Dance Kids aged from 4 years to 23 years are available for events and functions.
	https://www.facebook.com/DanceKidsStageSchool/
	Telephone: 042 9339797

Arts Initatives/Hubs:
Creative Spark	Creative Spark, centre for creativity and innovation, launched in October 2012 with the goal of providing dedicated creative training and workspace facilities for new and established enterprises in County Louth – a place to work and a place to learn. Creative Spark was conceived with a clear focus on the development of the creative and innovative enterprise sector in this region and the use of creative practice to promote social engagement.
	https://creativespark.ie/

Consultantancy Services:
Brenda Woods Finegan	Brenda Woods Finegan is an independent editor, content, creation and support specialist with experience in publishing and journalism. She offers all aspects of writing assistance including tuition in English and Gaeilge.
	https://ie.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/brenda-woods-finegan-27170a3b?trk=public_profile_browsemap_profile-result-card_result-card_full-click&challengeId=AQGVS9-qGijqjAAAAXeGm6-j6eqy_Udf2nItYkVyXlbXY4iyFAuwa66wkmFNm1yRQo7MMFYFBDtaBQbdblnihPcPoKGVWN-vmQ&submissionId=3c7b8501-b511-6216-fe1f-6ea1ed8f122d
	Telephone: 086 8104927
	be_finegan@yahoo.co.uk
Regina Byrne	As a former manager and director, Regina assists business owners to make improvements and bring positive change even in very challenging situations through more effective communication methods. Through her three level-based consultancy and coaching programmes based on her REAL Conversations approach, Regina helps clients develop self-managing behaviours, take the initiative, and make good decisions.
	https://www.reginabyrnecoaching.com
	https://www.facebook.com/reginabyrnecoaching
	Telephone: 087 6299539
	regina@reginabyrnecoaching.com

Brass/Wind Ensembles:
Dundalk Brass Band	Dundalk Brass Band was established in 1976 and is comprised of 25-30 members who perform a cross selection of big band music to brass music. They introduced woodwind instruments to the band about 10 years ago and are always on the lookout for new players who may have played brass or woodwind instruments previously.
	https://www.facebook.com/DundalkBrassBand/
	dundalkbrassband2017@gmail.com
	https://twitter.com/dundalkbrass?lang=en

Choirs:
Clermont Chorale	Clermont Chorale is a small chamber choir in Dundalk Co. Louth. Through their worldwide travels, they possess an extensive repertoire of music to perform ranging from the 16th to the 21st Century. They are currently under the musicial directorship of Kevin Boushel.
	https://www.facebook.com/clermontchorale/
	clermontchorale1@gmail.com
Drogheda Male Voice Choir	Drogheda Male Voice Choir is a Not for Profit choir who sing for enjoyment. They support the community by performing at concerts, and singing at weddings, funerals and charity events. They always welcome new members.
	Telephone: 086 2208931
	https://www.facebook.com/Drogheda-Male-Voice-Choir-395263867254251/
Setanta Choir	Setanta is a mixed voice choir based in Dundalk with a current membership of 60. The choir’s calendar is marked by two major performances held at Christmas and early summer which have to date involved collaborations with renowned musicians such as David Brophy and Karl Jenkins. Rehearsals take place in DKIT on Wednesday nights between 7 – 9 pm from September to May.
	https://www.setantachoir.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/setnachoir
Tredagh Singers	Tredagh Singers are a mixed voiced choir from Drogheda, Co. Louth. For the past several years, the choir have been concentrating on performing big works for performance in Drogheda and surrounding areas. Members rehearse once a week for two hours in St. Ita’s Special School, Drogheda under the guidance of Musical Director Geraldine Doggett.
	https://tredaghsingers.org/
	Telephone: 087 6056914‬
	tredaghsingers@gmail.com

Orchestras/ String Ensembles/ Music Ensembles:
Comhaltas Craobh Dhun Dealgan	CCÉ Dhún Dealgan has established itself as a leader in traditional music tuition and performance and regularly participates at fleadhs nationally and worldwide. It consistently promotes the development of traditional music, and provides music lessons on a 1-1, and small group basis in instruments including fiddle, flute, harp, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, mandolin, button accordian, piano accordian, concertina, banjo, and piano.
	http://www.comhaltascraobhdhundealgan.ie
	Telephone: 087 9286130
	dundealgan@comhaltas.net
Fr. McNally Chamber Orchestra	The Fr. McNally Chamber Orchestra is a classically trained string orchestra formed in recognition of the contribution to music of the late Fr. Brendan McNally. Membership is comprised of former past-pupils who have taken the tuition they received to develop professional careers as solo musicians and teachers. The orchestra meets once a week with additional rehearsals before their biannual concerts.
	https://www.facebook.com/Fr-McNally-Chamber-Orchestra-125405340857931/
	Telephone: 086 2675430
	mcardlehelen112@gmail.com
Music Generation Louth	Music Generation Louth is a music education service that provides opportunities throughout the county for young people to learn music. It is part of Music Generation – Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network, and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Fund and the Department of Education and Skills. The Louth branch is comprised of a Harp Ensemble, 3 string orchestras, and a Folk orchestra.
	http://musicgenerationlouth.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/musicgenerationlouth
	Telephone: 042 9364635
	musicgeneration@lmetb.ie
Oriel Traditional Orchestra	The Oriel Traditional Orchestra (OTO) is a cross-border, intergenerational community orchestra whose members come primarily from Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Armagh. The OTO performs repertoire from, and inspired by, the Oriel region with new compositions by members and local composers.
	https://orieltrad.org/
	https://www.facebook.com/orieltrad/
	Telephone: 087 6419081
	music@orieltrad.org
Cross Border Orchestra	The Cross Border Orchestra was established as a peace initiative to unite young people from different backgrounds and traditions through the medium of music. Since its conception, the orchestra has fostered links between schools North and South of the Border. It has reached unparalleled heights through collaboration, educational opportunity and travel that includes performances in Europe, America, and China.
	http://peaceproms.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/peaceproms/
	Telephone: 086 8283268
	info@cboi.ie
Glas Quartet	Glas Quartet is a vibrant and exciting Irish collective of professional musicians. They provide a unique soundtrack to ceremonies, corporate events, and as session musicians, partnering with you to create an experience that embodies your personality, brand or sound. The quartet perform mostly on the East Coast with a repertoire of over 1600 uniquely arranged songs to create a tailor-made soundtrack for clients.
	https://www.glasquartet.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/glasquartetireland/
	Telephone: 087 1081644
	glasquartet@gmail.com
Grow Music	Grow Music provides quality tuition in violin, cello, piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, viola, children and teen choirs, band, and drums with both private and group classes available. Perfect for both beginners and improvers, classes afford children the space to develop and explore all that music has to offer.
	https://www.antain.ie/school-of-music/?_ga=2.139962483.158849674.1615895258-1795902607.1615465042
	Telephone: 085 7493112
	heather@growmusic.ie
Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol – Residential Performers	Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol – Residential Performers are a highly diverse multi-talented group of traditional musicians, singers & dancers who perform at the Oriel Centre Summer Shows and other events. The performers hold over 50 All Ireland titles collectively, and have performed internationally and for many high profile events.
	Telephone: 042 9328887
	events@orielcentre.ie
Táin Céilí Band	3-in-a-row All Ireland Winners of the Senior Céilí Band at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 1998 – 2000, Táin Céilí Band recorded a highly successful music album, and performed for the visit of President Bill Clinton to County Louth in 2000. The Táin has made numerous National radio & TV appearances over the years, the most recent on TG4 in 2019 and RTE Radio 1 Céilí House broadcast from the Fleadh Gig Rig in 2018 & 2019.
	Telephone: 087 2956517
Nós Nua – Louth Youth Folk Orchestra	Nós Nua – Louth Youth Folk Orchestra is a joint initiative of Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol and Music Generation Louth. Members range in age from 12 – 18 years. They have performed at many events since their inaugural performance at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda in 2018 including a performance in the National Concert Hall for the Festival of Youth Orchestras in 2019, RTÉ TV & Radio, as well as TG4’s Fleadh TV in 2018 & 2019.
	nosnualouth@gmail.com

