Féile na Bealtaine, born in 1994 from the vision of Dr. Micheál Fanning, poet and restless spirit, has grown into a beloved institution on the Dingle Peninsula. Held annually over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the festival has become a premier community event, drawing people from near and far to celebrate the richness of local culture and artistic expression.

Emphasising bilingualism, it showcases a diverse range of art forms, while staying true to its roots in rural community life. The festival is a testament to Fanning's vision, creating an artistic home for local performers and offering a platform for experimentation, boundary-pushing, and collaboration.

From its inception, Féile na Bealtaine has sought to reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of Corca Dhuibhne, highlighting the Irish language and deepening understanding of local traditions. Fanning’s eclectic and universal interests have shaped the festival’s inclusive and dynamic spirit, inviting artists to explore new forms and venues, while nurturing creativity in everyone. It’s a festival born from a need to nourish and inspire, an artistic beacon for both locals and visitors alike. With its emphasis on creativity as community medicine, the festival has fostered a space where art, culture, and connection flourish.

Though Féile na Bealtaine may defy easy definition, its impact on the community is undeniable. Led by Fanning’s pioneering spirit, it has evolved into a yearly fixture in the cultural landscape, gaining momentum with each passing year. From its humble beginnings as an idea born from an itch to scratch, the festival now stands as a cornerstone of the Dingle Peninsula’s artistic calendar. It has become an integral part of the rhythm of life in the region—six months of preparation, six months of rest, marking the cycle of light and darkness, summer and winter, Bealtaine and Samhain.

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