Ring of Gullion Lúnasa Festival3rd to 26th August 2018
#Lunasa2018Ring of Gullion, the place to be this August.
Special EventsAn Experience with John Spillane
Footsteps in the Forest
Geotastic Extravaganza
Date
Fri 3 – Sat 4
Sat 4 – Sun 5
Sat 11
Page
4
5
7
Prehistoric Potters
Try-it Tuesday – Straw Craft
Glass Wind Chimes & Light Catchers
Have-a-go-at Carrickmacross Lace
Try-it Tuesday – Basket Weaving
Date
Sun 12
Tue 14
Sat 18 – Sun 19
Sat 18
Tue 21
Page
11
11
12
12
13
Bus ToursHistorical Coach Tour of the Ring of Gullion
Slieve Gullion Murder Mystery Experience
Date
Every Sat from 11th & Wed 22
Sat 18
Page
7
12
Health & Well-BeingLúnasa…Bringing it on!
Celtic Footsteps of Killeavy
Feeding your Senses
Date
Jul Sat 28
Sat 4
Sat 11
Page
4
5
10
Something a Bit DifferentZombie Apocalypse Survival Training
Charity Cinema Night – Dancing at Lughnasa (1998)
2018 Camlough Lake Water Festival
Céilí Dancing at Lúnasa
Date
Every Sat
Fri 10
Fri 10 – Sun 12
Sat 18
Page
5
7
7
13
Guided walks/hikesGap o’ the North Walk
Famine Wall Hike
Magical Mountain Hike
Michael J Murphy – A Writer in his Homeland Walk
Booley Site Hike
Mythical Mullaghbane Walk
Historical Hike – The Last Mountain Community
Date
Thur 9
Sun 12
Sun 12
Wed 15
Sun 19
Thur 23
Sun 26
Page
6
10
10
12
13
14
14
Myths & MemoriesMonday Memories – Hidden History of Derrymore
Wisdom from our Collective Mythology
Monday Memories – Tales of the Harp
Monday Memories – The Land & People around Slieve Gullion
Poetry & Stories of Slieve Gullion Life
Date
Mon 6
Wed 8
Mon 13
Mon 20
Wed 22
Page
6
6
11
13
14
Family Friendly
Footsteps in the Forest
Serendipitous Session
Wild Wednesdays – Pond Dipping
Geotastic Extravaganza
Try-it Tuesday – Straw Craft
Wild Wednesdays – Nature Detectives
Wild Wednesdays – Mystery Mammals of Slieve Gullion (12+)
Date
Sat 4 – Sun 5
Mon 6 – Fri 10
Wed 8
Sat 11
Tue 14
Wed 15
Wed 22
Page
5
5
6
7
11
11
14
Arts & Crafts
Join us this August in beautiful and charismatic South Armagh for EPIC experiences and adventures. With over 30 events, there is something for everyone. Check out our website (www.ringofgullion.org/events) for even more events, up to date information and booking.
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Celtic Footsteps of Killeavy
Walk in the footsteps of the Celts and visit the sacred sites of Killeavy Old Churches and St. Moninna’s Well, with local meditation coach and tour guide, Ann. Begin your meditative journey of discovery in Ann’s quirky World War II hut, with a guided meditation, before embarking on a gentle guided walk through ancient Celtic sites, learning about healing herbs and local history.
Date: Sat 4Time: 10.00 – 16.00Departs: The Hut, Forkhill Rd., Meigh, BT35 8SLCost: £40pp (includes a gourmet picnic) – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Ann, +4478 1683 5147 / [email protected]: www.xhale.biz
Footsteps in the ForestThe fairy folk are gathering once again on the slopes of Slieve Gullion. What will the Calliagh Berra get up to this time? Join the mythical fairy creatures and foil the Calliagh Berra’s latest plan. There will be plenty of arts and crafts, music and magic, to keep the whole family entertained.
Date: Sat 4 – Sun 5Time: 10.00 – 18.00Venue: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: Free – Booking essential for the guided Gaint’s Lair story walkContact: Newry VIC, +4428 3031 3170 / [email protected]: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
An Experience with John Spillane – Children singing
Do you have a young budding singer in the house? Bring them along to a children’s singing workshop with John Spillane. The children will be taught a song by John, which they will then sing on stage as part of his concert in the evening; a fantastic opportunity, not to be missed. For full details and booking, visit the Ring of Gullion website.
