As the longest days of the year reach their peak and the midsummer sun hangs low in the western sky, there’s no better place to be than gathered around a crackling bonfire, steeped in ancient tradition and the wisdom of Irish folklore than in North Mayo. Join really great tours together with Debbie McCole aka The Sleep Scholar at the spectacular Céide Glamping site in Ballycastle (F26 YN92) on Monday, 23rd June 2025, for a special Bonfire Night – Midsummer Folklore Walk.
Echoes of the Ancients
Why do Irish communities still light fires on this mystical night? St John’s Eve is steeped in ritual, a beautiful blend of ancient pagan customs and Christian reverence. Historically associated with protection, fertility, and good fortune, it’s a night filled with symbolism and seasonal power.
Long ago, farmers drove their cattle through bonfire smoke for protection. Families brought glowing embers home to light their hearths, believed to bless the household for the year ahead. People gathered yarrow and herbs, visited holy wells, and braved their first sea swim of the summer, all to honour the turning of the year.
Even the word bonfire comes from “bone fire”, a nod to rituals of purification and sacrifice—offered up to the sun at its height in hope of an abundant harvest.
Stories, Rituals, and Stunning Views
This atmospheric evening at Céide Glamping invites you to step into that rich tradition. As the fire burns and the shadows lengthen, you’ll hear the stories, myths, and rituals that still linger in Mayo’s collective memory. From superstitions of light and flame to seasonal plant lore that guided our ancestors through the year.
Surrounded by the stunning wild landscape near the Céide Fields, it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with nature, heritage, and the turning of the wheel of the year.
Make a Night of It
Why not stay the night? Book a cosy glamping pod at Céide Glamping and mention “Bonfire Night” to receive an exclusive St John’s discount. Wake up to fresh coastal air and stunning views after a night of storytelling and starlight.
Event Details:
- Venue: Céide Glamping, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo – F26 YN92
- Date: Monday, 23rd June 2025
- Time: 8:30pm
- Tickets: €12 (standard), €25 (family – 4 people) BOOK HERE
Book your place today and mark your midsummer with fire, folklore, and community in beautiful North Mayo.
