Art, Ancestry and Stories Take Centre Stage in Newry, Mourne and Down Libraries this June

Art, Ancestry and Stories Take Centre Stage in Newry, Mourne and Down Libraries this June
Published 27 May 2025

Art, Ancestry and Stories Take Centre Stage in Newry, Mourne and Down Libraries this June 2025Libraries across Newry, Mourne and Down will be buzzing with creativity and conversation throughout June, with a vibrant line-up of free events and exhibitions for all ages to enjoy.

Visitors to Newry City Library can enjoy two inspiring art exhibitions throughout the month. From Monday 2 June to Saturday 7 June, a collection of work by Martin Brennan will be on display. This free exhibition showcases the artist’s unique style and is available to view during normal library opening hours.

Then, beginning Monday 9 June, Leigh Capps exhibition opens to the public, running until Saturday 28 June. Her collection is also free to view and offers a fresh perspective through local art.

In Saintfield Library, those curious about their ancestry can join local genealogist Tom Gribben on Thursday 19 June from 11:00am to 1:00pm for an Introduction to Family History workshop. Tom will provide one-to-one advice and research guidance to help you start tracing your family tree. Booking is essential for this event.

Warrenpoint Library will host two events celebrating storytelling and shared history. On Wednesday 11 June from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, join local author Mark Gibbons (pen name Frank O’Neill) for Gather Round: An Evening of Storytelling. Mark will discuss the importance of oral tradition, read from his forthcoming work Cloch Mór Lore: Dark Matters, and encourage guests to share their own tales in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This event forms part of Loneliness Awareness Week and supports Community Month.

The following day, Thursday 12 June from 10:00am – 4:00pm, PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland) brings its PRONI on Tour programme to Warrenpoint. Marking Empathy Day, the event invites visitors to ‘Jump Into Someone Else’s Story’ with a range of historical records and personal stories that highlight empathy and shared experience. The exhibition will be available during library opening hours, and workshops will take place between 12:30pm – 1:30pm. Booking is essential for the workshops – click here.

For more information or to book events, please contact the relevant library:
•    Newry City Library – t: 028 3026 4683 or e: newrycity.library@librariesni.org.uk
•    Saintfield Library – t: 028 9751 0550 or e: saintfield.library@librariesni.org.uk
•    Warrenpoint Library – t: 028 41753375 or e: warrenpoint.library@librariesni.org.uk