Date: Fri 3Time: TBCVenue: TBCCost: TBCContact: Colleen, [email protected]
An Experience with John Spillane – Concert
‘John Spillane in concert with special guests’: You are warmly invited to a concert showcasing the talents of singer/song-writer John Spillane and other local artists, as well as local children. For full details and booking, visit the Ring of Gullion website.
Date: Fri 3Time: TBCVenue: TBCCost: TBCContact: Colleen, [email protected]
Lúnasa…Bringing it on!
Lúnasa announces the beginning of the grain harvest and was recognised as a time for matchmaking. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts need harvesting over the coming season. You will learn how the seasonal cycles can support you in life. This day will appeal to those who are interested in exploring inner sacred spaces through the ancient wisdom of cycles.
Date: Sat 28 JulTime: 10.00 – 16.00Venue: The Hawthorn Suite, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: £10 – Booking essentialContact: Janet, +4477 5409 1232 / [email protected]
An Experience with John Spillane – Song-writing
Are you a budding song writer? Would you like some guidance on composition? Join John Spillane for a 2-hour workshop in song writing, with plenty of tips and guidance drawn from his wealth of experience. For full details and booking, visit the Ring of Gullion website.
Date: Fri 3Time: TBCVenue: TBCCost: TBCContact: Colleen, [email protected]
Zombie Apocalypse Survival Training
Do you have what it takes to survive a Zombie Apocalypse? If not, come along to our Zombie Apocalypse session to learn some basic survival and bush-craft skills from our survival expert. This event is aimed at young people and adults; under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Date: Sat 4, Sat 11, Sat 18, Sat 25Time: 10.00 – 14.00Venue: Red Branch Bushcraft, 163 Longfield Road, Forkhill, BT35 9SECost: £10 – Booking essentialContact: Diarmuid, +3538 7615 9380 / [email protected]: www.redbranchbushcraft.co.uk
Serendipitous Session When you go down to the woods today, could you be in for a magical musical treat from the Ring of Gullion Traditional Arts Partnership?
Date: Mon 6 – Fri 10Time: 12.00 – 14.00Venue: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: FreeContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]: Traditional-Arts-Partnership-Music-Classes
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Monday Memories – Hidden History of Derrymore
Join the National Trust’s archaeologist, Malachy Conway, for an evening of discovery, looking at the ancient and historic features of the National Trust property at Derrymore House and its neighbouring landscape. The event is quite informal and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and share stories.
Date: Mon 6Time: 19.00 – 21.00Venue: Treaty Room, Derrymore House, Bessbrook, BT35 7EFCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Rosemary, +4478 8125 1982 / [email protected]
Wild Wednesdays – Pond Dipping
Discover what unusual creatures dwell beneath the surface of the Slieve Gullion pond. Learn how to identify the different creatures that live there. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Date: Wed 8Time: 10.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 16.00Venue: Courtyard pond, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]
Charity Cinema Night – Dancing at Lughnasa (1998)
Celebrate Lúnasa by stepping back in time during this immersive cinema experience. The film ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, starring Meryl Streep and directed by Pat O’Connor is based on the award winning play by Brian Friel, who was inspired by the landscape of the Ring of Gullion. This beautifully poignant film is set in 1936 Ballybeg, Donegal. You will meet five sisters you will never forget… a burning glow of reminiscence. Proceeds in aid of the Southern Area Hospice Services.
Date: Fri 10Time: 19.30 – 21.00Venue: Tí Chulainn, Bog Road, Mullaghbane, BT35 9TTCost: £8pp; includes popcorn - Booking essential, via websiteContact: Ann, +4478 1683 5147 / [email protected]: www.xhale.biz
2018 Camlough Lake Water Festival
Come and join us for a range of swimming competitions and have-a-go sessions including the Try-a-Tri, Open Waterpolo, 5K and 10K championships as well as the GLOW night swim. For more information and to book visit: www.clwf.eu
Date: Fri 10 – Sun 12Time: VariousVenue: Camlough Lake, Newtown Road, Camlough, BT35 7JJCost: VariousContact: [email protected]: www.clwf.eu
Geotastic ExtravaganzaDinosaurs are coming alive at Slieve Gullion! A T-Rex has been spotted prowling around the Walled Garden. Are you brave enough to track him down? Come to Gullion to learn about dinomite dinosaurs, vicious volcanoes, earth-shattering earthquakes and other wonders of our planet. You can even get your picture taken with Roary (the T-Rex)… if you’re brave enough.
