Manorhamilton International Wild Rose Festival

The International Wild Rose Festival was an annual (and legendary) week that came to fruition in Manorhamilton in 1970. In an area plighted by emigration, it was traditionally a week of homecoming and family reunions for thousands of emigrants from the North-West.

The festival was based on the exploits and travels of the original Rose of Lough Gill, Kaitlin Ni Chuirnin from Patrick G. Symth’s novel The Wild Rose of Lough Gill (published in the 19th century). The Wild Rose contestants come from her home areas, her places of refuge, romance, marriage and imprisonment.

The festival ended in 1997 but we are bringing it back this year from the 21st to the 28th of July 2019. With a week full of music, family fun, community events and of course the Wild Roses – this is a week not to be missed! 

Tickets for events can be bought at The Wild Rose Office in McKenna’s, Main Street, Manorhamilton, by emailing us at wildrosefestivalmanorhamilton@gmail.com or contacting our Facebook page Manorhamilton International Wild Rose Festival 2019

Donegal: Caroline Gallagher

Dromahair: Marian Sheridan

Dublin: Teresa Gilligan

Fermanagh: Sonia Norris

Galway: Ciara McKenny

Leitrim: Chloe McGovern

London: Bronagh Mc Cauley

Madrid: Soroya Ricalde

Manorhamilton: Jennifer Robinson

Sligo: Niamh Harney

NorthWest Entertainments will keep the kids entertained with circus acts, magic tricks and face painting.

Hailing from the small village of Pettigo in County Donegal, Paul Kelly is a name currently making great strides in the Irish Country Music Scene following the launch of his 6-piece band just a few years ago, when close to a 1,000 fans flocked to The Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran for his debute dance.

Paul is no stranger to the music scene, having played in many successful bands around the North West over the past 10 years before stepping out onto the hugely popular Country Music scene which is witnessing an amazing revival all across Ireland with thousands of people now attending dances on a weekly basis.

To date Paul has had several successful single releases and popular songs like “So in Love” The Hooley, The Hangover, Summertime and On The Market which all have had extensive airplay all across the local and national radio stations.

Historical Walking Tour of Manorhamilton
Meeting Point: Festival office on Main Street

A wonderful evening with local bands showcasing their talent!

Final of the Wild Rose Women’s and Men’s Soccer Tournament

It’s been a while now since Beezneez produced a farce and audiences will be well aware that nobody does it better!! John McDwyer directs Pat Feeley, Karen Gordon, Jacinta Gormley, Noel O’Callaghan and Valerie Traynor in Derek Benfield’s Touch and Go, an avalanche of mix ups and mistaken identities. While George’s wife is in America, he lends his flat to his friend, Brian, who entertains his lover there, unaware that, at the same time, George is over at his flat, being entertained by Brian’s wife. When George’s wife comes home a day early, well you know the rest…….. Book now and fasten your seatbelt.

An afternoon of pampering, advice and information on looking and feeling good the natural way! Event is free. To book contact (071) 9856220

Followed by afternoon tea at the Castle Cafe

Childrens Treasure Hunt
Children must be accompanied by someone over the age of 16

Meeting at the Bee Park Community Centre.

With fashion from Gerard Anthony’s, Susan Magee, Manor Boutique and more!

Compere on the night is Francie Boylan from Ocean FM.

Try your hand at some tennis and enjoy a BBQ! Everyone welcome!

Monster Bingo
All houses €100
Game 5: €500
Game 10: €750
Roses will be in attendance

Roses Concert and Crowning
Compere on night is the fantastic Seamus O’Rourke who is the 2019 Leitrim Person of the Year
Music by the Southern Gospel Choir
After the crowning, join us in W8 till late for the after party!

Friday 26th July

Free refreshments for all kids
Music by a special guest DJ

With stylish backdrops podiums led screens & light-up buzzers our genial host will take you on an adventure of questions party games and so much more. The varied choice of games available like Trivia Quiz -Take It or Leave It -Do You Want to Be A Millionaire – Family Feud or the all new and exclusive Clobber Quiz allows for most tastes to be catered for to create the perfect party.

A fun-filled night for all the family with some AMAZING prizes up for grabs.

The Annual Manorhamilton Agricultural Show in the Bee Park

After the Show, the Manorhamilton Country Jamboree presents Sentanta folk,

followed by Country singing star Robert Mizzell and his band on the Main Street.

A lovely afternoon celebrating the many different cultures living in Manorhamilton.

There will also be BBQ in Castle Cafe and an ice-cream van!

Johnny Brady has one of the most distinctive voices in modern country music.  Known for his powerful vocals, energetic performances and charismatic personality, Johnny has a unique sound and is continually pushing the boundaries in a new generation of Irish country music Artists.  “I can’t be anybody other than myself” explains Johnny “Wearing suits with rhinestones just isn’t me”

Johnny has been touring extensively throughout Ireland & the UK over the past five years and has built a reputation for having one of the finest dance bands on the Irish country music scene.  Johnny is also famous for ‘turning it up a notch’, drawing on his many Rock and Pop influences, making him a ‘man in demand’ on the Festival circuit!

The festival is supported by Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Tourism, W8 and Castle Dargan. To keep up with all the news follow their Facebook page.