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Celtic Community Events
Friday 25 March
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Celtic Concert
The Gathering Irish band fronted by award winning Irish musician Mick McHugh will play in well appointed King’s Theatre and joined by their fabulous Irish dancers. Guaranteed to be a memorable Celtic filled evening with popular and classic Irish tunes brought to you with their energetic love of performing.
Time: 7.00pm
Date: Friday 25 March
Location: Club Warwick RSL, 65 Albion Street
Room Set Up: Table seating in auditorium
Tickets: $25.00
Bookings: Tickets at RSL online shop
Further Information: Call Club Warwick RSL 4661 1229
Dinner: If you are wishing to have dinner before the show, be sure to book this separately (not included in concert price) by calling the Club.
The Abbey Boutique Hotel Dinner
The Abbey Boutique Hotel is hosting a Celtic inspired dinner menu in their restaurant at the 130 years old Sisters of Mercy ex-Convent. Touches of Ireland on their Celtic menu including Eye Fillet with Guinness Jus and Affogato with Irish Whiskey Baileys will have your mouth watering.
Time: 5.15pm Pre-dinner beverages; 6.00pm Dinner served
Date: Friday 25 March
Location: 8 Locke Street Warwick
Menu: Abbey Boutique Hotel webpage – under Dine Section
Bookings: 4661 9777 (essential to book & confirm menu selections)
Candle Making Workshop
Learn from an experienced candle maker and enjoy the beauty of the Great Dividing Range views from the Loch Lomond Studio. Create 2 candles in a choice of wood wick tumblers, tear-drop or Danube jars and enjoy delicious refreshments during the workshop.
Times: To be confirmed when booking – class size minimum 3 people
Dates: Workshops available on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March
Location: Windyhaze Creations Studio, Loch Lomond (15 min East of Warwick)
Price: $80 per person (50% deposit to secure booking)
Bookings: Donna Hay - 0432 179 142
Ghost Tour at the Criterion Hotel
Built over 100 years ago, the Criterion Hotel in Warwick is heritage listed and has lots of history to share, some of it a little spooky! After enjoying a hearty country pub meal, be taken on a journey around the charming hotel, learn its story and perhaps have a visit from a resident from times gone past.
Time: 7.00pm for 1 to 1½ hrs
Date: Friday 25 March
Location: Meet at the 3 Bullet Bar (front bar), 84 Palmerin Street Warwick
Price: Free
Booking: Not required for Ghost Tour; Book a table for meals 4661 1042
Further Information: Valerie at Criterion Hotel 4661 1042
Wild Grounds Café Pizza Night
Venture into this fabulous café developed in amongst gorgeous gardens. Take a stroll around the many nooks and
crannies in the stunning gardens and breathe in the country air. Wild Grounds Café are throwing a wood fired pizza
night during CelticFest with Live Music at their venue made for dining under the stars (or under cover if needed)
Wild Grounds are open 7 days a week, 7am to 3pm. A perfect place to stop on a trip out to Killarney and Queen Mary Falls.
Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Date: Friday 25 March
Location: 674 Warwick-Killarney Road, Warwick (5 minutes out of Warwick on the road to Killarney)
Bookings: Essential 0423 274 787
Saturday 26 March
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CelticFest Gathering at Warwick Showgrounds
Warwick Showgrounds will be transformed into a Celtic Explosion with markets, entertainment, a Medieval village, Geraghty's Irish Bar with Food and beverages galore. Genealogy experts, musicians, medieval re-enactment groups, vendors, bagpipers, highland strongmen and much more to see and do between 8am and 10pm Don't miss out! Buy your tickets before Wednesday by clicking the shamrock link.
Warwick parkrun Goes Celtic
Warwick parkrun is the perfect way to limber up for a full day of CelticFest! Run, jog or walk your way around the 5km course along the banks of the tranquil Condamine River – no time limit. You are encouraged to throw on something Celtic to get into theme – a piece of tartan, an Irish green or can you run in a kilt??
