Music, dancing, storytelling, nature walks, shared food and community spirit are all on the programme as the Dolmens Climate Action Network and Castlewellan Community Allotments invite people of all ages to celebrate Lunasa Festival 2026. Running from 31 July to 8 August, the festival offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, local heritage and one another through a series of events inspired by the ancient Celtic harvest festival.
As the Celtic wheel turns, reflecting the Earth’s natural cycle and marking important solar and agricultural milestones, we celebrate the festival of Lunasa. It is the festival of the first harvest, when our ancestors gathered to give thanks for the land’s abundance through song, dance, shared food and community.
The festival starts on Friday, 31 July, at Castlewellan Library to Connect with Lunasa from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. An afternoon of conversation, poetry, song and storytelling to explore the traditions and relevance of Lunasa today. Afterwards, you can try your hand at the ancient Celtic chess game of Fidcheall outside the library, weather permitting.
Then dust off your dancing shoes for One Big Beautiful Céilí, from 7.30–10.00 pm in the back room of Maginn’s Bar. Back by popular demand is Mary McGuigan, a traditional Irish step dancer from Bellaghy, Co. Derry, as caller, accompanied by the Lúnasa Quartet, a group of talented local musicians guaranteed to keep the floor lively throughout the evening.
Celebrations continue Saturday 1 August at Castlewellan Community Allotments on Station Avenue with Lunasa Frolics, a morning of music, games, dancing and family-friendly fun.
Sunday, 2nd August, walkers are invited to take part in the traditional Slieve Croob Blaeberry Sunday Walk. Gather at the car park on Dree Hill at 10.30 and let’s walk this beautiful ancient route again, sharing and learning the lore and the sheer beauty of the place.
At the heart of these Four Fires festivals is the Irish tradition of Meitheal, the spirit of neighbours working together for the common good. This ethos continues to guide the work of Dolmens Climate Action Network and the volunteers who make these events possible.
As part of preparations for the 25th anniversary of our Peace Maze on the International Day of Peace (21 September), we’re working with Co Down Rural Community Network to Save the Yews! Join us on 3, 5 and 7 August to help remove invasive species from the Peace Maze. Sessions run from 10.00 am–1.00 pm and 2.00–5.00 pm. Meet at the main car park. Equipment, guidance and a warm welcome will be provided.
Discover the amazing marine life along our coastline with Dr Gavin Grant, Marine Community Engagement Officer with Geopark, at Castlewellan Library at 4.30 pm on Wednesday 5 August. We’re delighted to welcome Gavin back to share his knowledge and passion for our seas and coastline. You’ll also find out how you can get involved in protecting our marine environment through simple community actions such as litter picks, wildlife surveys, and water quality testing, with training provided for volunteers.
Food, culture and storytelling come together on Thursday 6 August at Castlewellan Community Allotments during a special Harmony Evening from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. Celebrating food, culture and community by exploring dishes from different traditions. Participants are invited to bring a favourite dish, share family recipes and tell the stories behind them, celebrating memories, language and heritage. The recipes collected and the stories will be published to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Peace Maze.
The festival concludes on Saturday 8 August with a seasonal Meitheal at Carole’s Farm, where volunteers can learn about regenerative farming while lending a hand with seasonal tasks. Home grown spuds and butter guaranteed, as in the old Meitheal days. Participants should meet at Castlewellan Park and Share on the Bann Road at 10.30am for car-sharing.
All events are free, although voluntary contributions are welcome. Advance booking is required for most activities. See the events page.
The festival is partially supported by PEACE Plus, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and facilitated by Co Down Rural Community Network. Organisers also wish to thank the many volunteers, friends and families whose generosity and commitment make the festival possible.