A festival to raise your spirits
An innovative drink and drug free festival will have music lovers - especially Kila and Liam Ó Maonlaí fans - high this summer.
Ó Maonlaí, alongside trad folk outfit Kila, New York based rockers The Prodigals and Tipperary based Bog Bodies - are headlining the Healing Spirit Festival in Milltown this August 4-6.
The three day fest of music, dance, food, workshops, art, yoga, story telling, plant foraging, food stalls and lots more, promises endless family fun amid the beautiful heartland of Cavan’s Lakelands.
Gearoid Teevan, 52, an organic farmer, says: “It’s about getting back in touch with nature while enjoying good music, food and relaxation in a very safe family environment.”
Healing Spirit, which is in its second year and was previously known as the Healing Bridges Festival, aims to promote merry making and celebration in a substance free way. The three day festival - which will see dozens of music acts play its two stages - is held on Gearoid’s family lands ‘Drummany Spirit’ an organic farm and spiritual retreat - outside Milltown.
A serious addiction to alcohol once left Gearoid in a very dark place and he credits his love of nature and connection to the land with helping to get and keep him sober.
The father of three says: “I have been sober 13 years now and working these beautiful lands keeps me grounded. The lakes and the woods have their own heart beat and I wanted others to hear that.
“Getting back in touch with nature can be incredibly healing and using music is a wonderful way to connect people of all ages.
“This year we are holding it at the time of Celtic Festival of Lughnasadh, which heralds the start of the harvest season and the celebration of new growth. I have a beautiful field of wheat growing which will be in full bloom for the festival.
“We will honour Lughnasadh like our ancestors did by lighting a ceremonial fire and gathering as a community in our sacred stone circle where we will stand together in personal prayer. It can be a very powerful experience and deepens the sense of belonging together.”
“Because the festival is drink and drug free it is a very safe space and there is also a dedicated childrens’ area. I wanted to show people - without preaching - that they can have a great time without the hangover!”
A highlight of the festival is the Talk Tent where discussions will include Biodiversity, Celtic Myths, Composting, the Power of Volunteering and a myriad of other subjects. Among those giving talks are world renowned “Ark” gardener Mary Reynolds - the youngest ever entrant to win a gold medal at the Chelsea Garden show, Galway based GP Dr Dilis Clare, a leading authority on Herbal Medicine in Europe and Victoria Mary Clarke, wife of Pogues legend Shane MacGowan who is an Irish artist/designer specialising in vibrational art for healing and uplifting spirits.
“There is a strong holistic component to our festival and combining these elements with music, dance, great food, chat and relaxation, makes for a fantastic family weekend,” said Gearoid.
“We want it to be a safe welcoming space for all the family so there is something for all ages. Our aim is to make the festival as sustainable and eco friendly as possible.”
Festival goers have the option of a day ticket or a weekend camping ticket where they can pitch tents in the most beautiful lake side location.
Gearoid explains: “We are surrounded on every side by the stunning Clough Oughter and Drummany Lough and the land is beautiful. We farm organically so it is as nature intended it to be.”
The festival runs from August 4-6 and offers incredible value with a two night camping ticket for one adult and up to four children for €200.