Friday 14 August – Ennistymon
8.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Exhibition Launch: People of Rekindle
Courthouse Gallery. A photographic exhibition by Patrick Cross, documenting the craftspeople, elders, musicians, dancers and makers who contribute to Rekindle's intergenerational skillsharing programme. The portraits were developed through site visits, interviews and documentation sessions with participants from Clare and newcomer communities. The launch evening features traditional dancing and live music, highlighting the intercultural relationships and shared knowledge that shape the festival.
Saturday 15 August – Lisdoonvarna and Common Knowledge
11.00 am – Visit to the Old Spa Well
A guided heritage walk exploring the social, cultural and geological history of the Spa Wells. This event introduces audiences to the built and intangible heritage of the area, including the Victorian-era spa culture, local traditions, and the longstanding significance of the wells as places of gathering, healing and socialising.
12.30 pm – At the Well: Story, Place and Built Heritage
A public conversation between Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects) and Aindrias de Staic, facilitated by Paula Carroll, taking place in the town's former dance hall. The discussion explores how social spaces, architectural histories and local narratives shape identity, belonging and community memory. The event brings together perspectives from architecture, folklore, lived experience and cultural practice.
2.30 pm to 5.00 pm – Skillsharing Workshops at Common Knowledge
A series of hands-on traditional skills workshops at Common Knowledge, delivered by experienced craftspeople and knowledge holders. Workshops are practical, inclusive and intergenerational, creating opportunities for direct learning, exchange and cultural connection. Participants are supported by facilitators and Common Knowledge staff, with equipment and materials provided. Participants will rotate through skills such as:
Stone walling – dry stone techniques rooted in Burren heritage
Scything – traditional grass-cutting and land stewardship
Weaving and textile repair – ecological approaches to everyday materials
Peatlands in Practice – a workshop exploring peatland heritage and conservation with Common Knowledge's Peatlands in Practice project
7.30 pm – Lasraí: The Rekindle Concert
Lasraí is a night of contemporary traditional music and intangible heritage, brought to life through music and dance with masters of traditional arts. The concert takes place in the beautiful Octagon venue at Common Knowledge.
Sunday 16 August – Lisdoonvarna
11.00 am – Land and Lore Festival Day
Lisdoonvarna transforms into an outdoor demonstration space celebrating traditional crafts, everyday heritage skills and sustainable making practices. Demonstrators include basketmaking, blacksmithing, hide tanning, weaving, spinning, natural building, chairmaking, scything and clock repair. Visitors can meet skillsharers and craftspeople, observe techniques and learn about the cultural and ecological significance of these skills.
12.00 pm to 3.00 pm – Céilí and Live Music
A community céilí featuring dancers, local musicians and visiting artists. Lisdoonvarna becomes a shared social space where residents, visitors and newcomer communities dance together. Simple steps are shown informally and all ages are welcome to take part.
Throughout the Afternoon – Heritage Trail and Sessions
Workshops, talks and pop-up sessions take place across the town. Activities include short talks on biodiversity and land knowledge, storytelling sessions, seed-saving demonstrations, traditional music and opportunities to engage with local heritage organisations.
4.00 pm – Session with Aoife Kelly and Family
A session with Aoife Kelly and family.
6.00 pm – Closing Singing Session
This closing session brings singers, musicians and local tradition-bearers together for an informal evening of songs and shared repertoire.
Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills is funded by The Heritage Council, and Clare County Council Clare Local Area Grant Scheme.
For any questions or queries, you’re most welcome to get in touch with Aoife and Brendan on rekindle@ourcommonknowledge.org or on 0834425819.
