If you want to get outside in the Irish landscape and enjoy nature in its finest then the Quaker Village of Letterfrack in North Connemara is the place for you, as it’s the annual Connemara Bog Week Festival.
The Connemara Bog Week Festival which kicks off on Sunday 27th May and finishes on Bank Holiday Monday June 4th is being run by the Conamara Environmental Education & Cultural Centre (CEECC).
The CEECC was founded in 1984 by local school teachers Leo Hallissey, Clare O’ Toole and Aingeal Ní Chonghaile to raise environmental awareness and provide heritage education at a local and national level.
The centre is located in the village of Letterfrack, North West Conamara, Co. Galway, Ireland. Over the years the CEECC have won various awards for their work… Taisce50, Better Ireland Award, Local Heroes Award, ESB Conservation Award, Iarnrod Eireann Award, Galway County Council Premier Arts Award, Galway County Council Heritage Award (Premier Award).
The Bog Week Festival provides a space for the creative force which is at the heart of Connemara. This award-winning, multi-disciplinary, family friendly festival allows visitors to explore a sense of place while experiencing the breath-taking landscape, archaeological and historical heritage of the area.
Throughout the week people are encouraged to experience Connemara’s famous Bog lands with a guided walk each day in the Connemara National Park.
The exquisite Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey will play host to one of Ireland’s finest singer/songwriters Luka Bloom.
There will be an exhibition by acclaimed photographer Tina Claffey, who’s book has been greatly praised and gives a real insight into the beauty of Irish peat lands. The talk will be followed by an exhibition of Tina’s work aptly titled ‘Tapestry of Light’.
Informative guided walks of Omey Island with archaeologists and ecologists will also take place over the week and guest are invited to experience life in the Bronze Age where there will be a re-enactment of cooking using a Fulacht Fia (hole in the ground).
As the sun sets, the rafters in the Gothic Church will ring once more with the amazing sounds of Elasafty Armstrong and Browne, featuring Siobhan Armstrong on harp, Ronan Browne pipes/flute/whistle and great sean-nós singer Roisín Elsafty, this promises to be a memorable night in the company of this internationally acclaimed trio.
During the Connemara Bog Festival some of the finest poets, artists, musicians, chefs and ecologists rub shoulders to create a truly magical experience like no other with just a hint of madness to delight both young and old.
For a full schedule of the weeks events visit here.
It should be noted also that booking is essential for Gothic Church Concerts – see website www.ceecc.org for more details.
