Bealtaine Fire Festival a sell-out

On Saturday May 6, a celebration of Irish heritage will get underway by continuing the ancient tradition of lighting a great fire on the Hill of Uisneach for Bealtaine, and once again it's a sell-out!

The gathering of the tribes from all corners of Ireland and, indeed, the world, to welcome the summer ahead, will take place to celebrate a tradition that was held by the High-King of Ireland.

This tradition was rekindled the Clarke family, the landowners, back in 2017 when the President of Ireland, Mr Michael D. Higgins was the first man of State to light the Bealtaine Fire in over a thousand years.

For those lucky enough to have bagged a ticket, traditional crafts and live demonstrations can be enjoyed, and participation is actively encouraged.

The fine art of Irish storytelling and poetry will be delivered on the Tir na NÓg Stage, and has been said to elevate one to an ancient otherworld!

Music throughout the day caresses the festival goers as they move amongst the hidden gems of strategically placed Irish sculptures, telling stories of old.

Traditional Irish games for children are found amusing both the young and old, while mindfulness spaces lend to deeper connections to the land and its surroundings.

Join the Celts as they sit at their encampment working wood and wool around hearths as their day unfolds!

This unique Irish event culminates at sundown as a procession of fire, light and evocative costumes, telling stories of old make their way through the festival village and up to the summit before the 'Great Fire' is lit.

Stretching upwards and outwards, said to be seen across 20 counties, its flames reach high into the Irish sky to welcome the incoming season’s bounties.

This Hill of Uisneach is one of Ireland’s six Royal Sites up for tentative UNESCO World Heritage Status.