Join in the 100m ‘Tartan Dash’ as a warm up before the main event.
Time: 6.50am Tartan Dash; 7.00am Celtic parkrun 5km
Date: Saturday 26 March
Location: On the banks of the Condamine River along a concrete path – flat course.
Starting Point: On the Western bank of the Condamine River near the O.O. Madsen Bridge which you cross on the way into Warwick from Brisbane or Toowoomba. Follow the map of the circuit and marked starting point.
Tickets: Free event, but need to register in advance at parkrun Registration if you aren’t already registered with parkrun.
Further Information: Warwick parkrun
Sunday 27 March
The Free Choice Celts and
The Free Radicals Reloaded Concert
EVERYONE welcome to come join in for a joyous afternoon Celtic Celebration.
Well known local & experienced Celtic music identities will provide enthusiastic foot stomping entertainment with audience participation encouraged. Along with the essential BAGPIPES, sing along with eclectic backing like banjo, drums, bass, bush instruments and even didgeridoo! Your Celtic blood will re-connect and be tingling with excitement!
P.S. Bring your esky with snacks, soft drinks, or cuppa if you prefer.
Drink orders from inside will be delivered to your seat.
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Date: Saturday 26 March
Location: The Outdoor Beer Garden, O’Mahoney’s Irish Pub (opposite Warwick Railway Station), 35 Grafton Street
Tickets: Free event – All Welcome
Further Information: Neil Burley ✆0422 011 642
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Celtic Line Dancing Workshop
‘Country’ meets ‘Celtic’ when modern line dancing embraces the Celtic Spirit. Enjoy Celtic tunes that you can’t stop yourself dancing to... You don’t need to have any experience, as at this workshop you’ll learn along the way. Have loads of fun giving it a go! You could even order lunch at the Club afterwards. (get an idea of what you could learn?)
Time: 10.00am - Noon
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: King’s Theatre, Club Warwick RSL, 65 Albion Street, Warwick
Tickets: Free event
Further Information: Liz 0422 132 735
Lunch Bookings: Call Club Warwick RSL 4661 1229
Pipe Band Competition
Scots PGC College are hosting a formal Pipe Bands Queensland pipe band competition in their lovely grounds on the banks of the Condamine River. Pipe bands from around South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales will compete for points in their respective grades. Visitors relax under the shade of the giant aged trees while taking in the soothing sounds of bagpipes echoing across the fields to the river.
Time: From approximately 10.00am
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: Grounds adjoining the Chapel, Scots PGC College, 60 Oxenham Street, Warwick
Tickets: Free event
Further Information: Christine Peterson, Scots PGC College
4666 9816
Heritage Train Ride
The Downs Explorer is our region’s heritage tourist railway experience and this leisurely return train trip will take you back in time to the town of Clifton which was established in 1875. (A sneak peak at the train in action)
Enjoy lunch in Clifton and take a wander around the main town centre. A must see is the recently opened Clifton Museum which impressively displays a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia – something for everyone young and old. (Take a look inside the museum!)
Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: Board the train at Warwick Railway Station, Brosnan Crescent, Warwick; Have time in Clifton and take the
train to return to Warwick.
Further Information + Tickets: Downs Explorer website or
4661 9788
Gaelic Football
Warwick Redbacks Australian Rules Football Club are entering new territory by inviting a representative team from the Queensland Gaelic Football Association to play a game of Gaelic Football – international rules. Enjoy the skill of the 15 players a side, while enjoying a relaxing Guinness or Kilkenny from the bar.
Time: 11am canteen and bar; 11.30am kick off
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: Warwick Credit Union Oval, Jackie Howe Drive, Warwick
Further Information: ✆ 0410 399 316 Redbacks
Glengallan Homestead & Heritage Centre
Glengallan Homestead is not just a very old house, uninhabited for more than half its lifetime, it remains frozen in time. To enter Glengallan is akin to a time-warp experience, with the solitary standing sandstone mansion surveying, as it has since 1867, the fertile Glengallan Valley to Cunningham's Gap in the Great Divide.
