Fáilte from the Sacred Centre
This Bealtaine, I found myself in the middle of nowhere—and the centre of everything.
The Hill of Uisneach, the spiritual navel of Ireland, isn’t easy to find. Winding roads, quiet hedgerows, and fields rolling with early summer light eventually brought us to this ancient place. And yet, from the moment we arrived, we knew we were exactly where we needed to be.
Uisneach has always been sacred. It’s said to be where the five provinces of Ireland meet, where kings once gathered, and where the goddess Ériu, for whom Ireland is named, is said to rest.
The Fire of Bealtaine
As dusk settled, the excitement built. Families, children, artists, and storytellers all gathered around the stone circle, faces lit with anticipation. We stood shoulder to shoulder, strangers becoming kin beneath the soft twilight.
And then, the fire was lit.
A towering flame, reaching to the heavens, blazing just as it had for thousands of years. This was no ordinary bonfire—this was the Bealtaine Fire, rekindled to mark the turning of the year and the arrival of summer. It wasn’t just light or heat—it was magic.
Walking the Navel of Ireland
One of the most powerful moments of the day was walking the land itself. Around the Catstone, or Ail na Míreann—known as the “navel of Ireland”—people gathered quietly, reverently. You could feel it in your chest: a kind of grounding energy that made it clear this was no ordinary hill.
This place isn’t just scenic—it’s alive. With memory. With spirit. With story.
Meeting the Goddesses: Ériu and the Cailleach
As the festivities unfolded, two towering figures emerged from the hill’s energy: representations of Ériu and the Cailleach, brought to life by dancers, performers, and ceremony. Ériu stood regal and radiant, symbol of sovereignty and the soul of Ireland. The Cailleach, ancient and mysterious, reminded us of cycles—death, rebirth, and the eternal wildness of nature.
To witness them was to feel the past touch the present. Their presence was symbolic, but you’d swear they were truly there.
A Festival of Family, Spirit, and Connection
What struck me most about Bealtaine at Uisneach was how joyful and inclusive it was. Children danced. Couples kissed. Elders spoke stories around candlelight. Music drifted over the grass. We weren’t just attending an event—we were part of a living tradition.
There was something otherworldly about it. Not in the fantasy sense—but in the real, deeply Irish sense. Like the land itself had opened its arms and invited us to remember who we are.
Final Thoughts
As we walked back under the stars, smoke trailing into the sky and hearts full, I couldn’t help but feel transformed. Bealtaine at Uisneach is more than a celebration. It’s a homecoming to something ancient, fiery, and beautifully wild.
Go raibh maith agat to all who made it so special.
Until next time,
Aidan 💚🇮🇪☘️
Loved this chat: since I was born in Ireland, a long time ago, I remember Bealtaine very well. I remember gathering sticks and tree branches to have our fire to celebrate!
Loved this chat: since I was born in Ireland, a long time ago, I remember Bealtaine very well. I remember gathering sticks and tree branches to have our fire to celebrate!
Enjoyed this. Thank you for doing this!