30/04/2026
Bealtaine Festival 2026
Bealtaine is the national celebration of arts and creativity as we age, which takes place each May. Cork County Council has launched its Bealtaine programme, featuring a selection of free events in libraries across the county. This programme is supported by the Arts Council, Age Friendly and Creative Ireland.
Charleville
Let's Talk Crime with bestselling Irish Crime Writer Casey King aka Marie O’Halloran Suitable for all levels, provides basic tools to write a crime novel, with practical advice on developing ideas, plots, first draft, and prepping work for agents and editors. Casey King aka Marie O'Halloran is a writer from Co Cork, who has a Diploma in Policing Studies and over two decades experience in An Garda Siochána. She provides procedural advice to international best-selling crime writers as well as TV and Film producers. Her novels have been published by Joffe Books London, and her books are currently in development for T.V. She also develops and delivers workshops on creativity and mindfulness for children and adults. Max 10 participants. Bring notebooks and pens.
Charleville Library
May 14th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
To book your place contact Charleville Library at (063) 89769 or [email protected]
Mallow
Stories Among Friends: Creative Writing Workshop with Gerard O'Callaghan
Discover your writing voice in a supportive and welcoming Creative Writing Workshop in Mallow Library. Whether you want to preserve cherished memories, start a short story, or write a few verses, this workshop is for you. It offers a safe space to spark your imagination and to create and share in a friendly community setting. It is a 2-hour session with a social tea-break, designed to be accessible and physically comfortable. Approx. 10 to 12 participants.
Mallow Library
Friday May 15th 13:30pm – 15:30pm
To book your place contact Mallow Library at (022) 21821 or [email protected]
Newmarket
Creative Writing Workshop with Laura O'Mahony
Join us for an engaging two-hour Creative Writing Workshop on May 8th, 11am-1pm. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will guide you through the essentials of crafting a compelling short story. Explore storytelling techniques, develop characters, and discover how to bring your ideas to life on the page. With practical tips, prompts, and supportive feedback, you’ll leave inspired—and well on your way to writing your own short story. Join us and let your creativity flow!
Newmarket Library
Friday May 8TH 11:00am – 13:00pm
To book your place contact Newmarket Library at (029) 61090 or [email protected]
Millstreet
Dreamcatcher Weaving Workshop with Julie Forrester
Create a May Wreath ~ Mandala ~ Dreamcatcher to hang in the home or garden. Using twigs and branch cuttings from garden hazel, willow, oak and other trees, weave a circular piece using a variety of weave techniques to create individual woven webs and decorate these with leaves, mosses and other offerings from the natural world and our own inspiration. All materials will be provided but please do bring along anything you would like to incorporate. Maximum of 12 /workshop
Millstreet Library
Wednesday May 27th from 11:00am - 1:00pm
To book your place contact Millstreet Library at (029) 21920 or [email protected]
Kanturk
Drawing Workshop with Illustrator Fiona Boniwell
Join Visual Artist Fiona Boniwell for an accessible drawing workshop. Share some favourite processes for warming up to drawing, including joint mobility movements for the hands, arms and neck, all performed whilst seated, followed by automatic drawing exercises to get your hand-to-eye coordination going. With an emphasis on relaxed contour drawing and mark making, this workshop will provide you with techniques to refresh your drawing toolbox. Materials provided. No experience necessary
Kanturk Library
Thursday May 7th 11:00am – 13:00pm
To book your place contact Kanturk Library at (029) 51384 or [email protected].
Mallow
Ray Cuddihy in conversation with Marian Quirke and Hank Wedel
Ray Cuddihy in conversation with guests that have inspired him and who continue to create and perform.
Marian Quirke is a singer and performer living on Doneraile main street.
Singer-songwriter Hank Wedel was born in New York in the 1960s, grew up in Mallow in the 1970’s, returned to NYC during the '80s and '90s and is now based in Cork. Hank’s passion for music and songwriting is evident in his delivery of a song. A consummate performer, he has shared the stage with Irish music legends Bono, Shane McGowan, Declan Sinnott and Kila.
Mallow Library Friday May 29th 12 noon
All talks are free. Everyone welcome.
Cork County Council Library & Arts Service