You can walk through the halls and rooms of the house and on Sunday the grounds will be filled with the Autumn Market, music and food.
Time: Sunday Markets 8am-1pm; General opening Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Admission: Markets Free; Pay to enter house $15 Adults, $12 Concession, $5 Children
Location: 18515 New England Highway (on way to Warwick from the Brisbane & Toowoomba rds)
Further Information: ✆ 4667 3866 Glengallan Homestead
Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre Open Day
Get to know another side of Warwick, with its great Rodeo history to explore. The Centre will have a video playing of a rodeo hosted in Ireland in 1948 and many of our rodeo riders from times gone past had Irish and Scottish roots.
Time: 10am to 1pm
Date: Sunday 27 March
Admission: Free for Open Day
Location: 4 Alice Street Warwick
Further Information: 🖳 apra@prorodeo.com.au
Art @ the Precinct Artisan Market
Art @ The Precinct is a contemporary art gallery showcasing original local artwork contributed by outstanding artists from across the Southern Downs and beyond. The gallery is a unique addition to the Warwick landscape, as well as an integral component of vibrant and ever growing Factory Precinct as it is now known. The gallery features exquisite landscape photography, superb paintings, elegant pottery, funky steam punk, aromatic soy candles and much more.
On Sunday local artisans are gathering to share their creations at this new high end market. Take a wander through the Art at the Precinct permanent gallery and grab a coffee & delicious food from The Dairy Lounge next door.
Time: Markets 8am-Noon
Date: Sunday 27 March
General Opening Hours: Open Daily from 9am – 2.30pm
Admission: Free
Location: The Precinct, 145 Victoria Street, Warwick
Further Information: ✆0409 470 392 🖳 www.artattheprecinct.com.au
Immerse Yourself in Our Celtic Heritage & the Beauty of the Region – Across the Festival
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Warwick
Warwick was first settled by the Leslie brothers who established the Canning Downs run in 1840 and built a home in 1846. It is now the largest town in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt with much history to share.
On Sunday, don’t be surprised to find pipers playing at our many heritage sights, filling the air with Celtic spirit.
Historic Cemetary Walks
Join our knowledgeable local guide and explore our buried past, where each headstone has a story to tell at Warwick’s Old Cemetery. The cemetery is one of the oldest in Queensland being surveyed in 1850 and the earliest burial was recorded in 1853. Limited places, so best to book early.
Time: 9.00am (up to an hour and a half tour – dependent on numbers of questions!)
Dates: Friday 25 March and Sunday 27 March
Location: Meet at the gates to the War Grave’s section at front of Warwick Cemetery (Wentworth Street entrance)
Footwear: As the ground can be uneven, closed in shoes are recommended
Price: Gold coin donation for adults
Bookings: Laurine King, Southern Downs Regional Council ✆4661 0359 visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au
The Abbey Self-Guided Tour
A wonderful opportunity as this popular wedding venue, The Abbey Boutique Hotel, is opening its doors for you to wander the downstairs rooms of this 130 year old Irish Sisters of Mercy ex-Convent and also enjoy the spacious grounds surrounding the historic building.
Times: 10.00am to 1.30pm
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: 8 Locke Street Warwick
Price: $10 per person
Bookings: 4661 9777 (essential to book)
Cruthaich! at the Warwick Art Gallery
Whilst ancient Celtic art varies between time and place, it is collectively underpinned by a desire to enhance the beauty of the everyday. Drawing inspiration from this, Warwick Art Gallery invited artists to take an everyday object and elevate it. They were encouraged to use any object available to them and turn it into a work of art. Come along and enjoy the eclectic works celebrating all things Celtic in Cruthaich!.
