Age & Opportunity is delighted to announce that the Bealtaine Gathering 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 14th October at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght.
We are excited to confirm that Rita Ann Higgins, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed poets, will join us as a special guest speaker. See below for more information on Rita Ann Higgins.
This year’s Gathering will also focus on inclusion as well as offering a timely opportunity to reflect on developments in the arts and ageing sector in Ireland.
We welcome the participation of all those engaged in the arts and ageing sector and those involved Bealtaine over the years or are newly engaging with its mission.
Our full programme will be announced in early September when booking will also open.
If you would like to be added to the register of interest and receive notifications about updates and booking information for this event, please email arts@ageandopportunity.ie.
Keynote speaker: Rita Ann Higgins
Rita Ann Higgins was born and lives in Galway. Her latest publication Jiving with Wasps New & selected poems demonstrates the extraordinary psychological insight, moral depth and social vision of a body of writing that puts human vulnerability, resilience and responsibility front and central stage. Correspondingly, her work also joyously celebrates the many dreams and belief systems – no matter how seemingly illogical or insufficient – that enable people to retain their sense of self-respect and hope. Catriona Clutterbuck The Irish. Rita Ann is presently writing a six-part series for TV.
