Banagher events this Saturday to mark writer Charlotte Brontë's birthday

Charlotte Brontë's 209th birthday will be commemorated in Banagher this Saturday, April 26.

The English novelist and poet, who is best known for her novel Jane Eyre, was born on today's date, April 21, in 1816. Her family's links with the Banagher area are highlighted by the local Banagher Bronte Group.

Proceedings this Saturday will start at Charlotte's Way, The Hill, Banagher at 1.30pm, where people will gather to carpool for a field trip to Shannon Harbour, Shannonbridge, Meelick Weir Walkway, Victoria Lock and Eyrecourt.

The purpose of the trip is to visit places near Banagher which Arthur Bell Nicholls would have been proud to show his new wife, Charlotte Brontë, when they honeymooned in Banagher in July 1854.

On the group's return to Banagher at about 5pm, participants will gather in the New Snug in Hough's pub for readings by, on, or about the Brontës of Haworth and the Bells of Banagher. This will be an open mic format so this is a chance for all to 'have your speak'.

The readings will conclude at about 6.30pm. Some will then repair to Flynn’s restaurant for food. Please make your own booking to guarantee a place at a table, on 057 9151312.

The day's events will conclude with a recital by the Banagher Brontë Ensemble in Corrigan’s Corner Pub at 8pm. The recital will be followed by a monster auction night for the Banagher outdoor swimming pool, also in Corrigan’s Corner Pub.