Féile Lughnasa is a festival rooted in ancient harvest celebrations. Running from July 28th to 31st in Cloghane and Brandon, Kerry, this event brings together locals and visitors for a weekend filled with activities and traditions!
Lughnasa is a harvest festival, which dates back over two thousand years to the Celtic period in Ireland. On the last Sunday of July, people climb the most important mountain tops in Ireland, Croagh Patrick and Mount Brandon, to attend ceremonies. In Cloghane and Brandon, Lughnasa is celebrated on the last Sunday of July known as Domhnach Crom Dubh.
This family fun festival has something for everyone; tug -of war, art classes, sand castle building, yoga, hillwalking, quizzes and much much more!
What’s On
The festival is teeming with plenty of activities available for adults and children alike. Here’s just a sample of what’s going on!
Festival Opening & A Celebration of Local Art
Kick off the festival with a celebration of local art. – featuring artists such as Micheal Flaherty, Yunjee Kim, Mary Neville, Clodagh Edwards and Niall Naessans. The official opening of the festival by Councillor Brendan Fitzgerald will take place in The Pool Room of Mullallys Bar, Brandon, at 8.30pm. Music will be provided by Niamh Varian Barry and Gerry O’Beirne.
Wine and Cheese Night
Wine and cheese night returns. Selection of wines at the bar, complementary cheese and charcuterie and canapés. Begins at 10pm on Friday, with music at 9.30pm with James McGrath.
Sand Castle Competition
Sand sculpture competition at Cappagh beach. Buckets, spades and any materials found on the beach can be used for your sand art! Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category. This event is on Saturday, and judging starts at 12pm.
Beach Yoga
Relax and get in touch with nature at Cappagh beach and let Ailish guide you through a yoga experience like no other. Mats provided. The event is on Saturday, at starts at 9.30am.
And much more, like:
- Music Performances
- Children’s Activities
- Stage Dramas
- Sheep Shearing
- Blessing of the Boats at Brandon Pier
- Pilgrimage to Mount Brandon
- Yoga Classes with Quest & Thrive
Ticket Information
While specific ticket prices are not listed, most events are free. Event details and schedules are available locally at bars, Siopa An Phobail, and Halla Le Chéile, or at Cloghane Brandon’s official page.
