Our ways of thinking and living have led us to our current existential predicament.  Our communities and our planet are in a state of stress and in need of healing.  Are there better ways of living in harmony with our planet that might restore balance and wellbeing?

Our belief is that an amazing resource in the form of our indigenous language and tradition is hidden in plain sight.  The loss of language has accentuated our alienation from our sense of place, from our connection to ‘dúchas’, that which is native in ourselves and the natural world.  How might we regain our sense of ‘dúchas’ and access what this rich inheritance has to offer at this moment?

Join ecologists, lovers of the Irish language, academics, artists and activists for a creative journey of rediscovery and reconnection with nature and with the understanding that ‘ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid’ – we live in the shelter of one another.

Aided by artful facilitation and the inspiration of the Burren we will collectively excavate the treasure-trove of our logainmneacha (place-names) and the associated béaloideas (folklore); the wisdom and traditions associated with the seasonal féilte (festivals); the resources that are in the líonraí Gaeilge (Irish language networks), native ‘luibheanna’ (cures) and much more.

Equally importantly we will challenge ourselves to find practical ways of sharing more widely this depth of indigenous awareness of our interconnection with the natural world.  In this we will look, in particular, to our artists to find creative ways to connect us to the tap-root of ‘dúchas’ and how we can share its bounty more widely.

• Organisers: This initiative is a co-creation between BCA and Cloughjordan Ecovillage and is part of a wider Pobal–funded project ‘Community Climate Action Programme’ with Carraig Dúlra and the Sonairte eco-centre, designed to create resources for communities addressing the climate and sustainability crises.
• Date and Time: Friday 22nd September. To facilitate those travelling on the day, the gathering will open at 11am and conclude by 6pm.  
• Location: Newtown Castle, Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare: H91 H299.
• Cost: The event, inclusive of lunch and refreshments, is free.
• Registration & Accommodation: As places are limited and to facilitate planning, please register HERE if you wish to attend.  You will also find accommodation options on the registration link should you wish to come the evening before and/or stay for the weekend to experience the mystery of the Burren.

We do hope you can join us for what promises to be an exciting exploration of the bountiful inheritance that awaits our awakening – ‘Tá dóchas sa dúchas’.  If this calls to you, please put the date in your diary and register your interest so we can put your name in the pot.