Bands:
Elephant	Elephant, the musical vehicle of Dundalk based multi-instrumentalist Shane Clarke has, over its brief five year life, bounced around the hallways of avant-garde folk, synth pop, electronica/rock all the way to Eno inspired 80’s gothic romance. It’s his belief that the artist should just get out of the way and never try to mold the work into what’s considered genre. Genre is a cage. Music is fluid.
	https://spark.adobe.com/page/mavuHV8d5b5rN/?fbclid=IwAR21N70MrTsC_8jXJY3rF0fbFVMFj70GostIf7HDxjKtbu7myqTWqDSQQAA
	Telephone: 086 6031097
	weareelephantsband@gmail.com
Kern	Kern is a contemporary folk trio from County Louth, Ireland. Their second album The Left and the Leaving is currently on sale. The band is comprised of Barry Kieran, Brendan McCreanor and Dylan Pearse. Kern has played shows in Germany, Canada and the US, including the Milwaukee Irish Fest and Folk Alliance International in Montréal. They also won the Temple Bar TradFest showcase in 2018.
	https://kernmusic.com/
	Telephone: 085 7838719
	contact@mylarkandowl.com
Orwells’84	Orwells ’84 are a musical outfit based in Dundalk. Comprised originally of Damien and Sean, the arrival of Ella, Pauric, Peter, Roisin and Conor completed the Orwells lineup. At the junction of many genres and with musical influences ranging from David Bowie, Guy Garvey and Nick Cave to the Libertines, the Arctic Monkeys and Led Zeppelin, the band have spent hours crafting a unique and identifiable sound.
	https://www.facebook.com/orwells84
	orwells84band@gmail.com
Arco Arena	Formed in early 2015, Arco Arena are an Irish four piece riff-rock band from Dundalk. Mixing shifting time signatures with straight up hooks, their frenetic live shows are a rolling cascade of starting-never-stopping riffs and crowd singalongs. They’ve performed in prestigious venues all over Ireland from The Spirit Store in Louth and the Roisin Dubh in Galway, to The Workmans Club in Dublin.
	https://www.facebook.com/ArcoArenaBand/about/
	arcoarenaofficial@hotmail.com
	https://www.instagram.com/arcoarenaband/
	https://twitter.com/arena_arco
Future West	Future West, a lo-fi, indie, experimental ensemble from Louth, is the creative outlet of Dundalk based multi-instrumentalist Francis Watters. The Debut album and all other releases are available on Spotify now. A new Album, “Who Will Forgive All My Sins”, is due for release in early 2021.
	https://futurewestmusic.bandcamp.com/
	Telephone: 086 1775232
	futurewestmusic@gmail.com
Fuzz Gigolo	Fuzz Gigolo is a 5 piece lo-fi, rock n’ roll band from Drogheda. “In it to Gig,” the band have rocked the stages of Vantastival, Electric Picnic and many other venues and events nationwide. They aspire to make feel good music, Kerfuffle, and “enlighten the buzz” in the process.
	https://www.facebook.com/fuzzgigolos
	Telephone: 086 0757863
	fuzzgigolo@gmail.com
Accidents in the Workplace	Formed in 2016, Accidents In The Workplace made their live debut that summer with a string of captivating performances at various festivals and renowned venues earning them a reputation of being a must see act. Their influences range from Prince to Celine Dion to Rage Against The Machine. Their most recent release “The One You Love” featured on Nialler 9, hotpress, Joe.ie and was listed in Remys top 25 Irish singles of the year.
	https://www.facebook.com/accidentsintheworkplace/
	Telephone: 086 1681932
	accidentsintheworkplace@gmail.com
The Mary Wallopers	The Mary Wallopers are a folk group from Dundalk comprised of Andrew and Charles Hendy. The brothers travel the length and breadth of the country singing & collecting songs, and exude a raw energy that could be described as the Clancy Brothers meet John Lydon.
	https://www.marywallopers.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/marywallopers/?ref=page_internal
	tpmlaws@gmail.com
	@marywallopers
David Bellew and the Bangs	Bellew and the Bangs are a psychedelic blues rock band from the north east of Ireland fronted by David Bellew. Their music explodes by means of filthy riffs, trippy solos and garage vocals.
	https://www.musicglue.com/bellewandthebangs?fbclid=IwAR0rwTER65sTBCb3YGoECJCo-QqIFfvkaYLL2L3GXJSiL_CjH9n2pPrC_eI
	Telephone: 087 1218879
	https://www.facebook.com/bellewandthebangs/
Podracer	Podracer is an Alt Rock band from Dundalk who fuse antagonistic rhythms, multi-generic punk and aggressive rock influences to produce a loud and hard-hitting musical style that is anti-establishment and addictive in equal measure. They currently have two albums and three tracks available on digital release.
	https://podracer.bandcamp.com/
	podracerlive@gmail.com
The Swing Cats	The Swing Cats is a swing and wedding band fronted by Luke Thomas. Described as Ireland’s best swing band, The Swing Cats’ performances bring a brand of high energy swing music that is impossible to forget. They have performed in sell-out concerts in the National Concert Hall and received a No.1 Disc from IMRO for their album “Dance With Me.”
	https://theswingcats.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/theswingcats/
	Telephone: 086 8964406
Vertigo Wedding Band	Vertigo are a four-piece Dundalk based wedding band with over 20 years experience playing music within the wedding industry. Their reputation has been built on the quality and assurance they have provided brides and grooms within this time. Professionalism is key to the guys performance, and they always wear tailored suits in keeping with formal, wedding dress code. The band play a three hour set for weddings.
	https://www.facebook.com/VertigoDundalk
	Telephone: 087 7778033
	vertigoweddingband@gmail.com
Long Time Coming	Long Time Coming are a professional, and experienced wedding band. They guarantee a highly energetic, and entertaining performance for every wedding and cater for all age groups with a range of wedding music genres, from waltzes to rock, from 60’s to modern hits, from Irish – American and all in-between. They can provide wedding packages which include, ceremony music, pre-dinner entertainment and DJ into the early hours.
	www.longtimecoming.ie
	Telephone: 085 1833311
	bookings@longtimecoming.ie
Larry	Larry is a 3-piece band from Dundalk made up of Joey Edwards, Aoife Ward & David Noonan and recognised for an innovative musical aesthetic that blends underground indie-rock with pop sensitivity. Their work to date has involved collaboration with Nirvana recording engineer Steve Albini on their debut album. This is currently available on digital release and 12″ vinyl via Pizza Pizza Records.
	https://www.facebook.com/larryisaband/
	larryismyband@gmail.com
	https://larrymusic.bandcamp.com/

