Set within the enchanting Lisnavagh House and Gardens in Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, the Hidden Hearth festival is poised to light up Ireland’s Ancient East from October 11th to 13th. This alcohol and substance free festival blends the arts, music, poetry, and the rich tapestry of Irish language and heritage into a profound three-day experience. Festival-goers will engage in meditation, yoga, breathwork, and masterclasses on food, regenerative agriculture, rewilding and natural medicines, alongside thought-provoking talks and debates on climate change, farming, sustainability, and environmental protection.
Adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere will be a series of film and documentary screenings, live music, dance, theatrical, and poetic performances, celebrating the profound spirit of community. Now, in its third year, Hidden Hearth has expanded its lineup to include an even more diverse array of activities and discussions. The festival is directed by Oonagh O’Sullivan and Emily Bunbury, whose family resides at the historic estate. The duo is steadfast in their mission to nourish the mind, body and spirit of all who attend Hidden Hearth this year, which has been described as “life-changing” by many who came in 2023.
This year’s theme, ‘Roots, Fruits, and Future,’ draws from the deep roots of Irish traditions to celebrate our culture, arts and language while looking forward to the future and fostering a multicultural and inclusive society. Speaking in advance of the festival, Emily Bunbury said, “We aim to create a life-changing weekend that encourages attendees to celebrate community, to reconnect with our own spirit and with nature. We all live under the same sky, be that in Gaza or Galway and we all want what’s best for our family and communities. It is only by sharing our experiences and having respect for ourselves, each other, our differences and the natural world that we can truly be happy and have peace in our world and in our own hearts.”
The festival will kick off on Friday, 11th of October at 5:00pm with an opening ceremony with Oonagh and Emily followed by the opening fire ceremony led by Aoife Lowden, a renowned firekeeper and ceremonialist.
The main music stage, ‘Into the Woods’ is set deep within a forest on the estate where ancient trees stretch their arms skywards to the Carlow sky. Here, performances will take place right throughout the weekend by a variety of different musicians and performers including, Liam Ó Maonlaí, John Spillane, Tadgh Hickey, Grooveline, Mystic State, Bog Bodies, ‘An Cumha’, a Ritual Theatre Performance exploring grief, language, loss and community to name a few.
Professor Terence Dooley will speak on the decolonisation of Ireland’s historical narrative, bridging the past with the present community integration of estate owners. Terence is Head of Department, Professor of History, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates at the Department of History, Maynooth University. His most recent monograph is Burning the Big House: the Story of the Irish Country House in War and Revolution.
Meanwhile, former Wexford hurler, Diarmuid Lyng will host a Wild Hurling match on the front lawn – a hurling game with a twist. He runs his own Wild Irish Retreats with his partner, performance poet Siobhán de Paor, where guests can learn and speak the Irish language and learn some native Irish skills such as deer tanning and stone-walling. Siobhán is also one of the performers over the weekend and her one-woman stand-up show in both English and Irish is an hilarious take on what it is to be a woman, a bard and antagonist. There’s also a natural dyeing workshop with Malú Colorín, an introduction to circus skills, bee therapy, masterclass on indigenous Irish woodlands and various talks on women’s health, childbirth and menopause. You may even find your match through the weekend-long matchmaking event that sure to be filled with banter!
This is a family friendly event, with a Wild Child Kids area that will inspire your little ones. Forest School, kids yoga, natural creativity workshops, face-painting and a fairy parade are just some of the activities your wildlings can enjoy over the weekend.
Lisnavagh House was built in the 19th century and is set on 800 acres of stunning parkland with striking panoramic views of the Wicklow Hills, Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster. Just over an hour from Dublin, the stunning estate features verdant forests, walled production garden, a natural freshwater pond for swimming and saunas and traditional Irish ‘Sweat Lodges’ made from hazel branches.
Current Tier 1 tickets are priced from €80 for a day pass. Camping tickets cost €175 for the weekend. The final Tier of tickets go on sale on Monday, 9th of September. Children under 12 go free and discounts are available for members of the IFA. As this is an alcohol and substance free festival there is also a 20% discount for AA & NA members.
For more information or to book tickets see www.hiddenhearthfestival.ie
