Join Droichead Arts Centre under the shadow of the viaduct as 'The Stowaway Sessions' return as part of Night Moves in association with Drogheda Port.

One more opportunity to see SJ McArdle’s critically-acclaimed song cycle PORT, right on the Port itself! A song cycle born of a year-long research and writing project around the history and stories of Drogheda’s ancient Port, conducted during SJ’s tenure as Artist in Association at Droichead Arts Centre in 2019.

Along with its accompanying critically acclaimed RTÉ Radio 1 Album of the Week, Old Ghosts In The Water, PORT includes Carol Keogh (Plague Monkeys), Graham Henderson (Moving Hearts, Sinead O’Connor), vocalist John Ruddy and fiddle player Róisín Ward Morrow. SJ was previously the songwriter and singer in the award-winning Irish folk band Kern from 2013 to 2020, and he is also known for his career as a singer-songwriter in Nashville and Germany, which produced 2014’s critically acclaimed Blood and Bones album (featuring Rodney Crowell). SJ’s songs and performances have featured on radio, film, and television, and he has toured and recorded extensively in Ireland, Europe, and North America, gathering a loyal following and critical accolades along the way.

“An impressive song cycle .. the songs are intriguing and evocative; they are rooted in folk but coloured by expansive and imaginative arrangements.” – The Irish Times.

"What a great collection of songs this is from SJ McArdle. I urge you to go out and get it." – Fiachna Ó Braonáin” (The Hothouse Flowers, RTÉ)

“All the ingredients of great folk songs” – Lynette Fay (BBC)

The Stowaways Sessions will take place in a warehouse (covered in) on the port by the viaduct and is a seated event. These events will go ahead rain or shine, so please do consider the weather and cool Irish evenings when dressing for the event.

NIGHT MOVES SUMMER SEASON 2025

An innovative & dynamic programme designed to provide new & engaging night time cultural experiences across Drogheda & East Meath returns this summer. Produced by Droichead Arts Centre, delivered with curators, promoters & alternative venues, and funded by the Night-Time Economy Advisor in Drogheda, and the Arts Council. This programme encapsulates our vision of extending cultural offerings, fostering partnerships, and creating diverse opportunities for artists & audiences alike.