Singers:
SJ McArdle	Stephen Joseph McArdle is an Irish songwriter and musician, Artist in Association at Droichead Arts Centre and is known for his work in contemporary Irish folk band Kern from 2013 to 2020. With SJ the band released two critically-acclaimed albums. More recently, as a solo artist, SJ has been working on a project called Port, a song-cycle based around research into the stories of Drogheda’s historic Port.
	https://sjmcardle.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
	sixeleventen@gmail.com
Nuala Kennedy	Traditional singer and flute player Nuala Kennedy grew up playing Irish music in Dundalk, and currently resides in Ennis. She is a trained classical pianist, but her roots are first and foremost in Irish music. She has toured extensively and collaborated with indie and contemporary musicians worldwide. Nuala is known for her creative reworking of traditional songs and for her unique Irish flute style.
	http://www.nualakennedy.com/
Jinx Lennon	Jinx Lennon is a Dundalk based musician who specialises in singing and writing music about the borderland. His songs are steeped in local idioms and traditions that speak to his commitment to community, history, and the popular culture of his native area. Lennon has been playing since 1980 but has performed solo since 1999.
	http://jinxlennon.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/jinxlennonfreestatenova/
	Telephone: 086 3403854
Evelyne Bourton (“Simply Eve”)	Evelyne Bourton is a Celtic soprano and actress with “the voice of an angle.” With formal Italian training and an international career Evelyne now resides in her native Ireland. She specialises in masterclassess and provides tuition in vocal technique, professional voice use, and breath. Evelyne’s repertoire includes opera, chamber music, musical theatre, Irish, contemporary, original compositions, jazz, and supper club music.
	Telephone: 085 8570323
Stephen Joseph McArdle	Stephen Joseph McArdle is an Irish songwriter and musician and Artist in Association at Droichead Arts Centre. He is known for his work in contemporary Irish folk band Kern from 2013 to 2020. With SJ, the band released two critically-acclaimed albums. More recently, as a solo artist, SJ has been working on a project called Port, a song-cycle based around research into the stories of Drogheda’s historic Port.
	https://sjmcardle.com/sixeleventen@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
Sophie Coyle	Sophie Coyle is a lyrical and musical talent. Her hypnotic voice and gothic-folk songs are charmed with a rare and seductive magic.
	https://www.facebook.com/sophiecoylemusic/?ref=page_internal
	https://soundcloud.com/sophie-coyle
Anne-Marie Powderly	Anne-Marie Powderly is a professional singer and guitarist with over 20 years experience of singing at Weddings, Church Ceremonies, functions and events. Her repertoire includes a wide range of music in both traditional and contemporary styles, and so far in her musical career, she has won awards, and appeared on both radio and television. Her work has been highly acclaimed in various publications in the Wedding industry.
	https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbyannie/?ref=page_internal
	Telephone: 085 133 6679
	apweddingmusic@gmail.com
Theresa McKenna	Theresa is a singer songwriter from Louth. Her music has a fresh sound with a passion for theatrics, jazz, and dramatic song and lyrics. Theresa’s voice has been compared to the likes of Lady Gaga and Eva Cassidy. Her debut single ‘impossible’ peaked at number 3 in the singer-songwriter iTunes chart and number 27 on the over all iTunes chart in 2018. An E.P entitled “Sidney” is due for release soon.
	https://www.facebook.com/theresamckennamusic/
	theresamckennamusic@gmail.com
	https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRLmGKU5ZlJEzMd_TPpvhtg
	https://www.instagram.com/theresamckennamusic/
Anton and Stephanie	Anton and Stephanie are a Wedding Duo based in Dundalk. They blend male and female harmonies with the warm sound of the acoustic guitar and the classical sound of the piano to produce the perfect soundtrack for any wedding whether contemporary or traditional in style.
	https://www.antonandstephaniemusic.ie/
	Telephone: 086 8710248
	antonandstephanie@gmail.com
Finnian	Finnian is a songwriter from Dundalk, Ireland. In a musical landscape of instant but short fleeting rewards, Finnian’s ascension in the Irish musical landscape is a welcome return to the more authentic evolution of an artist.. His music is honest, concise and textured in a way which few have achieved with such conviction.
	https://www.finnian.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/Finnianmusic/
	finniank1@gmail.com
	https://finnianmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Keys:
Adèle Commins	Adèle Commins, Head of Creative Arts, Media and Music at DkIT, is a musicologist and an accomplished piano, piano accordion player and soprano. She is one of the musical directors of the Oriel Traditional Orchestra for whom she composes and arranges music. She has toured internationally engaging in performances, facilitating workshops and delivering lectures across Europe, Australia, America, Canada and Brazil. She is also a composer and released an album of original compositions with Daithí Kearney in 2017 called A Louth Lilt.
	A Louth Lilt \| Adèle Commins and Daithí Kearney
Joe Kenny	Joe Kenny is a Wedding & Events pianist with over 15 years experience playing at Weddings, Drinks Receptions, Corporate Functions, Dinners, and Charity events all over Ireland and the UK, Singapore, Spain and Norway. Whether it be playing that special song as you walk down the aisle, or creating the perfect ambience as your guests arrive for the drinks reception Joe effortlessly adapts his repertoire on piano to suit.
	https://www.weddingpianist.ie/
	Telephone: 086 7312762
Sárán Mulligan	Sárán Mulligan is an All-Ireland champion concertina player from Dundalk, and has performed throughout Europe as both a soloist and an ensemble member. He most recently has been involved in projects with Box the Monkey. Sárán, a music tutor with Nós Nua, is also in demand as tutor of the concertina throughout Ireland.
	Telephone: 087 1158914
	saranmulligan@gmail.com

