Introduction
Welcome to Monaghan County Council Cultural Service’s Bealtaine Programme for 2026. The festival is an initiative of Age & Opportunity, the national organisation that promotes active and engaged living as we get older. The festival is Ireland’s national month-long festival held in May celebrating arts, creativity, and ageing, promoting creative engagement through workshops, performances, and community events.
This year’s festival features a wide range of events in libraries, museums, cultural and community venues throughout the county of Monaghan and includes something to suit everyone. We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity and attend as many Bealtaine events as you can.
Thank you to all of the artists, venues, community groups and individuals taking part in this year’s Bealtaine Festival in Monaghan.
Bealtaine in Monaghan is organised by Monaghan County Council Culture Section in association with a wide range of partners and is co-ordinated by Monaghan County Library. Bealtaine is strategically funded by Monaghan County Council, the Arts Council, Creative Monaghan and Age Friendly Monaghan.
Crosswords, Croissants & Puzzle Clubs at Your Library
A weekly social event where members of the library gather to solve a variety of crosswords and word searches in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Enjoy tea, coffee, and cake while challenging your mind, sharing ideas, and chatting with others. Suitable for all levels, this is a great opportunity to keep mentally active and connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
Carrickmacross
Every Monday 11:00am–12:00pm Free, booking required 042 966 1148
Castleblayney
Thursday 7th May 11:00am
No booking Free
Monaghan Town
Every Monday 11:00am - 12:00pm No booking Free Clones
Every Monday 11:00am - 12:00pm No booking Free
Libraries
Libraries
Poetry Day Ireland at Your Library
To celebrate Poetry Ireland Day, why not visit your local library, explore the poetry on display or borrow a poetry book
Thursday 28th May
Venue: All Libraries
Bookings: No Booking Required
Admission: Free
Mindful Adult Colouring at your Library
Take time to yourself to slow down and help the mind settle. It is a well known fact that relaxing, mediative colouring can enhance wellbeing and relieve stress.
Tea/coffee and all materials provided.
Monaghan Town Library
Every Tuesday 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Admission: Free No Booking Required
Clones Library
Every Thursday 11:00am - 12:00pm
Admission: Free No Booking Required
Castleblayney Library
Thursday 21st May 11:00am - 12:30pm
Admission: Free No Booking Required
Libraries
Carrickmacross
Every Thursday
11:00am–12:30pm
Free, booking required 042 966 1148
Libraries
Clones
Knit & Knatter at Your Library
Our knitting group meets weekly to knit, share tips, solve knitting problems, and enjoy a good chat.
The group is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced knitters. Participants must bring their own needles and wool. All welcome – just drop in.
Clones
Every Wednesday 1:00pm - 3:00pm No booking Free
Monaghan
Every Wednesday 11:00am No booking Free
My Happy Place Workshop
Join artist Trish Redmond for a creative workshop designed especially for carers.
Take some time for yourself in a relaxed, supportive environment and reconnect with your creativity. Participants are welcome to bring along a personal image to inspire their artwork; perhaps a favourite beach, a sunset, a photo of your family home, or choose to work from images provided on the day.
Switch off as you enjoy an afternoon of art, reflection, and calm. All materials are provided.
Tuesday 12th May | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Clones Library
Bookings: Contact cloneslibrary@monaghancoco.ie or 047-74712
Admission: Free but spaces are limited, booking is essential
Carrickmacross
Thursday 14th May | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Carrickmacross library
Bookings: 042-9661148 or carrickmacrosslibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but spaces are limited, booking is essential
Memories From May
Invitation to creatives – artists, sewers, knitters and crocheters – to collaborate in creating a wall hanging inspired by their Memories of May. These memories might include summer gardens, flowers, butterflies, May Altars, birthdays, childhood games outdoors, farming moments or washing on the line.
The session will begin with a group discussion, followed by creating a shared storyboard to guide the design. Participants will work in pairs, using provided materials such as beads, threads, paints and wool to create individual panels combining art, embroidery, crochet, knitting or beading. All panels will then be brought together to form one large wall hanging, tailored to the space in each library.
Clones
Thursday 7th May | 11:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Clones Library
Bookings: Contact cloneslibrary@monaghancoco.ie or 047-74712
Admission: Free but spaces are limited, booking is essential
Castleblayney
Wednesday 13th May | 11:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Bookings: Contact castleblayneylibrary@monaghancoco.ie or 0429741256
Admission: Free but spaces are limited, booking is essential
Monaghan
Thursday 14th May | 11:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Monaghan Town Library
Bookings: Contact monaghanlibrary@monaghancoco.ie or 047-81830
Admission: Free but spaces are limited, booking is essential
Care Home Programme
The Beat Goes On
Aidan Dunphy from Wellness in Rhythm, a professional musician and facilitator of workshops with over 25+years professional performing experience in multiple genres as well as wide experience in education and community and voluntary sectors.
