Immerse yourself in ancient tradition as we celebrate Midsummer with music, storytelling, dance and fire.
Midsummer has its roots in ancient Irish traditions. It’s a sacred celebration of fire, rituals and the sun. We’re marking this significant date in the Celtic calendar on Saturday 21st June – also known as the Summer Solstice, or the longest day of the year. Explore our exhibit buildings as they’re brought to life by crafts and music, before a dance performance around the Midsummer bonfire at our Neolithic court tomb.
In centuries past, people on this island would have lit bonfires, performed rituals to ensure good fortunes for the coming harvest, and attended ancient structures aligned to the rising sun. To honour these traditions, the Ulster Folk Museum has joined with An Droichead for this very special event.
Often known in Irish as Oíche Tine Cnámh (night of the bonfire), a fire is one of the most enduring traditions of the date. Our Midsummer evening will finish with a specially commissioned dance piece around the Midsummer fire at the Ulster Folk Museum’s Neolithic court tomb. This one-off performance has been created by Off The Rails Dance, which will be performed alongside musicians curated by An Droichead. McCusker’s Pub will then be open for post-performance drinks from 21:00 to 23:00.
- Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood BT18 0EU
- Saturday 21st June
- 19:00 to 23:00
- £15
More information and booking: www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/midsummer-oiche-tine-cnamh
