Lughnasadh

What is Lughnasadh?

Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-nah-sah) falls on August 1 and takes its name from Lugh, a bright, many-skilled god of Irish myth. The story goes that he founded the festival with games in honour of his foster mother, Tailtiu, who died after clearing the plains of Ireland for farming.

In England the same day became Lammas, “loaf mass”, when bread baked from the first grain was brought to church. Either way it is a day of gratitude for what the year has grown.

Lughnasadh in Ireland

Many customs moved to the last Sunday in July. On Reek Sunday, thousands of pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, and in many places families climbed hills to pick bilberries.

In Killorglin, County Kerry, Puck Fair runs every August, and a wild goat is crowned king of the town for three days. It is one of the oldest fairs in Ireland.

Ways to mark Lughnasadh at home

• Bake bread

  A simple loaf, shared while it’s still warm.

• Go berry picking

  BC blueberries and wild blackberries are at their peak.

• Climb a hill

  For the view and the old tradition, with a picnic at the top.

• Give thanks for what’s grown

  The garden, a project, a friendship. Name what has come to fruit this year.