Aidan will deliver a series of relaxed, informal, accessible, social, inclusive, therapeutic and fun hand drumming workshops to older people in care home settings in County Monaghan.
Drumming is shown to have many therapeutic benefits to participants including, cognitive: meditative, mild physical exercise; social, reduces isolation, increased energy, reduces anxiety, pain management. Aidan will encourage reminiscence on music at home, theatre, ceilidh, dances, showbands etc and participants may sing or hum tunes which we can drum along to.
Venue: Care Homes
Bookings: Prebooked with care homes.
Admission: Free
Drumlin Yarnspinners – May Session
Join the Drumlin Yarnspinners for a special Bealtaine storytelling evening featuring guest teller Paddy Montague, a poet and storyteller from Drumquin, Co. Tyrone. Paddy is widely appreciated for his lyrical voice, rich sense of place, and his ability to weave humour, memory, and tradition into captivating stories and poems.
This relaxed and friendly gathering welcomes both regular listeners and newcomers.
Drumlin Yarnspinners is funded by Monaghan County Council’s Creative Monaghan programme and supported by Monaghan County Libraries.
Tuesday 26th May
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Monaghan Library
Bookings: None required
Admission: Free
Create a Mosaic
Celebrate the spirit of Bealtaine with a welcoming four-week workshop series designed for mature adults. Together, participants will explore creativity at a relaxed pace while connecting with others in a supportive, social environment.
Across the month of May, the group will work collaboratively and individually to design and create a table-top mosaic, using colour, pattern and texture to reflect themes of growth, renewal and personal stories. No previous experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
This gentle, hands-on programme offers space to build confidence, share conversation and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of creative making.
Note: This will be a four-week programme – one workshop each Friday through the month of May.
Every Friday starting 1st May
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Monaghan County Museum, The Peace Campus
Bookings: To book email pbarbour@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but booking required
Monaghan County Museum
The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy – Acting Workshop
An interactive acting workshop exploring The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy, followed by the opportunity to purchase reduced-price tickets (€10) for a live performance of the production.
The pre-performance workshop will:
• Offer insight into adapting literature for the stage
• Explore Hardy’s themes in a contemporary context
• Encourage participants to engage physically and creatively with the text
• Build confidence and understanding before viewing the performance
This hands-on experience transforms audience members from passive observers into active participants. The workshop is free to attend, with reduced tickets available for Hotbuckle’s production of The Return of the Native, which brings the story to life through a high-energy ensemble performance.
Tuesday 19th May
Time: 4:00pm
Venue: Garage Theatre
Bookings: Contact Box Office 047-39777 or https://www.garagetheatre.com/whats-on/
Admission: Workshop free / Play €10
Garage Theatre, Monaghan Town
Monaghan Library
Monday 11th May
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Monaghan Town Library
Bealtaine Storytelling Circle
Have you a story to share? You can bring a story to tell or listen to stories on the night, the choice is yours!
Refreshments served.
Bookings: Contact the library on 047 81830 to book your place
Admission: Free
Monaghan Library
Monaghan Library
Tuesday 18th May
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: Monaghan Town Library
Yarney Army
Join the Yarney Army. Practice knitting and crochet all whilst enjoying a cuppa and a chat
Every Wednesday
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Monaghan Town Library
Bookings: No Booking Required
Admission: Free
Bricks and Brews
Build your very own Lego flower in this light-hearted workshop for older adults. Enjoy creativity, conversation, and a colourful project you can proudly display at home. No Lego experience required and we’ll have tea and coffee on hand to make it an even more relaxing afternoon.
Bookings: Contact Library on 047-81830 to book your place.
Admission: Free
Castleblayney Library
Wednesday 6th May
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Book Folding Workshop
Participants will be taken through a step-by-step guide to book folding. This workshop will teach you how to transform old books, by folding them into beautiful sculptures.’ In this workshop we will be creating a fairy house.
No experience needed. All materials supplied.
Bookings: Call 042 294 0281 or castleblayneylibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but booking is required
Castleblayney Library
Between the Lines
Step into a quiet, creative space and explore the art of blackout poetry. Using existing texts, participants will uncover hidden words and phrases to create a poem within a poem.
This beginner-friendly session invites curiosity and play, with no experience needed. Texts will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring a favourite poem to reimagine in a new way. Everyone will leave with their own original poem, complete with stencilled artwork.