While at the Gallery, drop into the Pub Rock collection which is touring from the National Portrait Gallery. The pub rock phenomenon that spread across Australia throughout the 70s and 80s resulted in an evolution of music and culture that had a lasting impact on the nation’s identity. This vibrant (sometimes sweaty) exhibition of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, punk and pop features works from the National Portrait Gallery collection alongside images by leading Australian music photographers.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm; Sunday 10.00am to 1.00pm
Dates: 3 March – 19 April
Location: 49 Albion Street Warwick
The Gallery is located in the Southern Downs Regional Council Administration precinct. Parking is available in the public
car park with entrances off Fitzroy, Albion and Grafton Streets.
Price: Free
Further Information: 4661 0434
Pringle Cottage – Warwick Museum
The centre piece of the heritage buildings at the museum is ‘Pringle Cottage’ circa 1870. It was built by John McCullock, a stone mason from Scotland. The museum has a vast collection of pioneer furniture, clothing, implements etc. which help you take a walk back in time. In the garden area you will also find gems from pioneer life including threshing machines, ploughs, carts and wagons. Pick up a copy of the Heritage Building book which includes maps for self guided walks in many of the towns.
Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am to noon; Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm; Saturday Noon to 3.00pm; Sunday 9.00am to 3.00pm
Location: 79 Dragon Street Warwick
Price: $10.00 Adult, $3.00 Child (no eftpos)
Further Information: ✆0429 941 073 🖳 www.warwickmuseum.com.au facebook
St George’s Masonic Centre
Heritage listed St George’s Masonic Centre was designed by William Wallace and built from 1886 to 1887. A number of Masonic Lodges utilise this historical centre. Learn about the mysteries of the Masons and enjoy this majestic historical building.
Opening Hours: 10am – 1pm
Location: 50A Guy Street Warwick
Admission: Free
Warwick Uniting Church
The Warwick Uniting Church (formerly St Andrew's) is opening its doors to CelticFest visitors. The Church has extensive
Scottish heritage and celebrated its 150th year in 2020. The Church has a long connection with the Warwick Caledonian
Society and the Warwick Thistle Pipe Band. Come and see their glorious history filled stained glass windows from inside
the building and share a Scottish themed morning tea in the garden after the service. You are also invited to the Sunday
morning service.
Time: Church Service 9.30am
Church building self guided tour 10.30am until Noon
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: 33a Guy Street Warwick (cnr Guy & Fitzroy Sts)
St Mark's Anglican Church Warwick
On 19 March 1868, the foundation stone of the present St Mark’s Anglican Church Warwick was laid. The portion then built consisted of a Sanctuary, Chancel and Transepts and was erected in only three months. Over time, extensions included the erection of the nave and the renowned stained-glass windows. You are welcome to attend the church service, or visit during the morning to view the stained glass windows from inside the building and perhaps be lucky enough to hear the bells being rung before or after the service.
Opening Hours:
Church Service 8.30am until 9.30am
Church building – Greeters on hand to take visitors for a guided tour until Noon
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: 55 Albion Street Warwick
Further Information: ✆ 4661 7223 (Office hrs Tues to Fri 8.30am – 12.30pm) Warwick Anglican Church Website
St Mary's Catholic Church Warwick
You are invited to visit not only the current grand St Mary’ Church, but also the original church which was designed by Benjamin Joseph Backhouse and built from 1863 to 1865. It was known as St Mary of the Assumption Church and is currently a museum.
Opening Hours:
Church Service 8.30am
Church building & museum - self guided tour after service until 12.30pm
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: 150 Palmerin Street Warwick
Further Information: ✆ 4661 1033 (Office hrs Wed to Fri 9.00am –4.00pm) St Mary’s Parish Website
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Killarney
Killarney is a historical town surrounded by mountain vistas reminiscent of Ireland. There are a number of waterfalls to visit, including Queen Mary, Daggs and Browns Falls, all with lots of native Australian wildlife to see on your walks. Killarney is well worth a visit with an eclectic main street offering an Art Gallery, a Heritage Centre and shops full of vintage, historical and rustic offerings.
