Friday
Ballintubber Heritage and Eileen Óg Festival weekend activities start on Friday the 24th of July at 7 pm with a Celtic spiritual religious service at St. Bride’s Well in The Old Graveyard. At 7.30 pm Con Connor will give an illustrated demonstration of ancient cobbling techniques in The Old School House. Evening entertainment is provided by traditional music from Claremorris Ceoltas, set dancing with Mildred and storytelling in Garvey’s starting at 9.30 pm.
Saturday
Saturday’s events start at 11 am with a tour of The Old Graveyard by archaeologist Mary Timoney, where she will share her vast research on the stone masonry and symbolism of historic headstones.
The official opening of the festival weekend by Eileen Óg and McGrath is at 1 pm and traditional farming methods will be demonstrated by scythe cutting of the meadow in the bio-diversity garden at 2 pm.
There will be butter churning and displays of homemade breads in The Old School House from 11 am to 6 pm, and also various craft demonstrations such as St. Bridget’s cross making, with refreshments served.
Throughout the village all day there will be displays of vintage cars and machinery, farm animals and fowl, bouncy castle and pony rides. Traditional music and Irish stew will also be served all day in Garvey’s.
Sunday
Sunday’s events start at 2 pm with a historic walk of the village and dancing at the crossroads. Horse shoeing will be demonstrated at The Old Forge at 3 pm and traditional hay making will also be demonstrated.
The trail of The Willsgrove Mile will start from The Old School House at 4 pm. There’ll be a cake sale and refreshments served all day in The Old School House.
Guided tours of Ballintober Castle will be given on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and any finds will be displayed in The Old School House. There will also be food and craft stalls throughout.
Monday
On Monday morning at 11 am Ballintubber will welcome American ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley. Ambassador O’Malley will be given a tour of Ballintober Castle and he will plant a ceremonial tree in the village.
There will be a medieval workshop for children aged 7-12 at 2.30 pm at The Castle, costumes will be provided.
In the evening there will be a farewell party for the American guests in Kenny’s Lounge, with barbeque and music by Moonlight Serenades and special guest.
