Thurles Information

Ireland’s Mid-West Region, which incorporates North Co. Tipperary, Co. Clare and Co. Limerick, welcome the arrival of spring with its annual Imbolc Celebration*, same to be held in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare. These celebrations will involve a vibrant festival honouring Celtic traditions and Saint Brigid, and will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, from 11:00am until 5.00pm.

*Meaning of “Imbolc Celebration”: The celebration of Imbolc originates from the Celts. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The word “imbolc” translated means “in the belly of the Mother,” because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth.

This Co. Clare family-friendly event, in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, offers the public an opportunity to meet an array of native Irish animals and embrace the vibrant crafts, traditions, and customs that characterise the spring season.

Visitors can witness authentic demonstrations of Saint Brigid’s Cross weaving and traditional butter making by skilled Bean an Tís (Translation from the Irish: Women of the house or housewives), while the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase century-old agricultural machinery in action.

“Our Imbolc Celebration will bring visitors on a journey back to an older time in Ireland, to experience and learn more about Ireland’s pastoral traditions,” stated Marie Brennan, (Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park).

“At Bunratty Folk Park, we pride ourselves on showcasing what life was like in Ireland at the turn of the last century and how traditional crafts were a prominent feature in communities across the island,” added Ms. Brennan. “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We are keeping this tradition alive on February 2nd and are promising people of all ages a fun-filled, interactive and educational experience.”

Visitors will be able to learn how to make a Saint Brigid’s Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Bunratty’s experienced Bean an Tís will guide the public through these traditional crafts, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive Saint Brigid’s Cross shape. Butter-making demonstrations also will take place throughout the day.

The art of Willow Weaving will be on full display as Tom Delaney, of Ould Crafty, makes traditional style baskets and other items from locally sourced willow. Regularly featured on TV, Mr Delaney will also use willow to make bird feeders, plant supports, boats and willow houses.

A variety of native Irish animals from Peafowl and Kerry Bog Ponies, to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds, Rian and Mide, will be on display as part of this visitor attraction; all part of the ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history down through the centuries.

There will also be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including a rousing traditional music Seisiún and the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe, latter who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways preserved over the centuries, at Corry’s Pub on the park’s Village Street. Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn, where there will be a ‘ball pit’ and ‘giant games‘ for toddlers to enjoy.
The Bunratty Express Train also will run throughout the folk park on that day.

As the Folk Park farm springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work, including water pumps and stationary engines that are over 100 years old.
Ireland’s largest collection of vintage farm machinery, The Talbot Collection, will be on display throughout the 26-acre folk park and will feature more than 50 items of machinery, from ploughs to hay rakes and from traditional threshing machines to Turnip and Mangel Seed sowers.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare, to be held on February 2nd 2025, from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Standard entry prices will only apply.