Midsummer: Oíche Tine Cnámh

Midsummer has its roots in ancient Irish traditions. It's a sacred celebration of fire, rituals and the sun. Ulster Folk Museum are marking this significant date in the Celtic calendar on Saturday 21^st June. Explore their exhibit buildings as they're brought to life by crafts and music, before a dance performance around the Midsummer bonfire at their Neolithic court tomb.

In centuries past, people on this island would have lit bonfires, performed rituals to ensure good fortunes for the coming harvest, and attended ancient structures aligned to the rising sun. To honour these traditions, the Ulster Folk Museum has joined with An Droichead for this very special event.

Often known in Irish as Oíche Tine Cnámh (night of the bonfire), a fire is one of the most enduring traditions of the date. Their Midsummer evening will finish with a specially commissioned dance piece around the Midsummer fire at the Ulster Folk Museum's Neolithic court tomb. This one-off performance has been created by Off The Rails Dance, which will be performed alongside musicians curated by An Droichead. McCusker's Pub will then be open for post-performance drinks from 21:00 to 23:00.

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