Bealtaine Festival 2026 brings month of creative events to County Longford

The National Bealtaine Festival, now in its 31st year, celebrates the lives and creativity of older people. In County Longford, Longford Age Friendly Libraries and Longford County Council have organised a varied programme of events running throughout the month of May. 
The theme of this year’s festival is Lust for Life! It encourages people aged 50 and over to explore their creativity, stay active and remain connected to their communities. The programme also recognises the important contribution older people make to community life. 
Events will take place across County Longford and include music, dance, arts and crafts, literature, health and wellbeing activities. There is something to suit all interests. 
The annual Bealtaine Concert with Songbirds will take place in Ballymahon Library on Friday, 1 May, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. All are welcome and no booking is required. 
On Wednesday, 6 May, Longford Age Friendly Ambassador Eamonn Brennan will lead a local history walk of Longford Town. The walk will begin at the Mall at 11am, continue along the River Camlin, pass St John’s Church and finish at St Mel’s Cathedral.
Arts and literature will be celebrated throughout the month. Local author Jo Nestor, author of ‘Swimming Donkeys’, will give a reading in Ballymahon Library on Saturday, 9 May at 12.30pm. A Found Poetry workshop will take place in Lanesboro Library, while Edgeworthstown Library will host a poetry reading with local poets on Thursday, 28 May to mark World Poetry Day. 
Granard Library will host a Bosca Beo workshop. This session will focus on the new memory box initiative, which records and shares personal memories and keepsakes from people’s lives. 
Music events will continue throughout the month, with musical bingo sessions taking place in libraries and a traditional music session planned for Edgeworthstown Library. 
Creativity and sustainability will also feature, with Circular Economy and Biodiversity talks scheduled during the month. An arts and crafts exhibition by Lanesboro Library Knitting and Crochet Group will run alongside the programme. 
Participants will also have the opportunity to learn new skills through ‘Grow, Eat, Groove’, a free four-week course that combines food growing and dance. 
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Bealtaine is a celebration of creativity, connection and community. I am delighted to see such a wide range of events taking place across County Longford. These activities recognise the experience and contribution of our older residents and highlight the importance of inclusion at every stage of life.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “This Bealtaine programme reflects the strong partnership between the Council, our libraries and the Age Friendly initiative. These events support wellbeing, encourage learning and help people stay active and socially connected in their own communities.”
For full details of the Longford Age Friendly Bealtaine programme, or for events that require booking, visit www.longfordlibrary.ie or contact your local library branch.