Thursday 28th May
Time: 2:00pm
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Bookings: Contact library 042 9740281 or castleblayneylibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but booking required
Castleblayney Library
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Ways of Seeing’
Ways of Seeing’ JJ Clark’s photographic adventures at the dawn of modern Ireland. This exhibition is a celebration of these photographs and the Castleblayney man who took them.
The exhibition is now available to view by appointment at Castleblayney Library.
Time: During library opening hours by appointment.
Bookings: Contact library 042 9740281 or castleblayneylibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but booking required
Castleblayney
Friday 8th May
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Venue: Gatelodge 1, Castleblayney
Bookings: No Booking Required
Admission: Free
Tales and Tunes
Enjoy an engaging evening of storytelling, recitations, poetry, music and songs in a warm and welcoming setting.
Featuring a mix of voices and talents, the event offers something for everyone— whether you enjoy listening, sharing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided, making it a perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and enjoy a night of creativity and entertainment.
Talking Threads Project
A New Creative Arts project is starting at Iontas Arts Centre, Castleblayney.
The focus will be mainly on textiles and the rich material culture in and around Castleblayney. The Talking Threads project meet ups will be facilitated by Úna Curley aka @theemotionalartist and will include skills and stories sharing, looking at traditions and cultural heritage from a contemporary point of view, all in the spirit of fun, play, exploration and making.
The project is for everyone who wants to bring the joy of creativity, colour and fun into their lives and the desire perhaps to create some enduring artefacts from the area.
The weekly gatherings will be casual, informal and all communications will be through WhatsApp group.
Tuesdays from 10:00am - 11:00am
Venue: Íontas theatre
Bookings: Contact Úna on 087 6812031
Admission: €5
Castleblayney
Castleblayney
Wednesday 6th May
Time: 10:00 - 11:30am
SmartArt Together
This workshop will show you how to prepare, print and transfer your images onto fabric. It will also cover textile block printing and making your own stamps to print designs onto fabric.
There will be a chance to meet other textile enthusiasts and perhaps join our growing Talking Threads Tuesdays community at Iontas, where we meet fortnightly to play, explore and share all things textile, thread and technique.
Venue: Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney
Bookings: Numbers are limited so book your place. Contact Úna at 0876812031 or una.curley@gmail.com
Admission: Free but booking required
Castleblayney
Thursday 14th May
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Iontas Theatre
Seeds of Inspiration
Launch of ‘Native Trees of Monaghan’ book and accompanying documentary film featuring renowned expert John McKeon.
This event will explore the importance of Monaghan’s native trees and local biodiversity, with insights from John McKeon followed by a screening of the documentary.
Guest speaker Éanna Ní Lamhna will also share her knowledge and perspective on Ireland’s natural environment.
Bookings: Email biodiversity@monaghancoco.ie or telephone 042 9428330
Admission: Free but booking required
Wednesday 13th May
Time: 8:00pm
Discover the Art of Sustainable Cooking
Join us for an evening with local author Orla Drumgoole of Irish Mammy Cooks fame.
Looking at making the most of what we already have in the house, fridge and cupboards, mindful shopping, how to use as much of each food item as possible, how to cook smart, using up the same spices to make different dishes and using leftovers creatively.
Venue: Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross
Bookings: Eventbite
Admission: Free
Carrickmacross Library
Found Poetry Workshop
Discover the poetry of the printed page in this creative and engaging workshop. Participants will be encouraged to transform already printed texts into new poems by cutting, re-arranging, or blacking out words and phrases to uncover hidden meanings.
Simple, fun, and accessible to all, this workshop offers a relaxed way to explore creativity and experiment with language— no previous experience needed.
Thursday 7th May
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Venue: Carrickmacross Library
Bookings: Carrickmacross Library on 042 966 1148 or drop into the branch
Admission: Free but booking required
Carrickmacross
Wednesday 27th May
Time:12:00pm - 1:15pm
Venue: Carrickmacross Library
Our Stories Club – Day Trips to the Seaside.
A memory club that brings people together to share and reflect on past events from a personal perspective, with a different topic explored each month.
Expect a mix of stories both joyful and moving along with plenty of laughter as memories of earlier times are brought back to life.
All welcome.
Bookings: Call 042 966 1148 for more details
Admission: Free but booking is required
Carrickmacross Library Carrickmacross Library
Friday 8th May
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Carrickmacross Library
An Ode to Joy Lecture
Svetlana Zavodchikova, a music lecturer from Eastern Europe, explores the history and significance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
This engaging talk looks at the story behind this celebrated work, its groundbreaking structure, and lasting cultural impact, with a special focus on the famous Ode to Joy and its enduring legacy.
