The Bilberry Ball comes to Michael Mallin Park as part of the Liberties Festival, for one afternoon on Sunday 26 July 2026 at 3:00pm (doors 2:45pm). The magic of the ancient festival of Lughnasa comes to the heart of the Liberties as the strawboys (and girls!) raise the dust for a dance party with Edwina Guckian and the Stray Sod Ceilí Band. Admission is free, with an optional €10 ticket. Book on TakeYourSeats.ie.
Key facts
- Event: The Bilberry Ball — Lughnasa dance party
- Part of: Liberties Festival
- Venue: Michael Mallin Park, Dublin
- Date: Sunday 26 July 2026 at 3:00pm (doors 2:45pm)
- With: Edwina Guckian and the Stray Sod Ceilí Band
- Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets: Free / €10
- Booking: TakeYourSeats.ie
About the event
The magic of the ancient festival of Lughnasa is coming to the heart of the Liberties at this specially curated Bilberry Ball, where the strawboys (and girls!) will raise the dust of Michael Mallin Park for a dance party with Edwina Guckian and the Stray Sod Ceilí Band. Bilberry or Fraochán Sunday falls on the last Sunday in July: the small purple bilberry that grows wild amongst the heather was picked and baked in cakes for prospective suitors on a celebratory day when communities gathered on mountain tops and lakesides to welcome the harvest festival of Lughnasa. Edwina Guckian is a dancer, artist, community activist and cultural curator from Leitrim, whose work is deeply rooted in the traditions, folklore and lived experience of rural Ireland — recent projects include the critically acclaimed The Devil's in the Dancehall, an immersive dance theatre experience inspired by the life and legacy of Jimmy Gralton.
What to expect
An open-air Lughnasa dance party in Michael Mallin Park with strawboys, céilí dancing and live music from the Stray Sod Ceilí Band. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm start.
Frequently asked questions
When is The Bilberry Ball on?
One afternoon only: Sunday 26 July 2026 at 3:00pm at Michael Mallin Park, as part of the Liberties Festival.
How much are tickets?
Admission is free, with an optional €10 ticket.
Can I bring children?
Yes — children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where can I book?
Tickets are available through TakeYourSeats.ie.
Tickets and how to book
Admission to The Bilberry Ball is free, with an optional €10 ticket. Places can be booked now through TakeYourSeats.ie.
