The Bealtaine Gathering 2026

The Bealtaine Gathering 2026

About the event

Age & Opportunity is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Bealtaine Gathering 2026. The event will take place on Wednesday, 14th October at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght. 

This year’s Gathering will focus on inclusion as well as offering a timely opportunity to reflect on developments in the arts and ageing sector in Ireland.  

We are excited to confirm that  Rita Ann Higgins, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed poets, will join us as a special guest speaker. The Gathering will also feature inspiring case studies and a panel discussion exploring how artists and organisations embed inclusion in their work.

Age & Opportunity is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Bealtaine Gathering 2026. The event will take place on Wednesday, 14th October at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.

This year’s Gathering will focus on inclusion as well as offering a timely opportunity to reflect on developments in the arts and ageing sector in Ireland.

Topics and speakers 

  • Introduction by Dr. Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager and Bealtaine Festival Artistic Director. 
  • Special Guest Speaker: Rita Ann Higgins. 
  • Case Study with Outlandish Theatre Platform. 
  • In Conversation: Choreographer Cindy Cummings with performer Sighile Hennessy 
  • Case Study with SoFFt Productions 
  • Panel Discussion: Inclusion as a Creative Opportunity chaired by Donal Gallagher, (Asylum Productions), featuring Aisling Byrne (Run of the Mill Theatre), Laura O’Keefe (Disrupt Disability Arts Festival), Rua Barron (SoFFt Productions). 
  • Closing performance (to be announced). 

A light lunch will be provided as part of your ticket. 

To book, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bealtaine-gathering-2026-tickets-2000613448680?aff=oddtdtcreator

For full information on our speakers: https://bealtaine.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-Gathering-Speaker-Biographies-2026.pdf 

Topics

See all events