SPIRIT OF FOLK 2015

Dunderry House

The Irish Times Book Club discussion at Spirit of Folk Festival in Meath, on Saturday, was about Miss Emily. Myself, Gary Quinn of the IT, and two book club readers (Sarah and Lorraine) had a discussion in front of a warm audience in the Hall of Heroes.

Admiring the fairy doors

Juno tries archery

Heart wishes

The Hall of Heroes

The Irish Times Book Club in the Hall of Heroes

Bohemian Woods, who make beautiful fairy doors

We arrived the night before and stayed in Dunderry, the big house in Dunderry Park, where the festival takes place. Our room was cosy but, naturally, there were a lot of shenanigans about the place which made it hard to sleep.

The fabulous Inni K

Spirit of Folk is a small festival featuring re-enactors, music, archery, spoken word, lots of wellness stuff like yoga and massage, a great camp fire, willow sculptures etc. There is no beer tent (it's byo), there's a small selection of food vendors, and other stalls selling hippy clothes, silver jewelry, fairy doors etc.

We enjoyed the gorgeous weather as we wandered from field to field, listening to music and watching craft and battle demos. I was thrilled to see Inni-K perform live as I have been following her with interest this year. She didn't disappoint with her own moving songs plus a waulking song and a lively port à beul.

Juno Butterfly

Spirit of Folk is totally family friendly and there was a lovely atmosphere on site, with fairy woodlands to explore and a good children's area with macramé and face painting, among other activities. I'd recommend it to anyone for next year.

Thanks to the festival and especially to Gary Quinn of the Irish Times for having me along. Good, clean fun was had by all.