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Bealtaine – Welcoming the Celtic Summer

Each year on May 1st, Ireland marks Bealtaine — one of the great ancient Celtic festivals.
Bealtaine celebrates the beginning of summer, a season of light, growth, and renewal.

In early Ireland, Bealtaine rituals were vital for protecting crops and cattle, ensuring survival. Today, echoes of these traditions live on in Irish culture — from symbolic bonfires to floral decorations and May Day customs.
Bealtaine reminds us of our deep connection to the land, the seasons, and each other.

Bealtaine Did You Know Flip Cards

Did You Know? – Bealtaine

Bealtaine means "bright fire"
The word Bealtaine comes from Old Irish, meaning "bright fire," reflecting the huge bonfires lit to mark the season.
Fires for Protection
In Celtic Ireland, cattle were driven between two fires to protect them from disease during the summer.
Celebrations at the Hill of Uisneach
The Hill of Uisneach in Co. Westmeath is said to be the ancient spiritual centre of Ireland, where Bealtaine fires were lit.
The May Bush Tradition
People decorated hawthorn bushes (May Bushes) with ribbons, shells, and flowers to celebrate Bealtaine and bring good fortune.
A Festival of Fertility and Growth
Bealtaine rituals honoured the earth’s fertility, wishing for healthy crops, animals, and communities.
Bealtaine Today
Modern festivals like the Bealtaine Fire Festival at Uisneach celebrate the season with music, fire displays, and storytelling.

Student Activity

Design your own Bealtaine May Bush

Students explore the Celtic tradition of the May Bush, part of Ireland’s ancient Bealtaine festival marking the beginning of summer Through research and art, students create their own symbolic May Bush using natural or recycled materials. (Click image across to access!)

Resources

Curricular Links
SDG's
Scoilnet
RTE
Curricular Links - Bealtaine

Curricular Links

Junior Cycle

History: Ancient Ireland, belief systems, society and culture.

CSPE: Irish cultural heritage, community traditions.

SPHE: Celebrations, wellbeing, seasonal cycles.

Visual Art: Symbolic and creative expression.

Senior Cycle (Optional)

History: Early Irish Society.

Art: Cultural symbolism and design.

Bealtaine – Linked Sustainable Development Goals

Bealtaine – Linked Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Bealtaine provides opportunities for active, inquiry-based learning about Irish traditions, the seasons, and cultural expression — fostering a well-rounded education.

Explore Goal

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Reviving and celebrating Bealtaine contributes to sustainable communities through cultural heritage, local identity, and inclusive participation in festivals.

Explore Goal

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Bealtaine traditions reflect a deep respect for nature’s rhythms and offer chances to discuss sustainability, seasonal awareness, and climate challenges.

Explore Goal

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Bealtaine’s floral customs and links to rural biodiversity provide a rich context for exploring nature conservation, plant life, and sustainable land use.

Explore Goal
Bealtaine – Welcoming the Celtic Summer

Bealtaine – Welcoming the Celtic Summer

May Day – Traditional Customs in Ireland

A detailed PDF worksheet exploring ancient Irish May Day (Bealtaine) traditions, including May Bushes, May Queens, and protective rituals. Includes classroom activities and discussion prompts.

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Stone Circles and Ritual Worship

This PDF resource explores the significance of stone circles in Ireland and their connection to ancient rituals, including those associated with Bealtaine.

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May Day – Scoilnet Event Calendar

An overview of May Day (Lá Bealtaine) as a Celtic festival, its historical significance, and classroom suggestions for celebrating the day, such as creating a Maypole.

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Bealtaine Living Earth Festival

Tarbert National School's blog post on the virtual Bealtaine Living Earth Festival, featuring daily sessions and resources to appreciate Irish plants and wildlife, suitable for home learning.

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Bealtaine Festival Workshop

Holy Cross National School's participation in a Bealtaine festival workshop, providing students with firsthand experience of environmental practices and cultural traditions.

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Unusual Trees – Bealtaine Activity

A PDF activity from Scoil Rois focusing on unusual trees, encouraging students to explore and appreciate the natural world during the Bealtaine season.

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Eleathanach 11 Bealtaine

A blog entry from Tarbert National School discussing Bealtaine-related activities and reflections, providing insights into how the festival is celebrated in schools.

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Bealtaine – Welcoming the Celtic Summer

Bealtaine – Welcoming the Celtic Summer

Fire, Water, Light and Luck: Bealtaine Traditions in Ireland

An in-depth exploration of Bealtaine’s ancient rituals—bonfires, holy wells, May flowers—and their role in Irish folk belief and seasonal transitions.

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How Bealtaine Marks the Start of Summer in Ireland

Folklorist Dr. Karen Ward explains the spiritual and seasonal significance of Bealtaine as a fire festival welcoming the Celtic summer.

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It's Time to Decorate Your May Bush!

RTÉ Learn shows how to create a traditional May Bush using ribbons, eggshells, and flowers—perfect for classroom or home activities.

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May Day Alert: Bringing the May Bush Tradition Back to Life

Folklorists Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert revive the May Bush tradition in Wexford and Newfoundland, linking past and present.

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Return of Summer to Be Celebrated at Bealtaine Fire Festival

RTÉ News covers the annual lighting of the Bealtaine Fire on the Hill of Uisneach, a symbolic rekindling of ancient Irish traditions.

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Bealtaine Festival 2022: 10 Essential Events to Catch

A guide to Ireland’s national arts festival celebrating creativity and community throughout May, with events suited for all ages.

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Flowers, Fertility and Folklore: Bealtaine

An Irish-language feature exploring the symbolism of flowers, fertility rites, and the transition from darkness to light at Bealtaine.

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Bealtaine Festival Looks Back at LGBTQ Life in Ireland

Part of the Bealtaine Festival, this event reflects on 50 years of LGBTQ+ experiences in Ireland through art and storytelling.

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