Iconic Rainbow Ballroom Celebrates 90 Years in Leitrim
Rainbow Ballroom of Romance Celebrates 90 Years of Music, Love, and community
Glenfarne, ireland – The iconic Rainbow Ballroom, a cornerstone of Irish social life for nine decades, celebrated its 90th anniversary with a packed dance floor and a wave of nostalgia.
Built in 1934, the ballroom has witnessed countless romances blossom under its twinkling lights. “A lot of marriages were made in the rainbow over the years, no doubt about it, and we’ve had several weddings too,” says Sean McDermott, a voluntary board member who knows the venue’s history intimately.
The Rainbow’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the golden age of Irish showbands. Legends like Dickie Rock, Joe Dolan, Big Tom, Philomena Begley, the Dubliners, Foster and Allen, Daniel O’Donnell, and more recently, Nathan Carter, have graced its stage.
“We used to have 1,500 peopel dancing on a Saturday night during the 1970s and 80s,” recalls McDermott. “More people would be dancing nearby in Bundoran,Sligo,and Drumshanbo.”
The ballroom’s enduring appeal transcends generations. Bernie and Rita McDonald, who met at the Rainbow 60 years ago, still make it a point to attend the monthly social dances. “We love the music and never miss it,” says Rita.Jean and Kevin McCann,who traveled from Enniskillen,Co Fermanagh,echo the sentiment. “We always look forward to the monthly social dance,” says Jean. “We have memories that will never be forgotten.”
The Rainbow’s story has even captured the creativity of literary giant William Trevor, who penned the acclaimed novel “The Ballroom of Romance,” later adapted into a BAFTA-winning BBC/RTÉ film.
Today, the Glenfarne Community Progress Trust manages the ballroom, ensuring its continued role as a vibrant community hub.
“The Ballroom is the home of Glenfarne and the heart of our community,” says Linda Slevin, the trust’s chairperson. ”Everything takes place here between weddings, birthdays, and retirement parties.We supply meals on wheels and provide dance classes, gymnastics, and youth clubs. It’s our social hub and it’s very well used, thankfully.”
As the Rainbow embarks on its next decade, the trust is focused on preserving its legacy for future generations. Plans are underway to digitize the showbands exhibition, making its rich history accessible to a wider audience.
Slevin, who met her husband outside the ballroom after a night of dancing, understands the profound impact the Rainbow has had on countless lives. ”I feel it’ll be a very worthwhile project that will bring this experience into the future,” she says.
The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance continues to be a testament to the enduring power of music, community, and love.
Keeping the Romance Alive: An Interview with Linda Slevin
NewsDirectory3.com: The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. What makes this venue so special, particularly for the community of Glenfarne?
Linda Slevin, Chairperson of the Glenfarne Community Progress Trust: The Ballroom is the home of Glenfarne and the heart of our community. Everything takes place here: weddings, birthdays, retirement parties. We supply meals on wheels and provide dance classes, gymnastics, and youth clubs. it’s our social hub and it’s very well used, thankfully.
NewsDirectory3.com: The rainbow has witnessed much throughout its history, from the Golden Age of Irish showbands to becoming the inspiration for William Trevor’s acclaimed novel. How do you ensure this legacy is preserved for future generations?
Linda Slevin: We are focused on digitizing the showbands exhibition to make its rich history accessible to a wider audience. it’s a worthwhile project that will bring this experience into the future.
NewsDirectory3.com: The Ballroom has seen countless couples meet and marry over the decades. What is it about this venue that fosters such romance?
Linda Slevin: The music, the atmosphere, it’s a place where people come together to have fun and create memories. I even met my husband outside the ballroom after a night of dancing!