Called Festival of the Fires, the festival is a rekindling of the ancient Bealtaine festival – the oldest recorded festival in the Western World. The festival will ignite nationwide on May 1 at the Hill of Uisneach in Co Westmeath (just outside Mullingar ) and through the medium of fire, it will be carried to the four corners of the island, with sister festivals taking place in 21 locations.
Entertainment on the night will come from Mundy, Jerry Fish, and Kila to name but a few. There will also be a spectacular fire ceremony, arts and crafts, historic walks and lectures, kids activities, markets, interactive workshops, and locally produced food and drink, plus much more.
Over the next three years and with the help of Tourism Ireland, our ambassadors, consulates, and embassies throughout the world, this major new national event will bring in between €50 to €100 million into the 32 counties. Organisers intend to invite the Irish diaspora back to their ancestral counties, villages, towns, and local communities to celebrate Festival of the Fires at Bealtaine. Ireland’s economy needs an event like this, and by promoting the event throughout the world it will have a significant impact on tourism back here in Ireland.
All hill owners and local communities with access to hills throughout Ireland are invited to help make this a truly iconic national festival.
For more information log on to www.festivalofthefires.com
