The Crosskeys Inn

19/07/2026

🎻💚 The countdown is well and truly on!

In just two weeks, for the first time ever, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will take place in Belfast.

The Fleadh is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Ireland and every corner of the world to celebrate the very best of Irish music, culture and heritage.

This will provide a major boost to our local economy and showcase everything we have to offer.

Béal Feirste will be buzzing, and we can't wait to welcome everyone for this historic occasion!

18/07/2026

This stunning photo of one of our favorite places is by coach driver Matko Suton. Matko's skilled eye is no accident - he used to be a wedding photographer! We love this image he captured of Ireland's oldest thatched pub, The Crosskeys Inn, and our modern coach that’s powered by biofuel.

17/07/2026

The McStocker Ceili/Ceilidh Band, is a family-based group with vast experience entertaining at various events, ceilidhs, weddings, church functions, school formals, private parties, barn dances, and corporate functions.

(Recognise Gerard used to live in Castledawson at a time!)

The band plays a lively mix of Irish and Scottish ceilidh dances, with optional songs between sets to keep the energy going.

Ceilidhs are perfect for weddings and other events, as they’re inclusive and require no prior ceilidh dance experience. The band provides clear instructions for each dance, beginning with a brief walkthrough of the steps, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dance.

Instruments include midi accordion, fiddle, whistle, banjo, guitar, and drums, with a singer adding variety.

Popular dances include: The Waves of Tory, The Siege of Ennis, The Walls of Limerick, and The Sweets of May.

(The older Community members may remember the Ceilis in St. Patrick's Hall where Leo G. would have put all through their paces, 16 Hand Reel a nightmare happy memories though.)

14/07/2026

Film Hub NI and Queen’s Film Theatre are absolutely thrilled to present a massive, region-wide tour of Lance Daly's incredible new Irish film, TRAD!

The tour will visit Toomebridge, Portaferry, Newcastle, Bellaghy, Hilltown, Ormeau Road, Banbridge (twice!), Cushendall, Maghera and Ballycastle, and we’re delighted so many Film Hub members will take part in the tour.

Brought to you by Collective (an initiative from Film Hub NI and QFT), this tour is part of the Fleadh at Queen’s programme, celebrating Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 coming to Belfast for the very first time!

Winner of the Audience Award at the Galway Film Fleadh, TRAD is a hugely entertaining celebration of Irish music, heritage, and adventure.

The Story: From their home in the Donegal Gaeltacht, gifted fiddle player Shóna McAnally and her little brother Mickey take to the road with a troupe of wandering musicians on a cross-country journey of romance and musical exploration. 🌍🎶

Starring rising stars Megan Nic Fhionnghaile and Cathal Coade Palmer, alongside an incredible star-studded cast including Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones, Kin), Sarah Greene (Bad Sisters), Peter Coonan (Love/Hate), and Ann Skelly.

"Few recent fiction films have thumped along so convincingly to the louder beats of the traditional form." – The Irish Times 📰

Check out the full TRAD Northern Ireland screening tour schedule below and find your local stop:

The Braid Film Theatre @ Crosskeys Inn - Thursday 23rd July
Ferry Film Club (Portaferry) - Thursday 30th July
NCC - Saturday 1st August
Seamus Heaney HomePlace Heaney Homeplace - Saturday 1st August
Hilltown Community Association - Sunday 2nd August
Ormeau Community Cinema - Monday 3rd Aug
Banbridge Community Cinema (Pot Belly Restaurant) -Wednesday 12th Aug
Lurig Drama Group Film Club (Cushendall) - Friday 14th August
An Carn - Friday 14th August
Ballycastle Film Club - Saturday 15th August
Banbridge Community Cinema (Ballyvarley GAA Hall) - Wednesday 19th Aug

Details of all screenings and booking links here: https://filmhubni.org/news/new-collective-tour-of-trad/

Celebrate the spirit of the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 with this beautiful, foot-stomping film starring Aidan Gillen and Megan Nic Fhionnghaile.

11/07/2026

10/07/2026

Join us at the Crosskeys for a special screening of TRAD presented in association with collective.
Followed by a session in the bar.

This tour of TRAD is an initiative from Film Hub NI (BFI) and Queen’s Film Theatre that brings the best of homegrown film directly to audiences. Presented as part of the Fleadh at Queen’s programme in July and August, the tour celebrates Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 coming to Belfast for the first time and the rich tradition of Irish music and heritage.

🗓️Date: Thursday 23rd July
🕰️Time: 7:30pm
🎟️Admission £8
🎥Running Time : 90 Minutes CERT:15

Tickets Available from Eventbrite @ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trad-film-launch-tickets-1992596391446?aff=oddtdtcreator

TRAD is the latest in a run of acclaimed films from writer/director Lance Daly. From an early appearance as ‘Kid with Harmonica’ in The Commitments, Daly has established himself as one of the country's most captivating filmmaking talents.

TRAD raises important questions about the place of tradition in an increasingly fast-paced world. Like many Irish people, Nic Fhionnghaile's character Shóna is initially slow to embrace her language and culture.

“The main conflict in the movie is between traditional and modernity,” says Daly. “She meets those guys who are all looking for the authentic thing, and she’s like, ‘Get me the hell out of here’ - but they’re going for what she’s escaping from."

10/07/2026

08/07/2026

Always a great evening with Garvans Northern Swing.

07/07/2026

Celtic Traditions - Clash of the Ash
Irish Hurling Tourism Experience.

There are few experiences in Ireland as raw, authentic, and unforgettable as a day spent immersed in hurling. Often described as the fastest field sport in the world, hurling is more than just a game — it’s a living piece of Irish heritage, played with pride in towns and villages across the country for over 3,000 years.

For visitors, a hurling tourism experience offers a unique chance to step beyond the usual sightseeing and connect with the real Ireland. Imagine standing on a local pitch, the sound of ash hurleys striking sliotars echoing through the air, as passionate players demonstrate skills passed down through generations. Whether you’re trying your hand at striking the ball for the first time or simply watching a local club match, the energy is infectious.

The evening begins with the story of the sport — its ancient roots, fierce rivalries, and deep ties to community identity. From there, guests can take part in a hands-on session, learning the basics of gripping the hurley, lifting the sliotar, and taking a swing. It’s challenging, exhilarating, and guaranteed to leave you with a new respect for the athletes who play it.

But hurling is about more than sport. It’s about people, place, and pride. Join us afterwards for dinner, traditional music, and conversation with the very communities that keep the game alive. In those moments, visitors don’t just watch Irish culture — they become part of it.

Meet a master craftsman and witness the centuries-old art of hurl making. Watch as skilled hands transform a simple piece of ash into one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting symbols, using techniques passed down through generations.

Gain an insight into the dedication and craftsmanship behind every handcrafted hurley. This immersive experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s sporting and cultural heritage, making it a must-see attraction for visitors seeking a genuine connection with Irish tradition.

For anyone looking to discover the spirit of Ireland in a truly memorable way, the Celtic Traditions Hurling Tourism Experience delivers something special: history you can feel, stories and music you can hear, and a game you’ll never forget.
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