Bookings: Call 042 966 1148 or visit Carrickmacross Library
Admission: Free but booking required
Library
Wednesday 19th May
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Carrickmacross Library
Spine Tingling: Book folding Workshop
Participants will be taken through a stepby-step guide to book folding in this hands-on workshop.
Learn how to transform old books into beautiful sculptural pieces by carefully folding the pages to create unique designs. No experience is needed, and all materials will be supplied.
Bookings: Call 042 966 1148 or visit Carrickmacross Library
Admission: Free but booking required
Thursday 28th May
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Venue: Carrickmacross Library
Can I compare thee to a… Poetry Writing Workshop
This workshop, led by award-winning local poet Ted McCarthy, is aimed at aspiring poets, whether just starting out or refining their craft. Ted will guide participants in the art of writing poetry.
Bookings: Call 042 966 1148 or visit Carrickmacross Library
Admission: Free but booking required
Carrickmacross
Carrickmacross Library
Castleblayney Library
Thursday 14th May
Time: 11:00am
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Bookings: No Booking Required
Admission: Free
Castleblayney Library
Friday 29th May
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Castleblayney Library
Local History Talk
Join local historian Michael Burns for an engaging talk exploring the rich history of Castleblayney. Discover stories from the town’s past, learn about key people and places that shaped the area, and gain a deeper appreciation of its heritage and community spirit.
This relaxed and informative session is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local history and hear fascinating insights from a knowledgeable speaker.
Brushes of Bealtaine Painting Workshop
Join our beginner-friendly painting workshop, perfect for anyone who’s never picked up a brush before! We’ll be taking inspiration from the local book ‘Flora of County Monaghan’ by Alexis Fitzpatrick. Come relax and bring nature to life on canvas in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
No experience or supplies needed.
Bookings: Contact library 042 9740281 or castleblayneylibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but Booking Required
Clones Library
Crafty Creations
Crafty Creations is a fun craft group where participants can discover simple creative projects in a relaxed, social setting. Materials are provided, and everyone is welcome to drop in, try something new, and enjoy a bit of creative downtime.
Every Thursday
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue: Clones Library
Bookings: Call Clones Library on 047-74712
Admission: Free
Ukulele Club
This is a fun, beginner friendly music social group where people can learn simple chords and play together.
Every Thursday
Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue: Clones Library
Bookings: Call Clones Library on 047-74712
Admission: Free
Alzheimer’s Coffee Morning Drop In
Join us in Clones library for Alzheimer’s Tea Day! Enjoy tea and refreshments. It’s a lovely chance to come together as a community and support an important cause.
Wed 6th May
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Clones library
Bookings: Call Clones Library on 047-74712
Admission: Free
Clones Library
Clones Library
Clones Library
Every Tuesday
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Venue: Clones Library
BorrowBox
BorrowBox Clinic is a helpful dropin session where library staff show people how to download, set up, and use the BorrowBox app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to start using the library’s digital services.
Bookings: Contact Clones Library on 047-74712 or cloneslibrary@monaghancoco.ie
Admission: Free but Booking Required
Create a Landscape
Over two workshops, the participants will be guided by the facilitator to paint a landscape on canvas, with acrylic paint. Being creative in a safe space with friends, learning a new skill that could be easily carried on, in their own home. Invitation to Clones Hen Shed and Men Sheds.
All materials will be provided.
Monday 11th & 18th May
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Clones RFC
Bookings: Contact Sandra Anderson 0861407848
Clones
Inniskeen
For the Month of May
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue: Patrick Kavanagh Centre
Gardening Club
Gardening Club is a group for adults to share gardening tips, swap ideas, plants, and seeds, and enjoy a relaxed chat about plants and growing.
Monday 11th May
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Venue: Clones library
Bookings: Call Clones Library on 047-74712
Admission: Free
Self-Guided Tours – Discount
Visit the Patrick Kavanagh Experience and learn about the poet’s life poetry and landscape of Monaghan which inspired him. We tell his story through artefacts, multimedia, text and film.
The experience is located at the heart of Inniskeen in an old church where once upon a time, Kavanagh attended mass.
For the month of May, we are offering 20% discount to older people/groups for self guided tours – reduced to €8 per person.
Bookings: No booking required. Quote Bealtaine when paying.
Admission: €8
Ballybay
Wednesday 27th May
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Cuan Mhuire, Ballybay
Introduction to Needle Felting
Participants will be introduced to the art of needle felting, where the wool comes from and how to turn it into a lovely picture. All materials supplied.
More details on Ballybay ICA facebook page.