Violinists/Fiddle Players/Cellists:
Zoe Conway	Zoe Conway is an Irish fiddle player and composer whose playing effortlessly combines a background steeped in Ireland’s rich aural music tradition with a strong founding in classical music. She has toured worldwide and has appeared in many prestigious concert halls including Carnegie Hall, New York, The Kremlin Palace, Moscow, and The National Concert Hall, Dublin. Zoë also tours regularly with her husband, John McIntyre, on guitar.
	https://zoeconway.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/zoeconwayandjohnmcintyre/
Gerry O’Connor	Dundalk born Gerry O’Connor is a multi award-winning fiddle-player, recording 16 albums on the Gael Linn, Claddagh, Sony Music and his own, Lughnasa Music label. A soloist and founder band member of Lá Lugh, Skylark, and Oirialla he now tours with the Irish-Canadian group The Irish Rovers. He has played and taught workshops all over the world at major folk music festivals. When at home he works as a violin maker/restorer.
	https://gerryoconnor.net
	https://www.facebook.com/gerryoconnordlk
	Telephone 087 2387434 / 042 9371538
	gerryfiddleoconnor@gmail.com
Aisling Manning	Aisling Manning is a freelance Irish chamber and orchestral violinist. She graduated with a Master’s degree in performance from the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Mayumi Fujikawa, having previously trained at the Guildhall School of Music, London.She has worked with the BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Philharmonia, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Liverpool Philharmonic and Ulster Orchestra. She is proud to be co-founder and co-director of the Boyne Music Festival.
	boynemusicfestival@gmail.com
Julie-Anne Manning	Julie-Anne Manning studied at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM). She has toured extensively in her career and has worked with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and the Northern Sinfonia. She is involved in the cultivation and promotion of chamber music in Ireland and is Co-Artistic Director of the Boyne Music Festival.
	julieanne_manning@hotmail.com boynemusicfestival@gmail.com.
Tadhg Mulligan	Tadhg Mulligan is a Traditional Irish Fiddle, Bouzouki and Uilleann piper, and an All-Ireland winning accompanist.
	Telephone: 087 9491010
	tadhgmulligan@gmail.com
Jim McKillop	Jim McKillop is a professional fiddle, violin player and maker and is widely recognised as a Master of Irish traditional music. His performances, approaches and techniques are used as teaching materials for new, aspiring, and developing fiddle players, and his music is available worldwide on CD, and DVD. Born in Antrim, Jim resides in Ravensdale, Co. Louth and continues to perform in Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann in addition to restoring, valuing and selling violins, violas, and cellos.
	https://www.facebook.com/jim.mckillop.54
	Telephone: 042 9380123

Harpists:
Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla-Malone	Harpist & educator Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla-Malone studied harp under the tutelage of Nancy Calthorpe and Denise Kelly at the Conservatory of Music and Drama DIT. A regular performer at the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol, she teaches harp with the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Craobh Dhún Dealgan. She heads up the traditional music programme with Music Generation Louth, and is director of the MGL Harp Ensemble.
Fionnuala Donlan	Fionnuala Donlon started playing the harp at the age of 9. She is a multi-All-Ireland medallist; in solo, accompaniment, trio and duet competitions. More recently, she won the Senior Harp trophy at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2019. Fionnuala’s music has brought her to places such as France, Germany and Bangkok, as both a performer and teacher.

