*Traditional spinning and weaving at the Imbolc event at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Photograph: Eamon Ward
THE annual Imbolc Celebration, a vibrant festival honouring Celtic traditions and St Brigid, takes place at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Sunday, February 1st, from 11am-5pm.
The Clare attraction’s family-friendly event will feature a host of various seasonal activities, embracing the vibrant crafts, traditions, and customs that characterise the Spring season championed by St Brigid, as well as offering a chance to meet a range of native Irish animals.
Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Marie Brennan, said, “Our Imbolc Celebration will bring visitors on a journey back to old Ireland to experience and learn more about Ireland’s pastoral traditions.”
“At Bunratty Folk Park, we pride ourselves on showcasing what life was like in Ireland at the turn of the last century and how the spirit of Meitheal and traditional crafts were prominent features in communities across the island,” she added.
“Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We are keeping this tradition alive on February 1st, promising people of all ages a fun-filled, interactive and educational experience.”
Visitors will have a chance to learn how to make a St Brigid’s Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Tom Delaney of Ould Crafty will guide guests through the traditional craft, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive cross shape.
In addition to St Brigid’s Crosses, Tom makes traditional style baskets and other items from native willow. He also uses willow to make bird feeders, plant supports, boats and willow houses. Samples of his work will be on display on the day.
A variety of native Irish animals will be present, including Soay sheep, peacocks, pygmy goats, pigs, Kerry Bog Ponies and Irish red deer. Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds, Rian and Mide, will also be there on the day. This is part of the visitor attraction’s ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds, and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history throughout the centuries.
There will also be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including visiting Seanchaí, Balor O’Brien, who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways at Mac’s Pub.
As the Folk Park farm springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including corn grinders, water pumps and stationary engines over 100 years old, as well as a mini threshing machine.
Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing puppet shows and balloon twisting on Village Street. Finally, no celebration is complete at Bunratty Folk Park without a rousing traditional music seisiún, which will also be taking place.
Standard entry prices apply. For more information, visit: https://bunrattycastle.ie.
