31/07/2025
Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the harvest season. Traditionally celebrated on the first of August, it falls approximately halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. In recent centuries, some celebrations have shifted to Sundays near this date. The first Sunday of August was known as 'Domhnach Crom Dubh' (Crom Dubh Sunday) and was later anglicized to 'Lammas Sunday' or 'Garland Sunday.'
The term 'Garland' refers to a wreath made of flowers, leaves, or other materials worn as an ornament to honor the god Crom Dubh. There was a custom where people would gather on the mountainside of Sliabh Calláin in County Clare to pay tribute to Crom Dubh. During these gatherings, they would feast, drink, play hurling, sing, dance, and leave garlands at Altóir na Gréine (Altar of the Sun). These Lughnasadh celebrations typically took place atop hills or mountains and continued until the early part of the 19th century.
The Lughnasadh feast serves to show appreciation to Crom Dubh for the harvest of crops such as wheat, hay, potatoes, beets, cabbage, turnips, and fruit. It is believed that Crom Dubh is either the fertility god Crom Cruach or another representation of Lugh, the god of light. According to written mythology, the festival was founded by Lugh as funeral games in memory of his foster mother, Tailtiu.
Growing up, my family, along with generations before us, would attend the Fair Day in Kenmare on the 15th of August. This event, is where people sell livestock, clothes, food as well as a social community gathering, is believed to be a modern-day survivor of the Lughnasadh gatherings.
However, at this time we should also acknowledge the realities of genocide and the rise of racism in Ireland. Let us cultivate community and dismantle the hierarchy who push division and hatred. Saothraigh pobal, díchóimeáil ordlathas