Wind Musicians:
Padraig Donlon	Uilleann piper Padraig Donlon is known for his commitment to playing, adjudicating and teaching traditional Irish music. An All Ireland Senior Champion on Uilleann Pipes and Whistle he holds five All Ireland Senior Céilí Band Titles. Padraig has toured worldwide with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and as a member of Brú Boru. He was presented with the prestigeous award of Ard Ollamh at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis in 2017.
Kay Webster-Dooley	Kay Webster-Dooley is a multi All-Ireland champion in solo flute, group & ceili band performances. A performer and teacher at Interceltic Festival L’Orient for 10 years, she has performed for 2 American Presidents visiting in Ireland. Her work as a tutor, lecturer, music examiner and adjudicator was recognized with a Bardic Award by Comhaltas in 2019. Kay is manager of the NE Comhaltas Regional Centre at Dundalk Gaol and produces the Oriel Centre Summer Shows.
	K@orielcentre.ie

Comedians:
Lisa Casey	Lisa Casey is a comedian from Dundalk whose career to date includes being made Irish Comedian of the Year 2017 /2018. Her material is refreshing for its innovative fusion of classic comedy and provocation, and hallmarked by a refusal to conform to socially sanctioned models. With a record of both national and international travel as a comedian, Lisa constantly develops her style and posts new material regularly via facebook.
	https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaseyComedy/
	lisa_casey_07@hotmail.com
Aidan Shields	Aidan Shields is a Dundalk based comedian, MC and coordinator of JuiceBox Comedy Club. Known for a unique, irreverent style of humour, Aidan has performed alongside many industry professionals including Tommy Tiernan, and Ardal O’Hanlon, and brought JuiceBox Comedy Club from the Spirit Store to top comedy festivals across Ireland such as Electric Picnic, Vantastival and Arcadian Field.
	https://www.facebook.com/AidanShieldsComedy/


Actors:
Anthony Kinahan	Anthony Kinahan is an Actor/Producer/Performer with Quintessence Theatre, Artistic Director of Act Out Youth Theatre (Meath) and an independent Actor/Singer, Director and Workshop Facilitator. Born in in Co Louth, Ireland, Anthony is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London, and is currently the Theatre Aritst-in-Residence with the Droichead Arts Centre (Drogheda), for 2021.
	http://castawayactors.com/male-actors/anthony-kinahan/
	Telephone: 087 2379893
	anthonykinahan@gmail.com

Art Groups/Syndicates:
North Louth Artists	North Louth Artists is a membership network of professional, self-employed visual artists who have come together to provide mutual support and exhibit annually as a collective. Members are recognised internationally as producers of original, quality contemporary artworks. The network encourages the work of new, emerging artists and supports each other to stimulate production and interest in art in Louth.
	http://northlouthartists.com/
	Telephone: 087 9606757/042 9376278
	info@northlouthartists.com
Art As Exchange	AAEX (Art as Exchange) is an all-inclusive group of visual artists, facilitated by Creative Spark in Dundalk. Through a process of meet and exchange every two weeks, participants come together to make public art that is accessible, participative and/or free. Studio visits, talks, exhibition and site visits are organised for the group which raises the profile of art in Dundalk and an increased cultural exchange between artists and a local audience.
	aaex.artspark.ie
	aaex.artspark@gmail.com
Artisans	Founded in 1992 by the late Tom Bellew, Artisans is a watercolour art group who meet weekly in Carroll Mead Hall, Dundalk. They have approx 30 members and instruction for both new and advanced members is provided.
	https://www.facebook.com/Artisans-Dundalk-111745727033731/
	Telephone: 086 3567529
Lisa Sherry (The Art Dept.)	The Art Dept. works with the local community and incorporates the role of a Post-Primary Art Teacher teaching students from 4 to 84 years old.
	https://www.facebook.com/letscreatewonderful/about/?ref=page_internal
	Telephone: 0044 7551 691929
	sherrylisa@live.ie

Ceramic/Pottery/ Sculpture/Craft:
Sarah McKenna	Sarah McKenna has been developing her unique handmade Irish pottery at Bridge Street Studios since 1999. Her early studio work was concerned with smoke firing and raku firing sculptural vessel forms, and, in 2006, Sarah started producing a range of quirky customisable ceramics giftware. Clay is impressed with inspiring quotes and sentimental lyrics and each piece is handmade with consideration for materials and the environment.
	https://www.sarahmckenna.ie/
	Telephone: 086 3499195
	https://www.facebook.com/sarahjmckenna/
Mary Cowan	Mary Cowan is a ceramic and sculptural artist based in Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk. Her work is hand-built using a combination of pinching, coiling, slabbing and mould casting and decorated with oxides, underglazes and dry glazes which create a matt or satin surface. Mary exhibits often in Ireland and the UK and her work is regularly selected for the annual Royal Ulster Academy exhibition in the Ulster Museum.
	https://www.marycowanceramics.com
	Telephone: 0044 7828569235
	info@marycowanceramics.com
Etaoin O’Reilly	Etaoin O’Reilly Ceramics is a small pottery based in Ireland. Etaoin hand makes all of her work using a pottery wheel and hand building. She is greatly inspired by bright bold colours and always incorporates them into her range. She was made Artist in Residence in An Tain Arts Centre in 2020.
	https://ceramicsbyetaoinoreilly.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/etaoinoreillyceramic/
	Telephone: 085 2049529
	etaoinceramics14@gmail.com
Sandra Bell	Since she began exhibiting in the late1980s, Sandra Bell has been developing and expanding her practice in cast bronze and fabricated metal sculptures. Often drawing reference from the Celtic and the Classical, harmony and balance are recurring themes in her work. She has completed over twenty site-specific commission pieces to date.
	https://sandrabell.com
	Telephone: 086 2686480
Karen Lavelle	Karen Lavelle is the creative designer behind The Soilse Candle Company. The company’s collection is comprised of 6 fragranced candles presented in recyclable glass, packaged by hand and embellished with foraged finds from the seashore and forest walks. All candles are hand poured, made from 100% soy wax, and infused with a unique blend of essential oil based fragrances that are naturally produced and environmentally friendly.
	https://soilsecandlecompany.ie/
	info@soilsecandlecompany.ie

