06/05/25 09:36
Bealtaine programme at Kilkenny County Council Library Service
Kilkenny County Council Library Service are excited to once again participate in the national festival Bealtaine for 2025. Bealtaine is Ireland’s annual festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we grow older.
The festival is run by Age and Opportunity, who promote active living as we age. Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to offer a diverse programme of events to foster creativity throughout the month of May.
Graiguenamanagh Library will kick off the month with a watercolour painting workshop led by artist Rachel Burke on Tuesday, 6th May from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Participants will create beautiful watercolour paintings of Irish flowers in bloom, guided through observational drawings and painting techniques.
On Friday, 9th May from 11:00am to 12:30pm, Callan Library will host a paper flower making workshop with Giedre Dunphy. Using tissue and crepe paper, attendees will craft unique and colourful flowers.
Castlecomer Library will offer a candle making workshop with aromatherapist Essie May on Friday, 16th May from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Participants will learn to blend essential oils, ornamental herbs, and incorporate genuine crystals to create beautiful, personalized candles.
For those looking to ignite their imagination, Mayfair Library will host a creative writing and storytelling workshop with Ita Morrissey of Radical Acts on Thursday, 15th May from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. This workshop welcomes writers of all levels to explore the power of creativity and storytelling.
Ferrybank Library will present a workshop titled "Then and Now: The Wisdom We Carry" with Deirdre Lindy on Friday, 23rd May from 10:30am to 12:30pm. This session will focus on reflecting on life experiences, building resilience, and valuing personal journeys through conversation, life coaching, and mindful practices.
Thomastown Library will host a plant trellis weaving workshop with Monica Fleming on Friday, 23rd May from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Participants will learn to create their own plant trellis using natural materials.
Loughboy Library will offer a seasonal summer gardening talk with experienced gardener Declan Macauley on Tuesday, 27th May from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Attendees will receive tips on summer gardening, including new colour motifs and techniques for pots and hanging baskets.
Urlingford Library will host a colour workshop with Johanna Costigan on Wednesday, 28th May from 11:00am to 1:00pm. This workshop will cover everyday makeup tips, colour analysis, draping demonstrations, and finding flattering shades for clothing and makeup.
“The Bealtaine Festival theme is Lust for Life, and we aim to capture that spirit in the range and diversity of events throughout Kilkenny County Council Library Service branches this year” says Age friendly Co-ordinator Alan Dunne. “We are offer a varied programme with something for all tastes, an eclectic mix of workshops and talks which will provide older people with an opportunity to explore new creative interests and to reflect on their own strengths and wisdom.
As well as being fun and providing the participants with the opportunity to make new friends, we hope these events will also help them to discover new avenues of creativity which they will continue to pursue!”
For details of all events, check out our website https://bealtaine.ie/ and https://kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/ or contact our Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Alan Dunne at 056 7794177.