Ballinderry comes alive with 'Beo' festival

The Ballinderry Development Association came together recently to host a village ‘Meet You At The Pump’ event.

With the glorious heat and sunshine, the village was buzzing with all the people of Ballinderry and surrounding villages, enjoying events throughout the day. 

It all kicked off at 2pm with a Historical Society Walking Treasure Hunt.  This was such fun with everyone dashing around the village trying to solve the intriguing clues, all the while slowed down while chatting to friends and neighbours. The event offered a terrific display of local enterprise, showcasing wonderful stalls such as delicious baking, wonderful locally produced condiments and garden produce, beautiful botanically scented candles, reflexiology, jewellery, pet grooming parlour and much more.


The event held something for everyone.  Fantastic games for the little ones, music to enjoy while gathered in the middle of the picturesque village.  It was a wonderful sight to see so many local residents sitting around enjoying a cup of tea and with a delicious bite from a terrific array of homemade savoury and sweet treats, chatting and sharing stories of past times in Ballinderry. 

This inaugural occasion was marked by the planting of an Oak Tree, kindly donated by Matt Fogarty – Fogarty Nurseries.  The Oak tree is significant to Ballinderry, as Baile an Doire translates to ‘Town of the Oak’.


Following the tree planting ceremony, the crowds moved towards the eagerly awaiting of the unveiling of the Ballinderry Model Railway Exhibition. 

And what an amazing treat this was.  Ballinderry Model Railway is a spectacle for any railway enthusiast and is open for viewing Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.  It will certainly blow your mind seeing the intricate detail in the design and creation from hours of passion. It really is a must see.


The day ended with all the visitors enjoying a cup of tea, a yummy cake and positively looking forward to this fantastic event again next year.