A look at Market Street in the early 1980s. The Northern Bank or Danske as it’s now known stands at the corner of Carnegie Street with Fa Joe’s Pub opposite. Further along Abbey National, VG Foods store and Carigins Children’s clothes shop. To the right we can see Wellworth's, one of the busiest store in the town, with McMurray’s newsagents at the corner of Castle Lane. Back over to the left-hand side and who remembers the Manhattan Restaurant owned and ran by Frank Fusco? When it opened it was the ‘bees-knees’ with surroundings, menu and service that was way ahead of it’s time. Last but not least the old toilet block in the centre that have long gone and replaced by modern art!placeholder image
A look at Market Street in the early 1980s. The Northern Bank or Danske as it’s now known stands at the corner of Carnegie Street with Fa Joe’s Pub opposite. Further along Abbey National, VG Foods store and Carigins Children’s clothes shop. To the right we can see Wellworth's, one of the busiest store in the town, with McMurray’s newsagents at the corner of Castle Lane. Back over to the left-hand side and who remembers the Manhattan Restaurant owned and ran by Frank Fusco? When it opened it was the ‘bees-knees’ with surroundings, menu and service that was way ahead of it’s time. Last but not least the old toilet block in the centre that have long gone and replaced by modern art!

26 photos of Lurgan in the 1980s when the town was bustling and the music was vibrant

By Carmel Robinson
Published 10th Jul 2025, 16:37 GMT

Lurgan in the 1980s was a bustling market town with lots of shops, plenty of bars and full of characters.

In the summer Lurgan pool was full of children and everyone looked forward to Lurgan Show and Lurgan Park Car Rally.

It was a time when we were swept up by Live Aid and a bunch of lads created Lurgan’s Folk Aid to raise vital funds. Others had charity ‘knit ins’ and bed pushes.

Gerard Skelton’s had all the tickets to the best gigs and ran fantastic trips to football matches and more. The Silverwood Hotel, or the Country Club, was the in-spot with many a one spotted doing the wobbly walk home down the Lough Road.

Snooker clubs and darts teams were the big pull for many and fishing was a great past time. Youth Clubs were the place to be especially in the summer.

Huge thanks to the kindness of Old Lurgan Photos for sharing their photographs of times gone by.

Back in the 1980’s local Irish folk group D’arcy were popular in the many pubs and clubs around the town. Pictured here are Colm McCarron, Martin Byrne, Paddy Prunty and Conor McCarron.

17. Lots of great bands in the 80s

Back in the 1980’s local Irish folk group D’arcy were popular in the many pubs and clubs around the town. Pictured here are Colm McCarron, Martin Byrne, Paddy Prunty and Conor McCarron. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

The Silverwood Hotel in the early 1980's. Also known as the Country Club. Many a great band played there and the disco was legendary! Some fantastic memories! Was it Club Tivoli or Topaz Nite Club?

18. Many memories made at the Silverwood Hotel

The Silverwood Hotel in the early 1980's. Also known as the Country Club. Many a great band played there and the disco was legendary! Some fantastic memories! Was it Club Tivoli or Topaz Nite Club? Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

Union St in the late 1980's. The shop front and houses may look different now but this view has hardly changed over the years.

19. View in Union Street has hardly changed

Union St in the late 1980's. The shop front and houses may look different now but this view has hardly changed over the years. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

Knitting has made a resurgence as a hobby and it was clearly an interest to these young girls in Lurgan in 1983. They were taking part in a 'knit in' for charity at Lurgan Girls' Junior High school.

20. Knitting for charity

Knitting has made a resurgence as a hobby and it was clearly an interest to these young girls in Lurgan in 1983. They were taking part in a 'knit in' for charity at Lurgan Girls' Junior High school. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

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