Willow Gallery, Killarney
Willow Gallery has become a proud addition to the streetscape of Killarney, tucked into the Border Ranges of Southern Queensland. Discover paintings, photography, sculptural works, wood work, jewellery, textiles and other delights from local artisans to test the will power. Landscapes from the fantastic local scenery are a favourite for many gallery visitors.
Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday 10.00am to 3.00pm; Sunday 10.00am to Noon
Location: 26 Willow Street Killarney
Further Information: ✆ 4661 9441 Willow Gallery Collective Facebook
Killarney Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre specialises in researching local family history and has a grand collection of local historical photos, articles and small artefacts.
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 2.00pm Saturday 26 & Sunday 27
Location: 11 Willow Street Killarney
Further Information: ✆ 4664 4289 🖳 killarneyheritagecentre@gmail.com Killarney Heritage Centre
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Clifton
Dating back to 1875, this lovely country town halfway from Warwick to Toowoomba has been used in a number of Australian movies including Thornbirds. To truly experience the town, the Clifton Heritage Walking Trail is a must do – brochure available at the Railway Station.
Clifton Railway Station & Visitor Information Centre
Having turned 150 years old in 2019, Clifton Railway Station is the 2nd oldest working railway station in Queensland. It also houses Clifton’s visitor information centre with Clifton’s Heritage Walk Brochure able to be picked before exploring the history of the town on a self-guided tour. The centre has Clifton souvenirs and local crafts for purchase.
The heritage steam train from Warwick will arrive around 11.30am on Sunday 27 March and you may even catch a bag piper playing the train into the station….
Opening Hours: Friday to Monday 9am to 2pm
Location: 61 King Street Clifton
Further Information: 🖳 cliftonprogressassociation@gmail.com Clifton Railway Station
The New Tivoli Theatre
This wonderful historic picture theatre located in Clifton was opened over a hundred years ago in August 1921. Take a walk back in time with the current owner, Ruth Hungerford, whose father acquired the theatre many years ago. Ruth
can share some of the history while in the background a Celtic themed movie will be showing.
Time: 10.00am until 3.00pm
Date: Sunday 27 March
Location: 40 Fisher Street Clifton
Entry: Free
Clifton Museum
The museum collection includes something for everyone including areas set up to take for a trip back in time: to a 1930's dining room; a pioneer bedroom; an early hospital ward, kitchen and children's room; old movie memorabilia, communication, history, musical pieces; original records of local businesses and schools; memoirs of long-time residents and more. A must see for your Clifton visit!
Opening Hours: Friday to Monday 10am to 2pm; Sunday 10am to 3pm
Location: 46 King Street Clifton
Further Information: ✆ 0418 876 765 🖳cliftonqldmuseum@gmail.com cliftonmuseumqld
O'Shanley's Irish Pub
O’Shanley’s Irish Pub is well over 100 years’ old and offers a little Irish country hospitality with a bar full of memorabilia, Guinness and Kilkenny and craic are flowing and wonderful Irish themed food is on offer.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10am until late
Location: cnr Clark and Fisher Streets Clifton
Further Information: ✆ 4697 3288 🖳 bar@oshanleys.com.au OShanleys
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Nobby
Nobby is an historic little town on the Darling Downs just down the road from Clifton. It is home to Rudd’s Pub, dedicated to author Steele Rudd, who found inspiration amongst his drinking partners for his stories in On Our Selection.
Rudd’s Pub
Step back in time and visit historic Rudd’s Pub, the home of Dad and Dave. You can dine in the Heritage Lounge where folklore says that Steele Rudd sat while writing his famous Australian ‘Dad & Dave’ stories. Enjoy the photographic collection and memorabilia that adorns the walls while you take in a cold ale and delicious meal. They even have ensuite rooms or there is free camping for motor homes and caravans across the road.
