A Little Time Out In The Cosmic Garden

Ah, Jaysus…

ew to us, An Tairseach has been playing hosts to soul searchers and pleasure seekers for many a year…

And as our summer 2026 keeps threatening to break out, the Wicklow Town organic farm, ecology centre and arts venue has lined up a foursome of very special sessions.

Just in case you need to step off the merry-go-round for a well-earned break.

Happening on Thursday, June 18th from 6.30pm, Grianstad is a summer solstice celebration, where people are invited to gather around the fire and mark the longest day of the year.

It’s all about community, fire, rhythm and play, it says here, with organisers Melanie O’Driscoll and Michael Meakin explaining to the not-so-informed GG that Grianstad is the ancient Celtic word for solstice, translating literally as sun stop.

“The earth is absorbing the fullness of this light as it fills our forests, foods, oceans and bodies,” explains Melanie. “The beautiful, brightness of this all-encompassing energy makes this a great time to rejoice in celebration.”

And on June 18th, that rejoicing involves fireside stories, songs and poems – and if you’re feeling brave, you can bring one of your own. You’ll have a few members of Comhaltas Wicklow to cheer you on.

“This event is suitable for people of all ages,” says young Meakin. “If you play an instrument, please bring it along…”

Taking place on Thursday 18th at 6.30pm, tickets for Grianstad are €15, and you can grab yours right about here. There will be homemade elderflower cordial and homemade cake upon arrival.

Also coming up at An Tairseach is a screening of experimental documentary Immrám, following a year in the life of Wild Irish creators Siobhán de Paor and Diarmuid Lyng plus their 3 children. Taking place on Friday, July 17th at 6.30pm, there will be an organic meal before the screening and a Q&A with the couple afterwards. Tickets are €37, available here.

Also on Friday, July 17th there will be a weekend retreat with Diarmuid Lyng and Siobhan de Paor, Of Mystics and Misfits: Walking The Old Way. The Immrám event is included in three days of ‘spiritual renaissance weaving nature rites, pilgrimage, the rosary and the teachings of John Moriarty le Gaeilge‘. Along with a bit of hurling. Tickets are €475, available here.

Finally, running from Tuesday, July 21st to Friday 24th, Nature Rhythm is a retreat all about dropping out, tuning in and feeling the pulse of nature. Michael Meakin and Melanie O’Driscoll will be your guides for this detox from the technological overload of the 21st century. Taking place on An Tairseach’s 70-acre organic farm, tickets are €450, or €650 with accommodation, available here.

You can find out more about An Tairseach here, explore what’s coming up here, follow on Instagram here or Facebook here, and get in touch by phone here or by email [email protected].