Textile:
Liz Christy	Liz Christy, designer hand-weaver, is inspired by art from paintings to poetry. She infuses her handwoven scarves with the hues of the changing seasons and her colour palette echoes her surroundings. Liz’s scarves are slow fashion, high quality, and distinctive gifts to be worn and enjoyed. Her designs feature mainly natural materials such as beautiful Donegal yarns, spun bouclé wool and kid mohair, and locally bred Alpaca.
	https://lizchristy.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/LizChristy.SwallowStudios/
	Telephone (Swallow Studios): 042 9746614
Úna Curley	Úna Curley is a textile, mixed media and installation artist. Her work is influenced by her background in communication and personal development and her concerns for the environment and sustainability. Using natural materials and repurposed textiles 3D pieces are quirky, and instantly recognisable while installations are comprised of photography, print, and site specific work. She is a member of VAI and Creative Spark Print Studio.
	http://unacurley.com/
	artist1rushnot@gmail.com
	https://ie.linkedin.com/in/unacurley
Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon	Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon is an Irish landscape textile artist who creates wall hangings and wearable art pieces in nuno and sculptural felt. She currently works in Community Arts teaching heritage textile workshops, as well as in her home studio and in Bridge Street Studios. She is a founding member of the ROGHA arts collective and a member of Feltmakers Ireland, International Felt Association, and the Design Crafts Council Ireland.
	https://www.cushlaofgullion.com/
	https://www.facebook.com/Cushlaofgullion/
	Telephone: 087 2248186
	info@cushlaofguillion.com

Mixed Media and Print Design:
Bernhard Gaul	Bernhard Gaul is an Austrian born painter and print artist with a creative portfolio inspired by his theatrical background and interest in history and artistic engagement through gesture, participation, and experimentation. He was coordinator for the Art As Exhange creative initiate in 2016 and has been based in Dundalk since 2005.
	https://bgxmag.com/
	info@bgxmag.com
Orlaith Cullinane	Órlaith Cullinane is a figurative artist based in Ireland. Her drawings, paintings and prints draw on sources fom her own experience and surroundings. Drawing is the basis and beginning of her work as a means of recording and working out ideas, of getting to know a subject in an almost tactile sense, and as a method of study and observation.
	https://orlaithcullinane.com/
	Telephone: 087 7915952
	oc@orlaithcullinane.com
Ciara Agnew	Ciara Agnew is an oil painter and Print Maker. Her work is non representational and is striking for its use of horizontal and vertical strips and blocks of colour. She currently works from her studio in Mullacrew. She is a member of the Creative Spark print studio, has held solo exhibitions widely and her work is housed in private collections internationally.
	https://www.facebook.com/ciaraagnewart/
	Telephone: 087 7465977
	ciaraagnew@gmail.com
Omin	Omin in a graphic painter specialising in graffiti art. His work is largely exhibited commercially on public buildings and facades both locally and nationwide. Studio and mural work is carried out on both natural and synthetic materials while subjects are typically abstract representations that incorporate the principles of graffiti art, classic letterforms and characters expressed using photorealist techniques and inspirations from destabilizations in digital technology. Omin also exhibits as part of North Louth Artists.
	https://www.instagram.com/ominous_omin/
	omin.bigcartel.com
Barry Finnegan	Barry Finnegan is a Graphic Designer, illustrator and Creative Director at Thinking Cap Design with an industry profile exceeding10 years. Barry is a member of the SEEK Mural festival and applies concise design thinking and impactful graphics to communicate on -message brand identity in logos, illustrations and murals for personal, public and commercial application.
	http://www.thinkingcap.ie/
	https://www.instagram.com/thinkingcapdesign/
	Telephone: 085 1605495
	thinkingcap23@gmail.com
Susan Farrelly	Susan Farrelly is an artist and educator influenced by place, identity, embodiment and the senses. She works with a variety of materials and has a strong interest in collaborative interactions. Her most recent work has been site-specific and relational, and has invited public participation. Susan teaches painting, observation skills, and creative reflection. She also runs painting, drawing and mixed media workshops across Leinster.
	https://abbeyartstudios.com/
	susanfarrellyart@gmail.com
	Telephone (Abbey Art Studio): 087 2423537
Rachel Tinniswood	Rachel Tinniswood is a mixed media and textile artist based in Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk. Her textile work is a fusion of fabric and threads with an unexpected element, and her stitched work is textually rich and combines hand stitch and machine embroidery. She uses natural fabrics as backgrounds which are then painted, dyed and embellished. Rachel makes wearable art, embroidered hoops, framed pieces and one off pieces.
	http://www.racheltinniswood.ie
	Telephone: 086 3849946
	info@racheltinniswood.ie
Patrick Conyngham	Patrick Conyngham is a mixed media artist based in County Monaghan. In his work he explores inner and outer worlds attempting to express the vibrancy of life itself through colour and movement. Layers of pigment and texture are applied both spontaneously and by design as appropriate to the subject and the inspiration behind it. Patrick’s work is held in galleries nationwide and as part of public and private collections internationally.
	https://www.patrickconyngham.com/
Robert Kelly	Robert Kelly is a visual artist specialising in printmaking, painting, photography and installation. His artwork is perception based and developed from an interest in the interconnectedness of random objects and a spatial awareness of the visible and invisible world. Robert is a member of North Louth Artists, Creative Spark Print Studio, and Black Church Print Studio, and has work held in collections, nationally and internationally.
	robertmkellyster@googlemail.com

