Sam Henry Week off to a tasty start

Celebrity chef Paula McIntyre will help provide the recipe for a successful start to this year's much anticipated Sam Henry Week, named in honour of the venerated Coleraine born folk-song collector and musician.

The proud north coast woman will dish up her usual menu of good food and craic at Friday night's launch in 1901 Restaurant at Castlerock Golf Club.

The event, organised as a 'thank-you' to all those who have supported the initiative over the past five years, also heralds the start of the 2025 version of the popular festival.

Running from Saturday September 20 through to Sunday September 28, Sam Henry Week features a number of ticketed events as well as plenty of free gigs as part of the ever popular Sam Henry Session Trail.

Among the outings are 'The Story of Rathlin Tour' and a special 'Sam Henry Walking Tour' with Dr Sorcha Meehan which leaves from Mountsandel Forest entrance on Monday.

But perhaps the highlight for many is the traditional 'Songs of The People Concert,' featuring The Henry Girls, which takes place in The Playhouse, Portrush, on Friday night.

Elsewhere, traditional music sessions will be held in numerous bars and venues throughout Portrush over next weekend, featuring a host of top-class musicians and singers at every turn.

For all the latest news, check out Sam Henry Week on social media.

* Born in Coleraine in 1878, Sam Henry was an Irish customs officer, pension officer, antiquarian, lecturer, writer, photographer, folklorist, folk-song collector and musician.

However, he is arguably best known for his collection of ballads and songs in 'Songs of the People,' the largest and most comprehensive collection of folk songs from Northern Ireland assembled between 1923 and 1939.