Bealtaine Awakens in Castlewellan –
A vibrant programme of Bealtaine events is set to take place in Castlewellan in the coming days, inviting the community to reconnect with nature through story, music and mindful experiences. Organised by the Dolmens Climate Action Network the celebrations follow a joyful Earth Day gathering last week and marks the beginning of a seasonal journey inspired by the theme Listen to the Land Speak.
Under clear blue skies, Earth Day was marked at Castlewellan Community Allotments with a range of hands-on activities. Participants planted bulbs and flowers to create a pollinator-friendly bed, designed to attract insects while providing blooms to enjoy and share. Others took part in a willow weaving workshop and crafting bird feeders for the months ahead. The day was filled with creativity, connection and the simple pleasure of getting hands into the soil, rounded off with home-made treats.
Reflecting on the occasion, a spokesperson said the day was not only about celebrating the beauty of the natural world, but also about deepening our relationship with it. “We are invited to listen more closely to the landscape, not as something we own, but as something we belong to,” they said. This idea of “deep listening” will guide more activities throughout the year, drawing on the rhythms of the Celtic calendar and the cross-quarter festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lunasa and Samhain.
Do we not need to mention this one too even though it is finished?
The theme has been brought into sharper focus through the work of Manchan Magan, whose book Listen to the Land Speak and the film of the same name, offer a vivid invitation to reconnect with the natural world. This idea will be woven throughout the year’s celebrations, creating space for reflection and conversation on the practice of deep listening to the Earth. Plans are already underway for a screening of the film, followed by a community discussion during Tree Week in November.
The next celebration begins with Bealtaine. On Friday 1 May, from 2.00–3.30pm, Conversations and Celebrations of Bealtaine will take place at Castlewellan Library. Attendees are invited to share memories of May traditions such as fairs and booleying, hear stories from mythology and folklore and perhaps even enjoy a song.
On Saturday 2 May, from 7.30–9.30pm, Catstones and Cowbells comes to Turnip House. Led by Sinéad McAleavey of Tumbling Paddy and Ciara Delaney of BodySong, this evening event promises an immersive journey into the magic of Bealtaine through story, song, fire and movement.
Early risers can round off the weekend on Sunday 3 May with a Dawn Chorus Mindful Walk at Bunkers Hill from 6.00–7.00am. Meeting at the playground, participants will be guided by mindfulness teacher Veronica Ellis in a gentle, sensory experience designed to help people truly hear the sounds of the natural world.
All events are free to attend, made possible through the dedication of volunteers and support from the Special EU Programmes Body via the PEACE Plus programme, facilitated by the County Down Rural Community Network.