
12 Unforgettable Entertainment Ideas for Your Next Event - Ballinderry Park

Rowan Stainsby
Planning a memorable event at Ballinderry Park? We’ve put together 12 fun entertainment ideas that will make your occasion special and give your guests something to talk about for years. From music to hands-on activities, these suggestions will make your event exciting, whether it’s a wedding, work party, or any other celebration. These entertainment options will suit different tastes and show off what makes Ballinderry Park unique.
Key Takeaways: Top 5 Entertainment Ideas for Events at Ballinderry Park
- Live Music Performances: Create a great atmosphere with talented musicians, from classical groups to Irish bands
- Interactive Food and Drink Stations: Get guests involved with cool food experiences, like cocktail-making classes and live cooking shows
- Historical Reenactments: Bring the venue’s history to life with actors in costume telling stories
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Set up a magical movie experience under the stars on Ballinderry Park’s beautiful grounds
- Garden Games and Activities: Offer fun outdoor entertainment for everyone, including big versions of classic games and themed treasure hunts

Wedding at Ballinderry Park
1. Live Music Performances: Setting the Mood
Live music really sets the tone for an event. At Ballinderry Park, we suggest using local talent to give you a real Irish experience. Live music quickly connects with your guests and makes the event feel special. Here are some music options for different types of events:
- Classical string quartets for fancy weddings, playing during the ceremony and reception
- Traditional Irish bands for a lively party, with instruments like fiddles, bodhráns, and uilleann pipes to celebrate Irish culture
- Acoustic solo artists for smaller gatherings, creating a cosy musical background
- Jazz groups for cocktail hours, adding class and energy to your event
- DJ and live musician combinations, offering a mix of recorded and live music to keep the party going
to see how we can set up different music options and create the right mood for your special day. Our event planners can help you pick the perfect music to match your event and make sure it all goes smoothly.
2. Interactive Food and Drink Stations
Get your guests involved with food and drink stations that are both tasty and fun. These food experiences will make your event stand out, encouraging people to mingle and create memories. By mixing food with entertainment, you’ll make your event more enjoyable and impressive. Try these cool ideas:
- Cocktail-making workshops where professional bartenders teach guests how to make special drinks
- Live cooking shows featuring local food, showing off the best Irish ingredients and cooking techniques
- Cheese and wine tasting sessions with experts, offering a fun and delicious learning experience
- Molecular gastronomy stations, where food preparation looks like a science experiment
- Make-your-own food bars (like taco stations or dessert bars) where guests can create their own dishes
, which can include these awesome food experiences to make your celebration extra special. Our catering team works with local food suppliers to get the best ingredients and can adjust these food stations to fit your event’s theme and any dietary needs.
3. Historical Reenactments: Bringing Ballinderry’s Past to Life
Use our venue’s rich history by including historical reenactments in your event. These fun performances will take your guests back in time, giving them a unique experience that shows off the cultural importance of Ballinderry Park. By mixing education with entertainment, you’ll create lasting memories and help people appreciate the venue’s history more. Try these interesting options:
- Georgian-era costume shows, with actors dressed up in old-fashioned clothes talking to guests and sharing historical stories
- Storytelling about the house’s past, bringing to life tales of people who used to live here and important events
- Tours with historical characters, guiding guests around the property while telling them about life in different time periods
- Live demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts and skills from various times in history
- Plays showing important moments in Ballinderry Park’s history
to get ideas for historical entertainment that will give your guests a real feel for the past. Our team can connect you with professional reenactment groups and historians to make sure these performances are accurate and educational.
4. Outdoor Movie Nights: Cinema Under the Stars
Use Ballinderry Park’s beautiful grounds for an outdoor movie experience. This magical entertainment option works well for both small gatherings and bigger events, creating a special atmosphere that mixes classic movies with the natural beauty of our estate. An outdoor movie night is a unique and memorable experience that guests of all ages will enjoy. Here are some fun ideas to make your movie night even better:
- Show classic films on the lawn, picking movies that fit your event theme or what your guests like
- Have themed movie nights (like Irish cinema or romantic comedies for weddings) to match your event’s mood
- Provide cosy blankets and fancy popcorn for extra comfort, making the movie-watching experience even nicer
- Have some entertainment before the movie, like live music or short film contests, to get people excited
- Add interactive elements like sing-alongs or quote-alongs for well-known movies to get the audience involved
for more outdoor entertainment ideas that will make your event unforgettable. Our event coordinators can help with setting up the technical stuff, arranging seating, and adding extra touches to create the perfect outdoor cinema experience.
