Walking tour to bring Leitrim music to life at National Heritage Week
The stories, songs, poetry and musical heritage of Dromod will be brought to life during National Heritage Week with a special walking tour of the village on Wednesday, August 19.
Entitled Dromod – The Long Ridge, the walk will be led by local singer and researcher Fionnuala Maxwell of The Leitrim Larks.
Beginning at Dromod Harbour at 6 pm, it will make its way through the village, stopping at places connected with local people, events and memories.
Dromod may be a small village, but a remarkable amount of history lies along its long ridge. The walk will explore the village’s connection with the Shannon, the railway and emigration, as well as recalling local poets, singers, musicians and storytellers.
Along the way, participants will hear songs, poems, music and archive material connected with Dromod, Annaduff and the surrounding area.
Among the stories featured will be those of Aughry Castle, local songwriter Francis Cox, poet John McDonald and musical mentor Lily Moffatt.
The musical traditions of the area will also be remembered, including musicians Jack Conboy and the Mulligan family, together with songs collected from local people in years gone by.
The walk will not be a formal history lecture, but a relaxed journey through the village, with songs, music and local voices helping to tell its story. Local people are especially encouraged to come along, add their own memories and perhaps fill in some of the gaps.
Following the walk, the evening will continue at The Copper Still, where the Mulligan family will gather for a special homecoming session from 8.30pm.
With deep musical roots in the Dromod/Bornacoola area, members of the family will share music and memories in the informal setting of a traditional session.
The Mulligan Family session is part of The Station Sessions, a Leitrim Larks initiative supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport under the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme 2026. The Station Sessions will continue in Mohill later this month.
The Mulligan Family session is not only for musicians or singers. Listeners, local residents, visitors and anyone with an interest in the musical heritage of the area will be very welcome to join the gathering.
The Heritage Week walk will take place mainly on level ground and public footpaths. Participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear and to dress for the weather.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Dromod – The Long Ridge is supported by Leitrim Heritage in association with Leitrim County Council and The Heritage Council.