Date: Sat 11Time: 10.00 – 16.00Venue: Walled Garden & Hawthorn Suite, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: FreeContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]
Historical Coach Tours of the Ring of Gullion
Fully guided coach tour, taking in the most impressive sights and monuments the Ring of Gullion has to offer. Experience the breath-taking landscape and the rich natural, archaeological and cultural heritage of the area. Tickets can be bought from Newry Visitor Information Centre, or paid for on the day.
Date: Sat 11, Sat 18, Wed 22, Sat 25Time: 10.30 – 16.30Departs: Bagenal’s Castle Carpark, Castle Street, Newry, BT34 2BY Cost: Adults £12, Concession £10 - Booking essential, via websiteContact: Therese, +4428 3082 8590 / [email protected]
Wisdom from our Collective Mythology
Join Réamonn Ó Cíaráin, author of ‘Cúchulainn – Ulster’s Greatest Hero’, for an entertaining evening of storytelling, delving into the wisdom we can gain from our collective mythological heritage.
Date: Wed 8Time: 18.45 – 20.00Venue: Crossmaglen Library, Crossmaglen Community Centre, BT35 9AACost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Therese, +4428 3082 8590 / [email protected]
Gap o’ the North Walk Enjoy a historical walk back through time with Venora, Ring of Gullion Ambassador and Seamus, a local historian. During your walk you will gain a fascinating and humorous insight into the spiritual and historical importance of this area in the 1600s and how it impacts on present day history. Some of the highlights include Moyry Castle and Faughart graveyard.
Date: Thu 9Time: 14.00 – 16.30Departs: Faughart Graveyard, Faughart Upper, Co. LouthCost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Venora, +3538 7647 9715 / [email protected]; Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
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S aint Patrick’s Trail
Roosley Scenic Loop
M1
Newry
HilltownBessbrook
Camlough
Crossmaglen
Cullyhanna
Forkhill
Meigh
Newtownhamilton
Belleek
Creggan
Mullaghbane
Dundalk
Omeath
Carlingford
Mourne Mountains
A25
A25
A2
A28A27
A25
A29
A29
A37
A29
N1
A1
B7
B7
B8
B8
B11
3
B13
4
B30
B134
B133
B30
B1
35
B25
B25
Flagstaff
Derrymore
Burren
Slieve Gullion
CamloughMountain
CarlingfordMountain
New
ry CanalN
ewry
RiverClanrye River
Creggan River
Cully Water
KilbroneyPark
FathomForest
LoughRoss
M1 Northfrom Dublin
Crossmaglen Library
Finnegan’s Nursery
Tí Chulainn
Red Branch
Bushcraft
Three Steps Bar
Slieve Gullion Forest
Park
The Hut, Meigh
Old CoI, Jonesborough
Jonesborough Forest
Faughart Graveyard
White Rock Glass Studio
Camlough Lake
Derrymore House
Bagenal’s Castle
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Feeding your sensesJoin experienced local guide, Venora and meditation facilitator, Ann, on a sensory, historical and storytelling journey through the gentle slopes of Feede Mountain, Jonesborough. Hear the history of the local area and develop your appreciation and awareness of nature, walking through a quiet wooded area. Listen to stories of the mighty warriors Cú Chulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhail who roamed the mountains of Cooley and Gullion. Finish your tour with a visit to a food artisan in his quirky farmhouse, and mindfully enjoy a relaxing home-produced lunch (suitable for vegans).
Date: Sat 11Time: 11.00 – 14.30Departs: Old Church of Ireland, Jonesborough, BT35 8SG (opposite the Carrickdale hotel)Cost: £30 / €34 – Booking essentialContact: Ann, +4478 1683 5147 / [email protected]; Venora, +3538 7647 9715 / [email protected]: www.xhale.biz
Famine Wall Hike Visit the infamous Famine Walls of Slieve Gullion mountain. Most of this hike will take place on steep, rough, open mountain; hiking boots are essential, a walking pole and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
Date: Sun 12Time: 10.00 – 13.30Departs: Information board, Slieve Gullion Forest Park car park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
Magical Mountain Hike Partake in an epic walking tour that will take you on a magical journey back through time as you discover the highlights of the mystical Slieve Gullion mountain and its surrounds. You will be treated to one of the best kept hill walking secrets in Ireland, with wonderful vistas combined with stories of an enchanted landscape bursting with history and legend. The going is fairly easy, and the views are epic, a tour not to be missed.
