Celebrate an ancient pagan festival this February in Clare
Step into spring with animals, crafts and fun at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
IMBOLC, the ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of spring, will be celebrated at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on February 4.
The Clare visitor attraction will showcase the vibrant crafts, traditions, animals and customs that characterise the season, while the ‘Imbolc Celebration’ will also mark St. Brigid’s Day.
Marie Brennan, events manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said: “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times.
A couple of activities on the day include:
Visitors will be able to learn how to make Saint Brigid's Cross, with Bean an Tís guiding the public through the traditional craft.
A variety of native Irish animals, from Droimeann cattle to Irish Wolfhounds, as well as Irish Red Deer to Tamworth pigs, will be on display.
The Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including corn grinders, water pumps and a mini threshing machine.
There also will be children’s entertainment from a host of characters, including the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe and Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn throughout the day.
See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration taking place on February 4, from 11am to 5pm.