You could also visit Sister Elizabeth Kenny’s memorial, the Australian nurse who pioneered the treatment of infantile paralysis and she is buried in the Nobby cemetery.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am until late
Location: 45 Tooth Street Nobby
Further Information: ✆ 4696 3211 Rudd's Pub website Rudd's Pub
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Allora
Sitting just off the highway between Toowoomba and Warwick, Allora is known as the ‘best little town on the Downs’. It's old-time streetscape beckons you to take a walk. You'll see many timber buildings typical of late 1800s and early 1900s architecture including the CBC Bank, the Railway Hotel, the old Shire Chambers, the Queensland National Bank, the Commercial Hotel and St David’s Anglican Church. And Glengallan Homestead which embodies the history of the historic Allora region since the late 19th century.
Allora Museum
The Allora & District Historical Society operate two museums in Allora, the Old Allora Shire Hall and the School of Arts, both which have a collection of memorabilia depicting the early history of Allora district from when the shepherds and teamsters camped at The Crossing on Dalrymple Creek from 1844.
The Old Allora Shire Hall was built in 1907 and officially opened in 1908. The School of Arts was originally Allora’s first Court House built in 1866 in Raff Street. A replica of the Talgai skull found in 1886 west of Allora can be viewed. This museum building has an extensive collection of everyday articles commonly used by the early residents of the district.
Opening Hours: Both museums open by appointment
Cost: Admission is $5.00
Location: Old Allora Shire Hall – 53 Warwick Street; School of Arts – 27 Drayton Street
Further Information: Phone Lyn Wright on 0408 753 085.
Allora Regional Sports Museum
The Allora Regional Sports Museum is rated as the best in regional Queensland displaying unique, rare and international sporting memorabilia. In the Hall of Fame they feature local sports starts who have represented at the highest levels including Laura Geitz, Shane Webke and Wayne Bennett.
Opening Hours: Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm or can be opened with a booking
Location: 78 Herbert Street Allora
Further Information: Perry Cronin ✆ 0407 034 320 🖳 perry_cronin@hotmail.com
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Leyburn
Known as the town of living history Leyburn is the site of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix. This small village came about as a resting point for bullock teams crossing and became a gold mining town. Many of the town’s buildings date back to mid to the late 1800s. Visit the ‘Z Special Unit’ memorial located at Liberator Park, with the Leyburn aerodrome originally constructed for the Z Force secret commandos during World War II. Nearby Pratten was once a bustling goldfield where visitors can still try their luck at Thane’s Creek fossicking reserve.
Leyburn RSL and Leyburn Museum
Leyburn RSL and Museum is a non for profit organization run soley by volunteers dedicated to preserving the history of Leyburn its sprints and war history
Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday 2pm – 8pm; Saturday 1pm to 8pm; Sunday 1.30pm to 6.30pm
Location: 8 Warwick Street Leyburn
Further Information: ✆ 0437 339 190
Royal Hotel Leyburn
The Royal Hotel Leyburn is the oldest continually licensed premises in Queensland with the current building incorporating the original premises built 150 years’ ago. The hotel also has accommodation at the Leyburn Motel & Cabins.
Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday 2pm – 8pm; Saturday 1pm to 8pm; Sunday 1.30pm to 6.30pm
Location: 71 MacIntyre Street Leyburn
Further Information: ✆ 4695 0129 🖳 info@leyburnhotel.com.au Leyburn Hotel website
Maryvale
The town of Maryvale is nestled in farmlands on the way towards Warwick from Brisbane. You are surrounded by everything from the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, the renowned Spicers Peak Lodge where fine dining is at its best, farm stays and a historic pub.
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Maryvale Crown Hotel
The Maryvale Crown Hotel was built in 1912 and is full of character. It has been renovated and offers hearty country food and has accommodation.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am until late
Location: 47 Taylor Street Maryvale
Further Information: ✆ 4666 1148
Yangan
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Yangan is a quaint rural village at the base of the glorious Swanfels Valley full of rural history. The Yangan Masonic Hall was previously the first School of Arts building. Sandstone quarried near Yangan was used in the construction of some of Warwick’s historical buildings including the Town Hall and Police Station.
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