Allihies Autumn School
An Chailleach – Hag, Healer, Holy Woman
Immerse Yourself in the Wisdom of the Cailleach and discover the gifts and insights that she has to offer modern society.
10th – 12th October 2025 | Allihies, Beara Peninsula, West Cork
Programme Schedule
| Date & Time | Speaker/Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 10th, 6:00 p.m. | Rachel Parry – ‘Cloaks and Pinholes’ exhibition. Viewing from 6:00. Opening by Paddy Bushe at 6:30 | ‘Cloaks for The Cailleach’; plus pinholes documenting performances by the artist together with images of Cailleach Bhéarra, the coastline and ghostly female figures. Exhibition sponsored by Cork County Council.  |
| Friday 10th, 7:25 p.m. | Intro by Tadhg O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Allihies Parish Cooperative. | Introduction and welcome. |
| Friday 10th, 7:35 p.m. | Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. TD for Cork South–West. | Official opening of the Autumn School by Christopher O’Sullivan TD. |
| Friday 10th, 8:00 p.m. | Dr Mary Condren – “The Wisdom traditions of the Irish Cailleach, her family and her international sisters” | Explores the concept of the Cailleach, her cultural displacement, and global parallels. Highlights her significance in Irish tradition and modern relevance. |
| Saturday 11th, 9:30 a.m. | Paddy Bushe – “Behind the Veil: an Chailleach Bhéara as a poetic shapeshifter” | Discusses the Cailleach Bhéara’s various representations from mythology to contemporary literature and film. Mentions figures such as Yeats, Leanne O’Sullivan, Patrick Pearse, and more. |
| Saturday 11th, 10:45 a.m. | Visit to Kilcatherine – Dr Karen Ward & Carina McNally | Visit to the Hag of Beara Stone and Kilcatherine Church. Rituals and storytelling around the sacred site’s history, spiritual significance, and legacy of holy women. THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDANT. |
| Saturday 11th, 2:00 p.m. | Finbarr O’Shea | CEO of Bantry Credit Union. |
| Saturday 11th, 2:30 p.m. | Colette Allen – “The Placenames of Buí, the otherworld female” | Explores placenames associated with the Cailleach, their mythological and geographical significance across Ireland and Scotland. |
| Saturday 11th, 3:30 p.m. | Short Film: Bean Feasa + Panel Discussion | Film introduced by Director Daniel Butler. Followed by panel discussion with Dr Mary Condren and Paddy Bushe. |
| Saturday 11th, 8:00 p.m. | Crow’s Old Gold – Performed by Strive Theatre | Dramatic performance inspired by themes of the Cailleach. |
| Sunday 12th, 10:30 a.m. | Catherine Marshall – Na Cailleacha: “The School of Hibernia (after Raphael)” | Presentation on reclaiming female voices in education and philosophy. Includes visual presentation of the School of Hibernia art project. |
| Sunday 12th, 12:00 p.m. | Emma Verling – Local historian, “An Chailleach Bhéarra and ourselves” Dr Karen Ward – “How is the Cailleach relevant in our lives now?” | Interactive talk helping attendees integrate the spirit and wisdom of the Cailleach into everyday life after the event. |
| LUNCH BREAKS: Saturday & Sunday (after midday sessions) | ||
Join us in the wilds of Beara this October.
Allihies Autumn School is sponsored by Bantry Credit Union.
VENUE
Allihies Copper Mine Museum & Kilcatherine Sacred Sites
Click here for accommodation options.
TICKETS & BOOKING
Weekend Pass: €150
Includes access to all talks, site visit, performance and lunches.
Booking Options:
- Online – Fill out the form below, we’ll send you payment link.
- Call –(0)27 73 218 or +353 (0)89 439 9659
- Limited capacity – Early booking is highly recommended