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Féile na Bealtaine 2023 is a heritage based festival within South Armagh and the Ring of Gullion running over two weekends which welcomes the coming of summer.
'Lá Bealtaine, Lá Bealtaine, An chéad lá sa Samhradh' ~ 'May Day, May day, the first day of Summer'
This eclectic mix of events celebrate and share heritage skills, crafts and customs with locals and visitors alike. From willow weaving with Jeanette, foraging with Brian to woodturning with Pádraig, glass art with Tracey, ceardlann amhránaíochta le Ciara, ancient drumming with Jimmy and decorating the May Bush at Bluebell Lane and much more, there is lots to do in South Armagh during Féile na Bealtaine.
The festival will run from Saturday 29 April - Saturday 6 May and is supported by the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The Events
Saturday 29 April 10:00 - 16:00 - Bealtaine Fire Lantern Experience
indulge your creative spirit with a fully immersive fused glass experience while celebrating the ancient festival of Beltaine
Saturday 29 April 10:30 - 13:30 - Foraging at Bealtaine
Rediscover the ancient art of foraging during one of the turning points of the calendar, Bealtaine. Learn about edible "weeds" and medicinal wild plants at the foot of Slieve Gullion
Sunday 30 April 10:00 - 17:30 - Carving in the Woodlands
take part in this lovely workshop using traditional tools to shape green,unseasoned wood and produce a lovely spoon from the depths of a log. Perfect for beginners or experienced carvers alike.
Sunday 30 April 14:00 - 18:00 - Ceardlann Amhráníochta - local songs
Song workshop led by local sean-nós singer Ciara Hall from Dundalk.Learn some of the lesser known irish songs of the region and become part of their reintroduction to the local traditions
Sunday 30 April 19.30 - 22:30 - Sing for Your Supper
Together we will decorate the May bush and then retire indoors to sing a few songs, eat some good wholesome food and share in a drink or two together at Sing for Your Supper from the Roundhouse
Saturday 6 May 10:30 - 13:00 - A Magical Walk in Nature
join Venora and Geraldine on an enchanting river walk through Ravensdale Park. Within this lush forest walk, enjoy a grounding meditation to connect you to nature, hear of the life and loves of Thomas, Lord Clermont during the 19th Century and discover the hidden follies and hunting lodge
Saturday 6 May 12:00 - 13:00 - Rhythms of the Woodland, Childrens' Drumming Experience
This is an exciting opportunity for young people between the ages of 10 - 17 years old to immerse themselves in the rhythm of Djembe drumming and of nature. This hour long workshop will be delivered by master drummer Jimmy Haggan in the ancient Celtic Iron age roundhouse
Saturday 6 May 14:00 - 15:00 - Rhythms of the Woodland Adult Drumming workshop
This is an exciting opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the rhythm of Djembe drumming and of nature, finding the flow! This hour long workshop will be delivered by master drummer Jimmy Haggan in the ancient Celtic Iron age round house.
Saturday 6 May 14:00 - 17:00 - Traditional Singing Workshop
We welcome you to this this traditional song workshop led by local singer Colleen Savage. Held in the roundhouse at Bluebell Lane by open fire, the afternoon will be spent exploring and learning some songs which are local to South Armagh. The repertoire will be mostly in English.