Bookings: Contact Martina Wright at 0868162334 or any member of Ballybay ICA
Admission: Free but booking required
Ardaghey
Sunday 31st May
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Music Session
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming gathering of musicians of all levels — from beginners to advanced players. A mix of instruments and styles makes for a fun and enriching experience!
Feel free to bring along your instrument, your singing voice or simply yourself to enjoy the music!
Everyone is welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.
Venue: Ardaghey Community Centre H18 WF29
Bookings: No booking required.
Admission: Free. (donations welcome for community centre upkeep)
Castleblayney - Blayney Blades Programme Weekly Classes
Mondays
Walking Group & A Cuppa Monday 11:00am / €2
This walking group is open to all adults, and all walking abilities are welcome. The group does an easy-going, short walk around the town and then head for a cuppa afterwards.
Monday Movers Dance Class 7:00pm - 8:00pm / €7 PAYG
This class is a fun, dance class with music you all love from across the decades!! Geared at women who want to let loose and have a laugh.
Tuesdays
Exercise To Music
11:00am - 12:00pm / €7 PAYG
A fun and low-impact fitness class set to uplifting music. The session includes gentle aerobic movements, stretching and balance exercises. Come and have some fun!
Yoga 2:00pm - 3:00pm / €7 PAYG
Yoga is a wonderful way to strengthen your body, improve flexibility and reduce stress. While improving your mental Health & Wellbeing.
Thursdays
Health & Wellbeing
2:00pm - 4:00pm / €7 PAYG
Enjoy gentle tai chi exercises and calming meditation in a warm, welcoming space. Perfect for all levels to boost your energy, find balance and improve flexibility.
Pilates 7.30pm - 8.30pm / €7 PAYG
This Pilates class is open to all levels and focuses on building core strength, improving posture and increasing flexibility. You’ll develop body awareness, stability and balance for a healthier, stronger you.
Monthly Classes
Book Club 2nd Monday of Every Month
10.30am - 12.30pm / €4 with light refreshments served
You can expect a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, engaging conversations and the chance to meet new people who love reading just like you.
Castleblayney - Blayney Blades Programme Weekly Classes
Courses Introduction to Smartphones
Wednesday 15th April - 20th May / 10am - 1pm / €5 per class
Discover how to make calls, send messages, use apps, take photos, and stay connected online—all with clear step-by-step guidance. Perfect for anyone who wants to build confidence and enjoy the benefits of modern technology in everyday life.
Arts & Crafts
Wednesday 15th April - 20th May / 10am - 1pm / €5 per class
This course offers a creative space to explore various techniques like painting, decoupage and handmade crafts (felt flowers, pottery with modelling clay, card making). It’s a relaxing way to develop skills, express yourself, and enjoy artistic activities.
Culinary Cookery Course
Wednesday 15th April - 1st June / 10am - 12.30pm / €5 Per Class
Learn How to Cook Healthy, Nutritious Meals & Desserts on A Budget. All classes and course take place in the Íontas Centre Castleblayney. Booking is essential for all our events. Please call 042 9753412 for further
Memory Boxes available to borrow through Monaghan County Libraries
We know spending time together, doing things you love, smiling, chatting and discovering, improves wellbeing. Our Memory Boxes collection contains products and activities that bring joy and connection to people with dementia and their care-givers.
In our boxes you’ll find a range of items which have been specifically developed and each product is designed to affect the different levers that lead to overall wellbeing. We’ve also included a beautiful selection of photography books to use as a starting point for reminiscence and conversation.
How to Borrow
The Memory Boxes can be requested through any of the branch libraries in Co. Monaghan. The boxes will then be dispatched to your local branch for collection from our Library Headquarters in Clones Please allow up to 1 week for delivery.
You will need to have a valid Library Card to borrow a Memory Box. Library Cards are free and can be picked up from a Library on presentation of Photo ID & Proof of address.
Contact Us
Phone : 047 74700
Email : libraryactivities@monaghancoco.ie
Monaghan Age Friendly Programme
Monaghan Age Friendly Programme works to make County Monaghan a better place for older people to live and age well. It brings together local services, community groups and older residents to make sure everyday environments support healthy, independent and active ageing.
The programme is led by the Age Friendly Alliance and the Older People’s Council, ensuring older people have a strong voice in decisions that affect them. Age-friendly thinking is included across areas such as housing, transport, health and community planning.
A new Monaghan Age Friendly five-year strategy (2026–2030) is being developed, based on wide consultation with older people across the county. It will focus on the national age-friendly themes and aim to improve safety, wellbeing, accessibility and quality of life for everyone.
The strategy overall vision is to help older people stay healthy, independent and socially connected for as long as possible in their own communities.
