Bealtaine Fire Festival lights up Hill of Uisneach
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Photos by Jay G FordeImage 2 of 9
Tom King at the Hill of UisneachImage 3 of 9
Dave Gallagher and Shay Cullen from Raven Haven Aviaries having a laugh at the Hill of Uisneach fire festivalImage 4 of 9
Crowds at Bealtaine Fire Festival on the Hill of UisneachImage 5 of 9
Eddie Lenihan speaking at the Bealtaine fire at UisneachImage 6 of 9
Eddie Lenihan lighting the sacred Bealtaine fire at UisneachImage 7 of 9
Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach 2026Image 8 of 9
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Fire dancers at the Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach 2026The Bealtaine Fire Festival celebrations lit up the Hill of Uisneach with two days of music, storytelling, wellness and the ancient ritual of lighting the fire at the weekend.
The lighting of the Bealtaine Fire on the Hill of Uisneach is regarded as one of Ireland’s oldest traditions, dating from a time when the High King of Ireland would gather tribes from across the country to witness the ceremonial flame marking the arrival of summer.
In recent years, a festival has taken place to celebrate this tradition, bringing together people from all backgrounds from across Ireland and beyond to celebrate heritage, community and connection on the sacred hill.
The Bealtaine celebrations were filled with feasting, dancing, art, storytelling, crafts and more this year.
There was music throughout, with performances from Cedar Dobson Band, Fluid Druid, Cas, Puca Pulse and the Bog Bodies, who led in the procession for the ceremonial lighting of the fire.
As flames rose across the hilltop skyline, Slí na Croí continued the celebrations, followed by a late-night DJ set from Gael Tronica. A highlight of this year’s festival was the Irish storyteller Eddie Lenihan lighting the sacred Bealtaine fire on Saturday evening. Eddie also headlined the ‘Tales Under The Tarp’ storytelling tent as part of the entertainment programme.
Festival organisers put a focus on wellbeing this year through ‘Wellness Within’, a space dedicated to mindfulness, yoga, healing and reflection.
Tributes were held a in memory of Manchán Magan, who passed away in October 2025. Magan had the honour of lighting the sacred Bealtaine Fire in 2024. Uisneach is also where Manchán’s remains were scattered in front of a crowd of thousands November 1, 2025.