Painting:
Anna Marie Savage	Predominantly a painter, Anna Marie Savage is fascinated by the relationship between two-dimensional visuals and three-dimensional forms and how they can embody the ideals of language, land, and people. Interested in experimentation, she manipulates the numerous ways in which process can be ‘applied’ to paint, to make paintings that are more like presentations of the substance and material of paint rather than those of conventional paintings.
	https://www.annamariesavage.com/index.html
	Telephone: +44 (0)7789120424
	annasavo66@yahoo.co.uk
Irene Woods	Irene Woods is an oil painter specialising in landscapes and farm animals. Inspired by the wild and rugged terrain surrounding her studio in Cooley, Irene’s work encapsulates the beauty of this environment and the animals that inhabit it. Her paintings are held in public and private collections across Ireland, Europe, the U.S. and Canada. She welcomes private commisions and regularly exhibits with the North Louth Artists as its Chairperson.
	http://northlouthartists.com/work/irene-woods/
	Telephone: 087 9606757 / 042 9376278
	ireneandliamwoods@eircom.net
John O’Connor	John O’Connor is an oil painter specialising in abstract representations using paint applied in varying layers and hues on natural fibres and materials such as linen or wood panel. Subjects include landscapes as well as domestic settings and evoke emotional responses to places and events. His work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions. He has also exhibted in the RHA Summer show in 2016.
	http://northlouthartists.com/work/john-oconnor/
	Telephone: 087 7684786
Petra Berntsson	Petra Berntsson is a Swedish visual artist living in Riverstown, Co. Louth. Her art is influenced by her horticultural background and her passion for the environment and for youth advocacy. Her work to date has included photography and organic, traditional paint making and methods. She was made Creative Spark’s Artist-in-Residence in 2018.
	https://www.facebook.com/petra.berntsson
Orla Barry	Orla Barry is an artist based in Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk. She paints using acrylics, oils and watercolours. Her collection of work includes original paintings, Giclée art prints, brooches, necklaces and greeting cards. She is inspired by animals, nature, sacred art, mysticism, surrealism, fairy tales, patterns and a search for perfect colour combinations.
	https://www.orlabarry.com
	Telephone: 087 7464730
	info@orlabarry.com
Kristina McCabe	Kristina McCabe is a German fine artist and designer based in Jenkinstown. Her paintings, drawings and illustrations range from figurative to mythological to abstract landscapes and are inspired by beauty of form, colour and insight into the subject. Kristina will draw on many sources and they are expressed through a range of media. She offers private commissions and art tuition for secondary school students and adult learners.
	https://www.facebook.com/kristina.mccabe1
	Telephone: 086 155 8777
	kristina.mccabe@gmx.net
Gerry Clarke	Gerry Clarke is a self-taught professional artist and teacher in a wide range of media that includes watercolour, oils, charcoal, pastel, acrylic and print. His work is largely representative and inspired by urban and rural landscape as well as everyday items, and includes still life and portraiture. He exhibits regularly both independently and with the North Louth Artists. In addition to freelance work, Gerry welcomes commission requests.
	https://www.facebook.com/artgerryclarke/
	Telephone: 042 9377620
Siobhan Conyngham	Siobhan Conyngham is a visual artist using the mediums of paint, drawing, film, photography and print to express things she is drawn to. In her painting she works in oil, egg tempera and watercolour using natural pigments and materials in their raw state. Siobhan’s work is inspired by the natural landscape which she imbues with a spiritual and earth-based originality to evoke fleeting moments and passing tones.
	https://www.instagram.com/siobhanconyngham/
Rosemary Warren	Rosemary Warren is an established professional artist who paints exact, keenly observed works in watercolour and acrylic with a strong emphasis on design and composition. Inspiration for her work comes from personal experiences and the immediate environment. Rosemary has held 9 solo exhibitions, in Ireland, and also Abu Dhabi and France and has had work included in both RHA and RUA annual exhibitions
	rosemarywarren.org
	https://www.facebook.com/DulamanArtStudio/
	rosemary.warren@gmail.com
Derek Bell	Derek Bell is a contemporary expressionist oil painter whose work is inspired by emotional responses to reality rather than representative of it. Work is created mainly at night and uses varying textures and pigments to express the sensations of the day. Derek’s art is held in gallerys across Ireland and has been purchased by the O.P.W.
	Telephone: 086 2686480
Paula Eigenherr	Paula Eigenherr is a realist artist who works primarily in watercolour and pastel. Subjects are inspired by the natural environment and evoke memories and emotions from travelling and a fascination with the reflection of light on natural surfaces such as flowers and water. Pieces are created through a free-flowing application of pigments to create a translucent representation. Paula exhibits independently and with North Louth Artists.
	http://northlouthartists.com/work/paula-eigenheer/
	Telephone: 087 1311658
	paulaeigenherr@yahoo.co.uk

Photography:
Olga Berdnikova McGeough	Olga Berdnikova McGeough is a commericial photographer and artist based in Dundalk with an interest in themes relating to self, identity and transitional states. Projects to date have reified emotional connectedness to the self and body and to the inevitability of time, its impact on physical and psychological development, and specifity of maternal bonds.
	https://www.instagram.com/obmcg/?hl=en
Ciaran Dunbar	Ciaran Dunbar was born in 1982 in Dundalk, Ireland, where he currently lives and works. His perspective as an artist is influenced by the Troubles and the Irish border and issues of identity, displacement and belonging have become the focus of his photography to date. Ciaran’s work has been exhibited and published in Ireland, North and South, and in the UK.
	https://ciarandunbar.com
Stephen McElligott	Stephen McElligot is a Dundalk-based photographer with a diverse portfolio of subject matter that includes religion, people, and the natural environment.
	https://www.facebook.com/stephenmcelligottphotos/
	stephenmcelligott@hotmail.com
Gerry Duffy	Producing nearly 2000 Professional Wedding Videos in 40 years, Gerry Duffy is one of Irelands most highly experienced at professional Wedding Videography. He is consistently being promoted by everyone from Photographers, to Priests, to Hotel managers. His photos ensure couples and families, can relive precious moments in time for generations to come.
	https://www.gerryduffy.ie/
	Telephone: 087 25 86400/ 042 9330777
	weddings@gerryduffy.ie
Ayshe Kelleher	Ayshe Kelleher is a Dundalk based photographer from South East London. Professional interests include Documentary, Commercial and Fine Art photography. Portfolio work to date has involved people in everyday contexts and explored the interaction between artist and subject, while personal projects have framed interior states of being such as solitude.
	https://ayshekelleher.com
	https://www.facebook.com/ayshe.kelleher
	Ayshekelleher@gmail.com

