Carlingford Heritage Trust and Rostrevor Folk Club at Crawford’s have united for the initiative, which consists of six concerts in May and August, with the artists performing in the two villages on successive nights.
The folk club in Rostrevor, with well-known local artist Colum Sands leading the way, has been presenting top folk and Irish music artists for over seven years, which across the lough in Carlingford, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre have presented a popular spring and summer series at Carlingford Heritage Centre for some years.
It is hoped that the collaboration will promote world class live music across around Carlingford Lough, building connections as it grows.
Artists of the calibre of Liam Ó Maonlaí, Donal O’Connor and Muireann Nic Amhloibh, Tim Edey, Alfi, Bill Whelan, Cathy Jordan and Barry Kerr are all set to feature in the programme.
Zoë said that the spring and summer concerts in Carlingford are always special events, but added: “This new connection across the lough between north and south feels like a truly special collaboration.
"I find these two villages of Rostrevor and Carlingford have that magical quality situated between mountain, forest and sea, that writers, musicians and artists have been inspired by for generations, so this new relationship is a great artistic pairing too!"
John added: “We look forward to welcoming some of the finest musicians in Ireland to two very fine music rooms on the shores of Carlingford Lough.
Meanwhile, Colum stated: “People have found ways to carry their songs over land and water for as long they have watched the turning of the tide. I have always loved observing how those songs, with their stories and tunes, have found their own quiet ways of carrying people on great journeys too!”
“The launch of ‘A Lough of Songs’ puts a fresh and welcome breeze in the sails of that timeless voyage with a wonderful series of concerts across the Lough from Carlingford to Rostrevor and back. Long may it flourish and help the songs and people from far and near to keep on meeting and greeting in a spirit of neighbourliness around the lough and around the shores of the world.”
Spring series dates
May 12: Donal O’Connor and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh • 4pm • Carlingford Heritage Centre
May 13: Tim Edey • 8pm • Rostrevor Folk Club
May 19: Liam Ó Maonlaí • 4pm • Carlingford Heritage Centre
May 20: Liam Ó Maonlaí • 8pm • Rostrevor Folk Club
May 26: Alfi • 4pm • Carlingford Heritage Centre
May 27: Alfi • 8pm • Rostrevor Folk Club