Events

MCHENRY: An Ulster American Story

St Cedma’s Church of Ireland, Church Road, Larne

Friday 19th June 2026, 7.30pm

McHenry: An Ulster American Story is an original production which tells the story of the life and times of author Dr. James McHenry, who was born in Larne, prospered in America, and whose last resting place is in the churchyard of St Cedma’s Church of Ireland in Larne.  

This performance will include text from recently discovered letters from Dr. McHenry as well as more general details of his life and the Larne which he knew.  It will include drama, poetry, song, readings and music.

Written by Ulster Scots writer and broadcaster Dr. David Hume MBE, the artists will include Lisa Dawson (soloist/piano), Dick Glasgow (Dulcimer) and actors/dramatists J. J. McTeggart, Gillian Rea, Robert Stewart and Davy Moore.

McHenry: An Ulster American Story is a community drama and musical event commissioned by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s museum service as part of the Council’s America 250 programme.

Admission is free but prior booking is required. Doors open at 7pm, performance start time 7.30pm, refreshments served. 

This is a free event, however places are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or by e-mailing marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk. 

Seven at Seven: Larnians of Note 

A talk by Dr David Hume

Thursday 25th June 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

A dip into stories of people from Larne who rose to prominence at home and abroad. Over the years Larne has produced actors, writers, poets, figures in the judiciary, medicine and more.  This talk will select seven men and women who all had in common that they were from the town and surrounding area and that they deserve to be remembered.

This is a free event, however places are limited and should be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.  Light refreshments provided. 

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Monday 13th July 2026, 10.30am – 11.30am

Bring your doll or teddy along to join in our Teddy Bear's Picnic.

Booking preferable. Suitable for age 4-11.

To book or for more information, please contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.  

2 Day Beginners Sewing Class for Teenagers (age 13-19)

Monday 13th July 2026, 12.30pm - 3.00pm
Tuesday 14th July 2026, 10.30am - 2.00pm

The class will include hand and machine sewing techniques.

This is a free workshop. Spaces are limited to 8 places which MUST be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum on 028 28 262443 or e-mailing marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen

Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Thursday 30th July 2026, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours takes his 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out show on the road!

Scotland’s infamous grave robbers William Burke and William Hare weren’t Scottish – and they never robbed a grave. Born and raised in Ireland, the duo were arguably the first modern serial killers, predating Jack the Ripper by decades.

Andrew reveals the grim reality behind this misunderstood pair. Follow their journey from rural Ulster origins to the sinister Edinburgh slayings, when they provided unscrupulous anatomists with fresh corpses during the body snatching era.

The talk honours Burke and Hare’s forgotten victims, while exposing the fate of the murderers, their complicit wives and their nefarious paymaster, Dr Robert Knox.

Unearth the truth, as Andrew reclaims history’s grisliest ghouls for the north of Ireland in this informative and entertaining evening of horror and true crime!

Reviews from Edinburgh 2025:

“Andrew is a great narrator and delivers his show with passion, humour and tons of research. 5 stars” – Joan, audience member

“Best show so far at Edinburgh” – Phelim, audience member

“The performance was informative, entertaining and fascinating. Highly recommended” – John, audience member

“A really enjoyable show. Well researched, engaging and entertaining” – Kevin, audience member

“Andrew’s show was most enjoyable: thoroughly researched, equally macabre and entertaining” – Ivor, audience member

Running time: 2 hours including interval

Age guidance: 12+

This is a free event however spaces are limited and should be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or by e-mailing marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk. 

Website: alternativeulstours.com