Date: Sun 12Time: 11.00 – 16.00Departs: Walled Garden Pond, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: £10 donation/pp to the CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) charityContact: Gary, [email protected]
Prehistoric Potters Join artist, John Martin, for an exploration of Ireland’s prehistoric pots and the stories they tell. Get an appreciation for this ancient art by handling replicas of pots found at prehistoric sites across the Ring of Gullion. Refreshments included.
Date: Sun 12Time: 19.00 – 21.30Venue: The Hut, Forkhill Rd., Meigh, BT35 8SLCost: £10 – Booking essentialContact: Ann, +4478 1683 5147 / [email protected]: www.xhale.biz
Monday Memories – Tales of the Harp
Join local harpist Sharon Carroll, for a relaxed evening journeying through Ireland’s ancient history, from Brian Boru’s time to the present, told from the strings of a harp.
Date: Mon 13Time: 19.30 – 21.00Venue: Treaty Room, Derrymore House, Bessbrook, BT35 7EFCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Sharon, +4477 6349 6179 / [email protected]
Try-it Tuesday – Straw Craft
Drop in and learn this ancient skill with Straw Craft Ireland. You will be guided through the steps of making a harvest knot to take home. There will also be an exhibition of various items of straw craft woven in a method of plaiting unique to Ireland, from baskets and cradles to mummer masks, variations of St. Brigid’s crosses and corn dollies.
Date: Tue 14Time: 09.30 – 12.30 & 13.00 – 16.00Venue: Outdoor classroom, Slieve Gullion Forest Park playpark, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: FreeContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]
Wild Wednesdays – Nature Detectives
Come along for a guided nature walk through Jonesborough Forest. Explore among the leaves and leaf litter and discover the hidden creatures that share the forest with the bigger plants and animals.
Date: Wed 15Time: 10.00 – 12.00Venue: Jonesborough Forest, (behind) Jonesborough Pastoral Centre, Church Hill, BT35 8HPCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]
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Michael J. Murphy - The Writer in his Homeland Walk
This literary walking tour will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the poetry, short stories and recorded folk stories of Michael J. Murphy, South Armagh’s foremost writer of the twentieth century. It will be a leisurely walk with a series of stops for short readings of Michael J. Murphy’s work.
Date: Wed 15Time: 19.00 – 21.00Departs: Three Steps Bar, 97 Drumintee Road, BT35 8SWCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Kevin, +4428 3087 8453 / [email protected]
Slieve Gullion Murder Mystery Experience
On 20th Jan 1852 Meredith Chambre, landlord and magistrate, was shot by Ribbonmen at Dromintee. Did he survive? Who committed the crime and why? The circumstances surrounding the shooting are hotly disputed to this day. Join your local guide, Seamus, who will take you by bus, to the key sites of the story, bringing the tale to life.
Date: Sat 18Time: 10.00 – 12.30Departs: Slieve Gullion Forest Park coach bay, Meigh, BT35 8SW Cost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
Glass Wind Chimes & Light Catchers
During this two-day workshop, design and create your own ‘summer’ inspired fused glass Wind Chime-Light Catcher with Tracey McVerry. Learn techniques in design, layout, cutting, painting, fusing and assembling of glass. Participants will take home their creations to display with pride or to give as gifts. Lunch and refreshments included.
Date: Sat 18 – Sun 19Time: 10.00 – 16.00Venue: White Rock Glass Studio, 11 Whiterock Rd., Newtownhamilton, BT35 0AWCost: £145 – Booking essentialContact: Tracey, +4477 3226 4848 / [email protected]
Have-a-go-at Carrickmacross Lace
Join the South Armagh Lace-Makers Group for a Carrickmacross Lace-making Workshop; suitable for beginners. You will have the opportunity to learn the basic traditional skills of lace-making under the expert tutelage of our local lace experts, to complete your very own piece of Carrickmacross Lace. The workshop fee covers tuition fees, material kits and instruction handouts.
