Sounds of the West at the Ardhowen

What to Expect

Sounds of the West brings together the Fermanagh and Sligo concert bands for a single cross-border programme on the Ardhowen stage. The billing describes it as an eclectic celebration built on woodwind and brass, moving between jazz numbers, contemporary arrangements and Irish standards rather than sticking to one style for the full evening. A full concert band on the Ardhowen stage is a substantial ensemble, and the mix of two county bands means a broader sound than either would manage alone.

Two guest acts share the night. Singer Farrah Bogle performs a set of classic Irish and jazz melodies, and The Buoys of Ballisodare bring sea shanties, which suits a Sligo and Fermanagh pairing on a lakeland stage. The running time is listed at 2 hours 15 minutes, so expect an interval. The theatre notes that a smoke or haze machine and flashing lights are used during the performance.

Good to Know

• Saturday 29 August 2026, 8:00 PM, at the Ardhowen, Dublin Road, Enniskillen.
• Tickets are £15. Book online at ardhowen.com or through the box office on +44 (0)28 6632 5440.
• Running time is roughly 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval.
• Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable once bought.
• If the main auditorium sells out, extra front-row seats may be released. These can have a restricted view of the stage, so ask at the box office before buying.
• Smoke or haze effects and flashing lights are used, worth knowing if anyone in your party is sensitive to either.

Getting There

The Ardhowen sits on the Dublin Road on the southern edge of Enniskillen, a short drive from the town centre with its own on-site car park. Coming from Dublin or Cavan you approach on the A509 and then the A4, and from Omagh or Belfast on the A32 and A4 respectively. Enniskillen bus station on Wellington Road is the hub for Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann services, including the Dublin route, and is a short taxi hop from the theatre. Parking at the venue is free but fills quickly for a full-house concert, so allow extra time on the night.