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Féile Lughnasadh  Milltown, built on tradition

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Féile Lughnasadh will take place in Milltown from July 28 to 31, and marks a very important time in the life of ancient Ireland.

FESTIVAL: Sharon Shannon will headline Féile Lughnasadh in Milltown on Saturday July 30

The festival, featuring Sharon Shannon, jiggy and The Rising playing free, open-air concerts, will be a spectacular celebration of tradition and culture for all the family.

Féile Lughnasadh is based on the late July celebration of the beginning of the annual harvest and the origins of this reach back into the mists of Celtic lore. The Celtic god Lugh is honoured in many parts of the Celtic world, throughout Ireland and Europe. County Louth and the Galician city of Lugo in Spain both derive their names from this Celtic past.

Traditions including Garland Sunday and Lammastide also owe their origins to honouring Lugh, the protector of the people and provider of the rich harvest of food, sustaining all for the long winter ahead. Legend tells us that Lugh defeated Crom Dubh and freed the people from darkness and hunger.

The end of July in ancient times would see nuts and berries ripen, before the main crops of grain and roots later in the year. People celebrated nature’s abundance and hoped the gods would ensure a dry autumn and a good harvest. Lugh and his foster mother, Tailtiu, are the Celtic figures most associated with this festival. Tailtiu gives her name to the Tailteann games, a term used for several events, most recently in the football championships.

Lughnasadh is a key event in the Celtic year, marking the half-way point between the summer solstice on June 21st and the autumn equinox on September 21.

“It’s fitting to name our festival after a god who protects the people and provides for their needs. Our festival comes at a time where we need to get out and celebrate our cherished traditions again”, said organiser Owen O’Shea.

"The ancient origins of the festival will be marked with the opening parade on July 28th, with local groups in costume as Lugh and Tailtiu, wearing traditional straw and rush garments in what promises to be a spectacular opening. “We’ve worked with local groups, using traditional methods to recreate Celtic ceremonial clothes making for a rich, authentic experience.”

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Highstool Prophets bring global tour to Killarney

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Cavan folk group The Highstool Prophets have announced a major headline show at the Gleneagle Ballroom on Friday, February 5, 2027, as part of their upcoming ‘This Is The Life’ Tour.

The five-piece group has rapidly become one of Ireland’s most sought-after folk acts, building a reputation on high-energy live performances and a fresh take on traditional tunes.

The newly announced Killarney date comes on the heels of a massive nationwide tour announcement, which includes a headline appearance at Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre.


The tour celebrates the phenomenal success of their hit cover of Amy MacDonald’s This Is The Life.

The track has become a global streaming sensation, amassing over 50 million streams and broadening the band’s reach across international markets.


Alongside their upcoming Irish dates, The Highstool Prophets are set to take their show to audiences across the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia, delivering a mix of fan favourites and classic Irish folk anthems.


Tickets for the 18+ concert cost €40.90, including booking and venue facility fees, and go on sale this Wednesday at 10.00am via Ticketmaster.

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Lawless Jewellery named finalist in Irish Made Awards

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Independent College Street jewellery brand Lawless has been named a finalist in the Jewellery category of the 2026 Irish Made Awards, run by Irish Country Magazine.

Founded by designer-maker Lyndsay Lawless, the one-woman business creates celestial jewellery inspired by mythology, symbolism, and the night sky.

Each piece is handcrafted using stainless steel and natural gemstones in her studio located within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.

The collections are available online and stocked locally at LI•LY on College Street, which serves as the brand’s retail home in Killarney.


The nomination comes as both Lawless and the Irish Made Awards celebrate their 10th anniversaries this year. After relocating from London to Kerry in 2015 following a career with the NHS, Lawless established the business the following year.


“I have spent ten years building the brand in Kerry, designing and making beneath the protected night skies of the reserve, then bringing that work into Killarney through LI•LY,” said Lawless. “To have it recognised on a national stage means a huge amount. Every order, shop visit, recommendation, and kind word from customers has helped get Lawless here. Now that the decision includes a public vote, I would love Kerry to get behind its own.”


Public voting is open online at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote until September 8. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at The Johnstown Estate in County Meath on September 30.

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