Date: Sat 18Time: 10.30 – 15.30Venue: Libby’s Tea Room, Finnegan’s Nursery, 35 Silverbridge Rd., Silverbridge, BT35 9LGCost: £20 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Rosie, +4475 8502 0706
Céilí Dancing at LúnasaJoin us in celebrating Lúnasa with a céilí and tea-dance; guided through a series of traditional dances by Raymond Carroll. A light supper and refreshments will be provided.
Date: Sat 18Time: 19.00 – 22.00Venue: The Hut, Forkhill Rd., Meigh, BT35 8SLCost: £8 – Booking essentialContact: Ann, +4478 1683 5147 / [email protected]: www.xhale.biz
Booley Site Hike Join Seamus for a guided hike on Slieve Gullion Mountain to learn about the ancient summer tradition of booleying and visit the sites used. This hike will take place on open mountain with sections of boggy ground; hiking boots are essential.
Date: Sun 19Time: 10.00 – 14.00Departs: Information board, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
Monday Memories – The Land and People around Slieve Gullion
Join Seamus for an interactive talk on the relationship between people and the landscape in the Ring of Gullion. Discover how, over a period of 6,000 years an almost empty stretch of hill, forest and bog evolved into one of the most densely populated rural areas in the country.
Date: Mon 20Time: 19.00 – 21.00Venue: Treaty Room, Derrymore House, Bessbrook, BT35 7EFCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
Try-it Tuesday – Basket Weaving
Join Clive, from Welig Heritage Crafts, to learn how to weave your own traditional potato basket from a selection of willow. Clive will expertly guide you through the various steps required to make your basket. There will also be a display of other willow creations.
Date: Tue 21Time: 10.00 – 17.00Venue: Tí Chulainn, Bog Road, Mullaghbane, BT35 9TTCost: £10 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Alison, +4428 3082 8594 / [email protected]
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Wild Wednesday – Mystery Mammals of Slieve Gullion
Join experts, Dave and Josh, to learn about the mystery mammals that call Slieve Gullion home. Our mammals are often elusive, particularly during the day, but they leave plenty of clues that they are around. This event is aimed at 12+ because we will be walking over uneven ground.
Date: Wed 22Time: 19.30 – 20.45Venue: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Meigh, BT35 8SWCost: Free – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Therese, +4428 3082 8590 / [email protected]
Poetry & Stories of Slieve Gullion Life
Join poet and author, Marie McCarten for an entertaining evening of Slieve Gullion inspired poetry and short stories. Marie has come second twice in the annual Bard of Armagh Humourous Poetry Competition. The evening will be a fantastic opportunity to interact with such a creative poet. Donations in aid of the Ring of Gullion Red Squirrel Group.
Date: Wed 22Time: 18.45 – 20.00Venue: Crossmaglen Library, Crossmaglen Community Centre, BT35 9AACost: Free - Booking essential, via websiteContact: Therese, +4428 3082 8590 / [email protected]
Mythical Mullaghbane Walk
Join Ring of Gullion Ambassador, Venora, on a circular guided walk of Mullaghbane highlighting its hidden history – past and present. This 2.5-hour walk gives the visitor an opportunity to visit the little-known Mass rock, hear the sinister histories of the Barracks and the Meeting Place and view the stunning landscape of the Ring of Gullion, overlooking this unique village.
Date: Thurs 24Time: 14.00 – 16.30Departs: Tí Chulainn, Bog Road, Mullaghbane, BT35 9TTCost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Venora: +3538 7647 9715 / [email protected]
Historical Hike – The Last Mountain Community
Join Seamus for a guided hike on Slieve Gullion Mountain to learn about the last mountain community, that lived on Slieve Gullion. This hike will take place on open mountain with rough ground; hiking boots are essential.
Date: Sun 26Time: 10.00 – 13.00Departs: Three Steps Bar, 97 Drumintee Road, BT35 8SWCost: £2 – Booking essential, via websiteContact: Seamus, +3538 7367 1861 / [email protected]
Places to StayWhy not come and stay in the fantastic Ring of Gullion for a few days, whilst you attend our Lúnasa Festival?
Things to DoPlaces to visit and things to do between events.
For more information on this amazing festival, visit: www.ringofgullion.org/events
The information in this programme is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. ©2018.
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