Road closures announced for three-day major music festival in Leitrim

Temporary road closures will take place over the June bank holiday weekend to accommodate the Cowboys and Heroes music festival in Drumcoura City. Leitrim County Council has announced that two roads in South Leitrim will be closed for three days, from 12 pm on Friday 29 May until 9 pm on Monday 1 June. The closures are aimed at ensuring the safety of the event’s thousands of visitors and at allowing the organisers to set up stages, stages and festival infrastructure without disruption.

The first road to be closed is the L5501, known locally as Derrygoan. The closure will run from the Corgar junction with the R199 to the crossroads with the R204. The second closure will affect the access road from the R204 crossroads in front of Drumcoura City, continuing to the junction with the R199 at Corgar. The council has stated that emergency vehicles, local access and the Park‑and‑Ride buses will be exempt from the closures. In addition, signs will be erected at the entrance to the L1502 from the R199, advising “No Access to Cowboys and Heroes Festival.” These measures are intended to minimise traffic congestion and to keep the festival area secure.

The festival itself will run from Friday 29 May to Monday 1 June. The event, which has become a staple of the local summer calendar, will feature a range of musical acts, food stalls and a free pint promotion that has attracted crowds from across the region. The organisers have promised a lively atmosphere, with a mix of contemporary and traditional music, and a family‑friendly environment that has been highlighted in recent local news coverage. The festival’s popularity has led to the council’s decision to close roads in order to manage the influx of visitors and to provide a safe environment for both performers and attendees.

For those travelling to Ballinamore, the council has provided alternative routes to avoid the closed roads. One option is to travel from the R204, continue west on the R204 to Ballinamore town, turn right onto St. Brigid’s Street onto the R202 and continue east following the R199 (Newtowngore Road). Another route involves travelling from Corgar, heading west along the R199 to Ballinamore town, turning left onto the R204 (St. Brigid’s Street) and then turning right onto the R204 signposted for Carrigallen. These detours are designed to keep traffic flowing while keeping the festival area clear of non‑essential vehicles.

The council has also advised that any persons aggrieved by the proposed closures may lodge a complaint. The decision to close the roads was made after consultation with local residents and businesses, and the council has stated that it will consider any concerns raised. The closures are expected to have a limited impact on local traffic, as the alternative routes are well established and the council has put in place additional signage to guide motorists.

The festival’s organisers have expressed gratitude for the council’s support, noting that the temporary road closures will help to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. They have also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in making the event a success. The festival’s free pint promotion, which has been a highlight of the event in previous years, is expected to draw even larger crowds this year, further underscoring the need for careful traffic management.

The closures will affect not only the immediate area around Drumcoura City but also the surrounding towns, including Ballinamore. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and to allow extra travel time during the festival weekend. The council’s website will provide real‑time updates on traffic conditions and any changes to the closure schedule.

The decision to close roads for the Cowboys and Heroes festival reflects the council’s commitment to balancing the economic benefits of the event with the safety and convenience of local residents. By providing clear guidance and alternative routes, the council aims to minimise disruption while supporting a major cultural event that brings visitors to the heart of County Leitrim.

For more information on the road closures and festival details, please refer to the Leitrim Observer article.

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