Blayney Nurtures its Nature: New festival comes to town

A brand-new festival celebrating wellbeing, creativity and community is coming to Castleblayney this August.

A Nurture in Nature takes place from Friday to Sunday, August 21-23, showcasing the very best of what Castleblayney has to offer in wellness, exercise, heritage, music, the arts and the natural environment.

Over three days, the local community can enjoy a wide range of free workshops and activities, with donations welcome.

The festival hub is based in a marquee on the grounds of Hope Castle at the beautiful Lough Muckno, and additional events will be taking place in the Gate Lodge, the library and a variety of local businesses throughout Castleblayney town.

The idea for the festival grew from a simple vision by local entrepreneur Áine McDonald of Crafty Coffee. Inspired by the concept of an “Electric Picnic” for Castleblayney, she said: “As a proud Blayney woman, I wanted to showcase the fantastic local wellness businesses we have here and celebrate the incredible talent within our community.”

The programme features something for everyone, including the award-winning Tales n'Tunes, Fairy Storytelling and Fairy Walks for children, Wildflower Workshops, Drama for Teens, Pilates, Tai Chi, Sound Baths, Community Music, Family Yoga and much more.

The celebrations meanwhile begin even before the main festival weekend with a fringe programme of wellbeing events for older people.

Whether you're looking to relax, get active, connect with nature, learn a new skill or simply spend time with family and friends, Nurture in Nature offers something for people of all ages and stages.

The festival is delivered and coordinated by local residents, small businesses and community groups across the Castleblayney area in partnership with Castleblayney Town Team. Special thanks go to the funders and supporters whose generous contributions have made the festival possible, including Monaghan County Council, Healthy Monaghan, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the Heritage Council through the Heritage Office at Monaghan County Council, Parenting Monaghan, and SICAP through Monaghan Integrated Development.

For more information please see www.castleblayney.ie, email nurtureinnature2026@gmail.com, follow Instagram @nurtureinnature.ie or phone Duana McArdle 087 284 3315. Get your ticket on Eventbrite, scan the QR code in the advert here or search ‘A Nurture in Nature’.