5. Garden Games and Activities: Outdoor Fun for All Ages
Make the most of our big outdoor spaces with fun activities that get guests talking to each other. These entertaining options will be popular with people of all ages, providing fun that takes full advantage of Ballinderry Park’s beautiful setting. Outdoor games and activities not only entertain but also help people socialise and create a relaxed mood for your event. Try these exciting options to keep your guests having fun:
- Big versions of classic games (like chess, Jenga, Connect Four) that add a playful touch to your event
- Croquet or lawn bowling tournaments, perfect for some friendly competition among guests
- Treasure hunts based on Ballinderry’s history, mixing fun with learning about the venue
- Archery lessons with professional instructors, offering a unique activity that requires skill
- Garden mazes or scavenger hunts designed to show off the beauty of our grounds
that can include outdoor entertainment to keep your guests busy throughout the celebration. Our team can help you choose and set up the right games and activities based on your event size, theme, and what your guests might like.
6. Photobooth with a Twist: Capturing Memories in Style
Make the usual photobooth idea more interesting with special Ballinderry Park touches. These creative photo opportunities will give your guests lasting memories, serving as both fun entertainment and a personal souvenir from your event. By including elements that show off the venue’s character and your event’s theme, you’ll create a truly unique experience. Try these cool photobooth ideas:
- Old-fashioned booth with Georgian-style props, letting guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time and capture the spirit of Ballinderry Park’s history
- Green screen technology to transport guests to different time periods or places related to the venue’s past
- Slow-motion video booth for fun, shareable clips that catch spontaneous moments in a unique way
- 360-degree photo platform that creates moving, immersive images of guests with Ballinderry Park as the backdrop
- Augmented reality photobooth that adds digital elements to real-time photos, creating fantastical and memorable images
to ask about custom entertainment options and make your event truly one-of-a-kind. Our team can suggest trusted vendors who specialise in innovative photobooth experiences tailored to what you need for your event.
7. Live Art Performances: Creativity in Action
Include live artists to add an exciting and visual element to your event. These talented performers will captivate your guests and create unique souvenirs, adding a bit of spectacle and creativity to your celebration. Live art performances not only entertain but also produce real works that can serve as lasting reminders of your special day. Consider these artistic options to make your event even better:
- Caricaturists drawing guest portraits, providing a fun and personal souvenir
- Live painters capturing the event or venue, creating a beautiful artwork that develops throughout the day
- Sculptors making ice or sand art installations, offering an amazing display of skill and creativity
- Speed painters producing large-scale artworks in just minutes, combining art with performance
- Group art projects where guests contribute to a bigger piece, creating a sense of community and shared experience
and how we can accommodate these creative performances. Our spacious grounds and versatile indoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for various types of live art, ensuring your chosen performers have the ideal setting to show off their talents.
8. Interactive Technology Stations: Blending History with Innovation
Mix Ballinderry Park’s historical charm with modern technology for a unique experience. These interactive stations will engage your guests and provide a fresh look at our venue, connecting the past with the present. By using cutting-edge technology, you’ll create memorable experiences that appeal to tech-savvy guests while still honoring Ballinderry Park’s rich history. Try these innovative options:
- Virtual reality tours of the estate through different time periods, letting guests experience how Ballinderry Park has changed over time
- Augmented reality experiences revealing hidden stories about the venue, bringing history to life through digital additions
- Interactive digital guestbooks with multimedia features, allowing guests to leave video messages or create digital artworks
- Holographic displays showing historical figures or events related to Ballinderry Park’s past
- Interactive touchscreen tables with games and information about the venue’s history and surrounding area
that can accommodate tech-based entertainment and bring a modern twist to your event. Our team can work with specialised technology providers to ensure these interactive elements fit smoothly within the historic setting of Ballinderry Park.
9. Themed Performers: Adding Flair to Your Event
Improve your event’s atmosphere with themed performers that match Ballinderry Park’s elegance. These talented individuals will create unforgettable moments for your guests, adding an element of surprise and delight to your celebration. By carefully choosing performers that fit your event’s theme and the venue’s character, you’ll create a cohesive and immersive experience. Consider these engaging performance options:
- Wandering magicians performing close-up tricks, amazing guests with clever illusions
- Costumed characters from different historical periods, interacting with guests and sharing stories about life in the past
- Acrobats or aerial silk performers for a touch of spectacle, using the venue’s grand spaces for breathtaking displays
- Living statues that bring art to life, surprising and delighting guests as they move around the event
- Roaming musicians or troubadours, providing background music and personalised songs
for ideas on including performers in your special day. Our event coordinators can recommend professional entertainment agencies that specialise in themed performers suitable for the elegant setting of Ballinderry Park.
