Lughnasa Fairy Ball & Billberry Gathering

In ancient Ireland during the time of Midir and Etain people gathered on Brí Léith (Ardagh Mountain), home of the sidhe fairy people to gather bilberries for the High King's Lughnasa feast in Tara. Ardagh Heritage Centre are celebrating a renewal of this tradition with a Fairy Ball on Saturday 28th July and a Bilberry Gathering Walk on Sunday 29th July. Fancy dress optional.

From 2.00 pm: Paint the Legend workshop
Bringing the Midir and Etain legend to life: listen to our storyteller, get inspired by the sculpture, stained glass and paintings of the characters in our collection and paint your favourite scene.

From 4.00 pm Picnic in the grounds
Picnics will be available to purchase in the Midir and Etain cafe or you can bring your own. Tea and coffee for sale all day. Please bring picnic blankets, chairs, plates etc.

From 6.00 pm Fairy Hunt in the Woods
Join our big fairies as they search for their little friends in the woods. We've recently discovered the fairy palace, can you find it?


From 7.00 pm Performance of Midir and Etain legend
Watch the legend re-enacted around you in the lovely surroundings of the neighbourhood park. Bring picnic blankets or chairs to sit on.

Afterwards Fairy Ball - Music and Dance 

Tickets: €20 (admits 1 adult and up to 2 children); Extra child €4; Teens, students and OAPS €10. Booking advisable contact (086) 3027602 or email creativeardagh@gmail.com


Sunday 29th at 10.00am Bilberry Walk on Brí Léith with Brendan Farrell

Meet at Keenan Park GAA grounds for a walk up Ardagh Mountain in search of bilberries (wild blueberries). Tea, Coffee and scones afterwards in Midir and Etain cafe €5 per person.