Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach

Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach

The Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach is a spectacular event. I went along with my camera to capture some of the scenes at this wonderful reinstitution of a very ancient celebration on the hill that marked the sacred centre of Ireland.

 

Some of the colourful banners at Uisneach as the crowds gather for the twilight fire.
Holding a flame for Ireland ... a torch-bearer on horseback viewed through a harp.
Embers rise from the great Bealtaine fire as the crowd looks on.
Playing with fire ... a performer at the Bealtaine fire celebration at Uisneach.
The crowd enjoys the great fire and performances at twilight at Uisneach.
Entertaining the crowd with fire.
The heart of the great fire at the Uisneach fire celebration at Bealtaine 2019.
One of the many colourful banners on display on the hill of Uisneach.
A fiery dragon between spirals at the Uisneach Bealtaine fire celebration.
Lights from the celebration viewed from the southwestern slope of Uisneach at Ail na Mireann (the Cat Stone).
Fire play at the Uisneach Bealtaine festival.
The flame of hope. Rekindling the fire event at Uisneach is a significant celebration of something ancient.
Lots of people enjoying the music and activities at the festival.
Author Jack Roberts gives a talk at the heritage tent about Sheela-na-gigs.
Colourful wagons at Uisneach.
Giant man dances in front of the great Bealtaine fire.
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