In this At a Glance with Glenveagh, we take a look at what's happening in and around Trim, from book events to live music and more.

Ireland Reads Day - Interview with Donal Ryan

Ireland Reads 2025 is a celebration of reading and the joy of getting lost in a good book. Throughout February and and particularly on Ireland Reads Day on Saturday 22nd, people are encouraged to switch off and settle in for some reading time. A government initiative and funded by Healthy Ireland, Ireland Reads is supported by public libraries and a host of organisations. As part of the celebration, writer Nicola Cassidy will interview multi-award winning author Donal Ryan in Trim this Saturday.

Donal Ryan is a giant on the Irish literary stage and has received multiple national and international awards. His debut novel The Spinning Heart has been voted Ireland's favourite book of the 2010s and his subsequent work has enjoyed critical and commercial success. His 2024 work Heart Be At Peace, a sequel to his debut, won the Irish Book of the Year in 2024. Ryan will be in conversation with historical fiction author Nicola Cassidy for Ireland Reads, in Trim Library. This is a great chance to hear Ryan and Cassidy talk about writing and the creative process.

Event Details

Donal Ryan in conversation with Nicola Cassidy, for Ireland Reads Day takes place on Saturday 22nd February at 3pm in Trim Library.

Booking is essential for this event as it is bound to be extremely popular.

Contact Trim Library vie trimlib@meathcoco.ie or on 046 943 6063

Live Music Around the Town

If you're looking to enjoy some live music in Trim over the coming week, why not check out some of the local venues. Here are just a few of the live gigs and concerts happening:

Drop into McCormack's on Castle Street on Friday 21st for some live acoustic music with Aaron McBride. He'll be bringing a musical mix from 9:30 p.m. We're reliably told to "bring the dancing shoes" so it should be a lively free gig.

If the music of ABBA is your thing, then you won't be disappointed with Mamma Mia, billed as "Ireland's premier ABBA tribute act"; they've a full length show taking place in the Knightsbrook Hotel on Friday 28th February. You have the option of having a three course dinner and show or you can opt for show-only tickets. Kicking off at 9:00 p.m., this looks like a fun way to get the weekend underway. Show only tickets are €28 and available from Knightsbrook Hotel and Spa.

Keeping along the lines of tributes to musical greats, the Trim Castle Hotel will be hosting the Cash Returns show on Friday 21st, bringing you the best of Johnny Cash and June Carter's music. Tickets are €31.50 and available from Trim Castle Hotel.

Looking for a good trad session in Trim? Head to James Griffin pub on High Street where you'll find a great one every Thursday night. They also have acoustic sessions followed by a DJ every weekend, so something for everyone!

Porchfields and River Walk

Trim is brimming with places to stroll, with the great views along the way. As the evenings are getting longer, it's a perfect time to take in one of the scenic walks along the River Boyne. The Porchfields and River Walk takes you along the banks of the river, through the medieval Porchfields area where you can spot some of the monuments still in existence. Dotted along the way are information panels; scan the QR code and find out more as you wander the route.

The Porchfields and River Walk follows a loop along well marked pathways and only takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can add to the walk by going on to stroll by Trim Castle and its surrounds.

You can download the Porchfields and River Walk route map here.

So whether you want to see one of Ireland's most acclaimed writers, take in some music or enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of options in Trim this weekend.