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.

Church Place, Lurgan in the mid 1980's. A reminder of The Troubles with the security sanger. Plenty of small shops, cafes and bars back then.

21. Lots of style in the 80s

Church Place, Lurgan in the mid 1980's. A reminder of The Troubles with the security sanger. Plenty of small shops, cafes and bars back then. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

In 1980 this group of young men were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Lurgan Youth Annex. Back row...David Herron, Glen Stewart, Stephen Hylands, David Uprichard, Karl Drury. Middle row…Mark Hancock, Ian Gibson, Raymond Chambers, Derek Watson, Chris Cartwright. Front Row…Paul White, Nigel Sands, Geoff Parkes and Duncan Lowry

22. Duke of Edinburgh awards

In 1980 this group of young men were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Lurgan Youth Annex. Back row...David Herron, Glen Stewart, Stephen Hylands, David Uprichard, Karl Drury. Middle row…Mark Hancock, Ian Gibson, Raymond Chambers, Derek Watson, Chris Cartwright. Front Row…Paul White, Nigel Sands, Geoff Parkes and Duncan Lowry Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

A great band of musicians and singers posed for a photo at a charity night in the Ashburn Hotel in the 1980's. A lot of well known faces here and some sadly no longer with us. Lurgan was an inspiration for young musicians and artists.

23. Folk Aid charity event

A great band of musicians and singers posed for a photo at a charity night in the Ashburn Hotel in the 1980's. A lot of well known faces here and some sadly no longer with us. Lurgan was an inspiration for young musicians and artists. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

Lurgan during Christmas time in the mid 1980’s.

24. Christmas memories

Lurgan during Christmas time in the mid 1980’s. Photo: Old Lurgan Photos

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