Ardee will come alive on Saturday, November 1st for the inaugural Ferdia Festival — a brand new, community-led celebration of arts, music, heritage, and creativity inspired by the spirit of Samhain and Halloween.
Taking place across the town, the one-day festival will transform venues including St Mary’s Church, Ardee Library, Hatch’s Castle, the Dee Hub, and the School of Music into vibrant hubs of art, storytelling, performance, and family fun.
Funded by Louth County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council of Ireland, the Ferdia Festival will feature something for everyone — from circus acts, live music, and theatre to art workshops, film screenings, and spooky trails.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said the event is “a real community effort” that brings together months of local planning and creativity. Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, praised the festival as “a fantastic event that celebrates our community and offers something for all the family to enjoy.”
Highlights include:
🎨 Children’s Art Workshops at the Dee Hub
🎬 Halloween Movie Screening at Ardee Library
🎭 Promenade Theatre “Into the Dark” by Quintessence Theatre
🎻 Glas Quartet Concert at St Mary’s Church
🎪 Circus performances and workshops at the School of Music courtyard
🎃 Freaky Trail & Witches’ Coven adventures for kids
The Ferdia Festival takes its name from the legendary warrior Ferdia, reflecting Ardee’s deep cultural and historical roots. Organisers hope it will become an annual highlight in the town’s creative calendar, celebrating both local heritage and the arts.
Saturday, November 1st
Location: Various venues across Ardee
Full details and tickets: www.createLouth.ie/ferdia-festival
