Tango, trumpets and exceptionally tasty fare to celebrate Argentina-Ireland bond in Abbeyshrule

One of the Midlands’ most vibrant summer events returns to Abbeyshrule later this month, as the Longford Westmeath Argentina Society hosts its annual asado — a traditional Argentine barbecue — at the Rustic Inn on Saturday, July 26.

Now in its 36th year, the society continues to celebrate the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Ireland and Argentina, where an estimated half a million people claim Irish ancestry. An astonishing 60% of the Irish diaspora in Argentina can trace their ancestry to the midlands, particularly Longford and Westmeath. The society’s work continues to celebrate and strengthen this enduring connection.

This year’s event promises an unforgettable evening of flavour, rhythm, and heritage set along the scenic canal in Abbeyshrule. From 8.30pm, guests will be treated to a feast of Argentine flavours: sizzling steaks, specially crafted chorizo sausages (in collaboration with Herterich Artisan Butchers of Longford), fresh salads, and classic dulce de leche for dessert. Each meal is paired with a glass of Argentine wine — a true taste of the Pampas in the heart of Ireland.

But the asado is about more than food — it's a celebration of shared heritage. Adding flair to the evening will be a live tango performance from the dazzling Tango Fiesta dancers, followed by music from local legend Johnny Carroll, “The Man with the Golden Trumpet”, ensuring the dance floor stays alive well into the night.

The event also honours the historic migration of thousands of Irish people to Argentina in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Areas like Ballymahon, Ballymore, Tang, Streamstown, and Ballynacargy were among the most common points of departure. Today, Argentine families with names like MacLoughlin, Noonan, Kavanagh, Gannon, Ryan and Gaynor still maintain links with their Irish heritage — some even preserving the Midlands accents of their ancestors.

That cultural legacy lives on in Buenos Aires through institutions like the Hurling Club, the long-running Southern Cross newspaper, and schools such as Colegio Santa Brigida and Cardinal Newman College — alma mater of rugby star Felipe Contepomi.

Tickets for this year’s asado are €60 and must be purchased in advance.

They are available from Chairperson Úna Byrne (087 293 8937), PRO Eilís Ryan (086 262 7410), or via the society’s Facebook page at facebook.com/longfordwestmeathargentinasociety.