Set in the western-themed Drumcoura Ranch near Ballinamore, the annual Cowboys and Heroes weekend has become a firm favourite in recent years, attracting a loyal return audience who loves the mood of the weekend. Drumcoura Ranch features various aspects of the American west and patrons ease into the festival surrounded by reminders of other times and other days.
Set in the western-themed Drumcoura Ranch near Ballinamore, the annual Cowboys and Heroes weekend has become a firm favourite in recent years, attracting a loyal return audience who loves the mood of the weekend.
Drumcoura Ranch features various aspects of the American west and patrons ease into the festival surrounded by reminders of other times and other days.
Numerous Irish singers have used Drumcoura as the perfect setting for shooting videos and the fame of the place has spread countrywide and beyond.
The promoters set out to recreate the atmosphere of the cowboys on the prairies, horses, sing-alongs under the stars, pitching tents, log cabins and so much more.
And where would you be without a western-style saloon to crown it all. People just immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy a whale of a time in lovely Leitrim.
The action gets underway on 1 June and runs through to 4 June. Patrick Feeney and Robert Mizzell are among the bill-toppers on the opening night. The Saturday has Mike Denver and Jimmy Buckley, The Ward Sisters and Johnny Brady on the main stage.
Robert Mizzell.
The Sunday afternoon (3 June) will feature the popular jiving competition, which always attracts a lot of interest, with participants from all over Ireland stepping it out in style.
Ciarán Rosney and his band will provide the music for the jiving event. Derek Ryan and Lisa McHugh are also among the main attractions at the Sunday show.
All proceeds from the gate on 4 June will go to Make-A-Wish Ireland, with performances by Marty Mone, Paul Kelly Music, Billy Mack, Matthew O’Donnell and the Cliona Hagan.
Derek Ryan. \ Cliff Donaldson
Others who will be performing over the weekend include Owen Mac, Paul Kelly, Billy Mack, Ailish McBride, Stuart Moyles, John Molloy, Sabrina Fallon, and Aoife Mc Donagh, with more to be announced in the coming days.
Dancing takes place at the large indoor arena which is normally buzzing as the curtains of night close in on this perfect setting for the Cowboys and Heroes Weekend.
The American car show never fails to attract lots of admirers and has become a central attraction at the music festival. There is also a whole range of events to entertain the patrons, including a western horse show, line dancing, a food village, five saloon bars and fun for all the family.
The festival provides a significant boost to the local economy, with many accommodation outlets booked up for the weekend.
Patrick Feeney.
Weekend tickets covering all four days are available, while day-trippers are always welcome to come along and join in, with tickets available at the site.
• Tickets can be booked via ticketmaster.ie or through the festival website, www.cowboysandheroes.ie. You can also check out the Facebook page, Cowboys and Heroes. For further enquiries, contact 071-9645781.
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