Journey Through Time With New Series of Shows at The Old Courthouse

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced a new series of heritage events at The Old Courthouse Theatre titled Journeys, bringing together live performance, music and storytelling that reflect on culture, place and movement through time.

The programme is designed to offer audiences a deeper connection to shared history through engaging and accessible performances, with each event exploring a different aspect of Ireland’s cultural journey.

Mayor Welcomes the Journeys Series

Welcoming the programme, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Leah Kirkpatrick, said the series offers a unique opportunity to experience heritage in a live setting.

She said the Journeys programme allows people to explore shared history through words, music and performance, while enjoying high-quality cultural events within the borough.

What’s On: Journeys Programme 2026

The Journeys series will run from Saturday 21 February to Wednesday 13 May 2026, featuring four distinctive performances.

Words on the Wind

Saturday 21 February | 7.30pm – 9.30pm

A spoken word and poetry performance inspired by the landscapes that shaped one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets, Seamus Heaney.
This reflective evening draws on themes of place, memory and identity.

Echoes of the Land

Saturday 28 February | 7.30pm – 9.30pm

A music-led storytelling performance following the lives of two remarkable women:

• Jenny O’Doherty in 1848
• Isabel Louden in 1909

The show explores their journeys as they leave Ireland behind to build new lives in America, highlighting themes of emigration, resilience and hope.

From Ireland to Appalachia

Saturday 7 March | 7.30pm – 9.20pm

A musical journey tracing how traditional Irish music crossed the Atlantic and evolved in the Appalachian Mountains.
Audiences can expect:

• Live traditional Irish music
• Appalachian folk influences
• Bluegrass performances

This show celebrates the shared roots of musical traditions across continents.

Return to The Native

Wednesday 13 May | 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Based on The Return of the Native, this production follows the story of Eustacia Vye, a passionate young woman longing for escape and fulfilment.

Presented by Hotbuckle Theatre, the performance combines live music, humour and inventive multi-role acting to bring the classic story to life for modern audiences.

Tickets and Booking Information

Each event in the Journeys series has been created to provide a reflective and engaging experience suitable for a wide audience.

Tickets are available online via
https://theoldcourthousetheatre.com