10. DIY Craft Stations: Hands-On Entertainment
Get guests involved with creative activities that also serve as memorable keepsakes. These hands-on stations will keep your attendees entertained and provide unique souvenirs, encouraging participation and personal connection to your event. DIY craft stations not only offer entertainment but also encourage guest interaction and creativity. Consider these engaging craft options:
- Flower crown making workshops using local blooms, perfect for outdoor events or garden-themed celebrations
- Personalised scent creation stations, allowing guests to mix their own fragrances inspired by Ballinderry Park’s gardens
- Watercolour painting sessions inspired by Ballinderry’s landscapes, guided by local artists
- Customisable jewelry or accessory making stations, where guests can create unique pieces to wear or gift
- Pottery workshops featuring traditional Irish techniques, connecting guests with local craftsmanship
that include DIY elements to make your event both entertaining and cost-effective. Our team can help find materials and arrange for skilled instructors to guide guests through these creative activities.
11. Silent Disco: Dance the Night Away
Offer a modern twist on traditional dancing that’s perfect for various event types. Silent discos are a fun and unique way to keep your guests entertained, allowing for multiple music options without noise concerns. This innovative approach to dancing ensures that all guests can enjoy their preferred music while maintaining a festive atmosphere. Consider these creative silent disco ideas:
- Multiple music channels catering to different tastes, from current hits to old favorites
- Themed silent disco nights (e.g., decades, genres) to add an extra layer of fun and nostalgia
- Glow-in-the-dark accessories for an added visual element, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere
- Dance-off competitions between different channels, encouraging friendly rivalry and guest interaction
- Silent disco tours of Ballinderry Park, combining music with exploration of the venue’s beautiful spaces
suitable for dancing and music to find the perfect spot for your silent disco. Our team can help with technical setup and recommend trusted suppliers for high-quality headphones and equipment.
12. Local Cultural Demonstrations: Celebrating Irish Heritage
Show off the rich cultural heritage of Galway and Ireland with authentic demonstrations. These experiences will give your guests a real taste of Irish culture, adding depth and local flavor to your event. By including traditional arts, crafts, and practices, you’ll create a meaningful connection between your celebration and the cultural background of Ballinderry Park. Consider these engaging cultural options:
- Irish dance performances and workshops, allowing guests to watch and try this famous dance style
- Traditional craft demonstrations (e.g., weaving, pottery), showing skills passed down through generations
- Gaelic language taster sessions, offering guests a fun introduction to Ireland’s native language
- Storytelling circles featuring local seanchaí (traditional Irish storytellers) sharing myths and legends
- Irish music workshops where guests can try playing traditional instruments like the bodhrán or tin whistle
through our events and include these elements in your own celebration. Our connections with local cultural organisations and artisans can help bring authentic Irish experiences to your event at Ballinderry Park.
Conclusion: Create Lasting Memories at Ballinderry Park
With these 12 must-have entertainment ideas, your event at Ballinderry Park is sure to be unforgettable. From live music and interactive food stations to historical reenactments and modern technology, there’s something for every guest to enjoy. Our flexible venue and dedicated team are here to help you bring your ideas to life, making sure your celebration is truly special. By mixing these different entertainment options, you can create an exciting and engaging event that shows off both the timeless beauty of Ballinderry Park and your own style.
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big celebration, these entertainment ideas can be adjusted to fit your needs and preferences. The unique mix of historical charm and modern features at Ballinderry Park provides the perfect setting for creating memorable moments that your guests will remember for years. Our experienced event planners are ready to help you choose and set up the perfect combination of entertainment options to make your event extraordinary.
Ready to start planning your amazing event? and let’s create something spectacular together! Our team is excited to work with you to bring your vision to life and make sure that every part of your event, from the entertainment to the venue itself, is even better than you imagined. Don’t miss the chance to host an unforgettable celebration at one of Ireland’s most prestigious and beautiful venues.
About the Author

Rowan Stainsby
Rowan is a marketing professional and founder of Kraft Digital Agency. In 2024, he and his wife Laoise purchased Ballinderry Park, a stunning Georgian house dating back to c.1740 in County Galway. Together, they are passionately restoring this historic property and documenting the journey on their YouTube channel 'Call of the Curlew'. With a vision to create a space where busy people can unwind, Rowan oversees the transformation of Ballinderry Park into a luxury destination for stays, weddings, and events while honoring its remarkable 700-year heritage.