Illustration/Design:
Seamus McArdle	Seamus McArdle is an illustrative artist influenced by mythology and religion. His subjects are often representative of legends, folklore, and sacred texts. As well as original artwork and commissions, Seamus’ portfolio includes a young adult picture book, which he authored and illustrated, and an illustrated book project due for publication in 2022.
	https://seamusmcardle.ie/
	Telephone: 086 3571068
	info@seamusmcardle.ie
Caoimhe McCarthy	Caoimhe McCarthy is an artist and illustrator based in Dunleer, Co. Louth. Her oil paintings expand the boundaries of traditional realist interpretations to create abstract works that are compelling in their innovative application of pigments and textures and strike at the heart of day to day experience and consciousness.
	https://www.louthcraftmark.com/members/caoimhe-mc-carthy/
	caoimhe.mccarthy@gmail.com
	Telephone: 087 908 9987

Fashion Design
Niamh Gillespie	Niamh Gillespie is a fashion designer and the Creative Director of Tidings, a luxury fashion collection. Her 20-year design credentials include working with Paul Smith, Liberty of London, and Alexander McQueen. In this, her first solo collection, Niamh marries Irish design with Italian silks and invests each flawlessly conceived scarf and pocket square with laid-back artistry and whimsical, typographic designs.
	https://tidings.ie
	Telephone: 089 4630154
	niamh@tidings.ie

Writing Groups
Dundalk Writers Group	The Dundalk Writers Group are a group of aspiring writers and poets who meet bi-monthly to share their work in a supportive environment. From time to time they also publish and organise events. They always welcome new members and interest can be expressed via the Group Facebook Page.
	https://www.facebook.com/dundalkwritersgroup/
	Telephone: 087 2538583

Novelists and Authors:
Conor Nixon	Conor is a self-help and children’s author with a publication output that includes How to Survive the Cold With a Big Nose, Going Bald, and The Littlest Grape. His books are available in both print and digital formats via major online retailers such as Amazon, Book Depository, and Blackwells.
	https://www.facebook.com/conor.nixon.7
Dolores Whelan	Dolores Whelan is an educator, author and spiritual guide. The recovery of the wisdom within the spiritual and mythological traditions of Ireland and the wisdom held within these ancient traditions are at the heart of all her teachings. Dolores is passionate about the protection of sacred landscapes and the celebration of ancient Celtic traditions. She is cofounder of the Brigid of Faughart Festival and Brigid’s Way Walking Pilgrimage.
	http://www.doloreswhelan.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/DoloresWhelanIomlanuEducation/
	eolas@doloreswhelan.ie
	Telephone: 042 937901/086 8434117
Noel Sharkey	Noel Sharkey is an author, poet, and historian held in high regard within the Dundalk community. His writing is heavily invested with local and historical reference points. His writing to date includes 7 publications the most recent of which is entitled A Lover’s Tale.
Terry Hickland	Irish author and screenwriter Terry Hickland lived in Germany for many years, before returning home where he now lectures at the local college. His books reflect his experiences thematically and stylistically, and are available on Amazon, and via Waterstones outlets in the UK and Ireland.
	https://www.terryhickland.co.uk/
	https://www.facebook.com/terryhicklandauthor/
	terryjohn60@outlook.com
Emer Lawless	Emer has worked for over ten years in broken handmade tile mosaics, landing several commissions while teaching in the wider Louth area. She paints and sells locally in acrylic, oils and charcoal, and building her skills using pencil, watercolour, and acrylic. She has published a novel and poetry and had work staged locally. She is now working on short stories from her travels in India and on a ten minute film with a local poet.
	https://emerlawless.com/
	emergearldinemlawless@gmail.com
Thomas Martin	Thomas Martin is a Dundalk native and his novel, The Life and Times of Mr. Joseph Soap was written while on a United Nations peacekeeping tour of duty in the Middle East as a member of the Irish Defence Forces. In addition to being an avid reader of autobiographies by distinguished public figures, his interests include current affairs and travel both of which inspire his work.
	http://thomasmartin.ie/
	https://www.facebook.com/thomasmartinauthor/
	thomasmartinauthor@yahoo.com
Emer Conlon	Emer Conlon is an award winning author of the highly successful Vroom-Town series of children’s stories. There are currently six books in the series – two of which are also available ‘as Gaeilge’. Vroom-Town is a wonderful place where all types of trucks live, work and have exciting adventures. The books are jam-packed full of endearing characters and are ideal for girls and boys aged 2-7 years.
	https://vroom-town.ie/
	enquiries@Vroom-Town.ie

Poets:
Barbara Smith	Barbara Smith is a poet as well as a reviewer and creative writing tutor with LMETB. She has two published collections of poetry and was a recipient of the Annie Deeny Prize in 2009. She has edited several creative writing anthologies including ‘Nest’, ‘Under a Thrupenny Moon’ and ‘Drogheda Writes 2’. Her blog includes an archive of her recent work, and reviews of contemporary literature and poetry.
	https://ie.linkedin.com/in/barbara-smith-b6923029
	intendednot2b.blogspot.com
	https://blackspringpressgroup.com/products/anne-askew-on-the-kafka-machine?_pos=2&_psq=barbara%20s&_ss=e&_v=1.0
John Noonan	John Noonan is a Dundalk based poet of prolific standing in the Irish literary sphere. He has written for literary publications in Ireland and the U.S. and was a recipient of the Goldsmith International Poetry Award. John is heavily involved with the Dundalk Writers Group.
	Telephone: 087 2538583
Michael McDermott	Based in Ravensdale, Michael McDermott is a published poet in the tradition of modern Irish poetry which promotes positive life values, and honest engagement between people. Subjects address the tangible and intangible components of human existence such as love, religion, relationships, depression, death, politics, sexuality and evolution. His first collection of poetry was published in 2019 and a second is due for release soon.
	https://www.michael-mcdermott.net/