ACTIVITY TYPE
LOCATION
FRIDAY 31 JULY 2026
FESTIVAL-WIDE GAME FOR CHILDREN
Become a member of a trading caravan travelling with Brennus’s expedition to conquer Rome. Along the way, you will have to demonstrate your physical fitness on an obstacle course, accuracy in archery, discipline during combat training, and care and precision when building a bridge. There will, of course, also be a labyrinth and a few challenges to put your brain to work.
Starting point: Through the gate into the open-air museum, on the left. See the map.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN A CELTIC HOUSE 3.0 — NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD!
Bc. Blanka Zelená, kmen Boii
We are gaining experience — and settlers — coming up with new ideas and putting many theories to the test. How far can you get in Celtic gear in the middle of winter weather? Can we protect our freshly caught trout from hungry cats? Can we cook a true La Tène dumpling? Come, once again after a year, to hear how our winter living experiments in the Land of the Celts are going and get answers to these questions and more.
BRONZE RING-MAKING WORKSHOP
Jan Kapustka
Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, participants will make their own bronze ring inspired by jewellery from the Celtic period, which they can take home at the end of the workshop.
Those with experience in making wire jewellery and their own tools are welcome to bring them. All necessary equipment will be provided on site for other participants.
The participation fee can be paid in advance by bank transfer or in cash on site. Those paying on site are kindly asked to arrive early. Anyone who does not arrive by the start of the workshop may have their place offered to someone on the waiting list.
registration: https://www.ornacero.cz/e-shop/kurzy-a-poukazy/lughnasad-patecni-vyroba-bronzoveho-prstenu
A TALK WITH IAN JOYCE: THE FIGHT FOR THE CELTIC LANGUAGE
A conversation with a relative of the great Irish writer James Joyce. With the artist Ian J. (b. 1961) we will talk about Irish culture and above all about his lifelong mission: bringing the endangered Celtic language, Gaeilge, back into Irish homes. (The event will be interpreted from English into Czech.)
HOW TO DIG CELTIC GRAVES, VERSION II
Mgr. Tomáš Bek; Archeologický ústav AV ČR
AMBER PROCESSING IN THE IRON AGE
Mgr. Michal Dientspier; Vlastivědné muzeum v Olomouci
The lecture will introduce visitors to amber as a material and to its use during the Iron Age. They will learn how amber reached this region along the Amber Road, where and how it was worked, and what kinds of objects could be made from it.
The audience will see examples of objects produced from amber during the Iron Age and explore the differences between amber jewellery from the Early Iron Age, associated with the Hallstatt culture, and the Late Iron Age, associated with the La Tène culture.
The lecture will also explain how modern archaeology studies amber artefacts, what this material can reveal about life in the Iron Age, and how archaeologists identify amber-working workshops in the archaeological record.
THE BARBARIC TRADE
Petr Vágner
This lecture introduces the possible trade contacts between the Germanic tribes in the so-called Barbaricum (above all in today’s Czech lands) and the Roman Empire. The many objects found here whose origin lies within the Empire (so-called imports) allow us to consider trade, even though written sources are scarce. We do not know exactly how this trade worked, but we can trace the fluctuating volume of Roman imports, the changing range of goods and the long-distance routes — all primarily on the basis of archaeological finds. One of the peaks in the influx of Roman goods is the horizon of Maroboduus’ realm.
THE WORLD OF LUXURY: A MAGNIFICENT GERMANIC JEWELRY PIECE IN SOUTH MORAVIA
Mgr. Alina Szabová; Mušov - Brána do Římské říše
Mušov – Gateway to the Roman Empire. What could a piece of jewellery reveal? And what did the small objects look like that kept their air of distinction even after centuries? The lectures will take you into the world of prestige, beauty and craftsmanship in southern Moravia during the Roman period. They present magnificent Germanic jewellery and enamelled Roman brooches – finds showing that luxury was not merely a matter of decoration, but also of social status, taste and contacts with the Roman world.
Presented by experts from the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
BEFORE THE CELTS, AFTER THE CELTS: ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AT A MULTICULTURAL SITE IN DOBROVICE
Pavel Hušťák; Pueblo - archeologická společnost, o.p.s.
The site at Dobrovice preserves evidence of settlement from the Neolithic and Bronze Age through to the Migration Period, allowing us to trace the transformations of society both before the emergence of the Celtic world and after its decline.
The lecture will present settlement and burial sites, the results of anthropological and scientific analyses, and the methods available to modern archaeology for reconstructing the lives of ancient communities.
ANCIENT TOURNAMENT
BRENNUS AND THE CONQUEST OF ROME
Mgr. Jan Hrdina
He stood at the head of the Celts who came to Italy in search of glory, wealth, and a new homeland. A confrontation with the rising power of Rome was only a matter of time. What happened that ultimately led to the burning of the city of Romulus? How did Brennus leave his mark on history? And did these events really unfold as the historian Livy described them? Brennus’s story is full of unanswered questions—and together, we will seek the answers.
DRUM MAKING WORKSHOP (PAVEL JASANSKÝ) – REGISTRATION NEEDED
Pavel Jasanský
THE WORLD OF LUXURY: ENAMEL ROMAN BUCKLES IN SOUTH MORAVIA
Mgr. Petra Dragonidesová, Ph.D.; Mušov - Brána do Římské říše
Mušov – Gateway to the Roman Empire. What could a piece of jewellery reveal? And what did the small objects look like that kept their air of distinction even after centuries? The lectures will take you into the world of prestige, beauty and craftsmanship in southern Moravia during the Roman period. They present magnificent Germanic jewellery and enamelled Roman brooches – finds showing that luxury was not merely a matter of decoration, but also of social status, taste and contacts with the Roman world.
Presented by experts from the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
AN ANNOTATED LOOK AT GLADIATOR EQUIPMENT
Roman Hora; Magna Lacerta Ludus Pilsnensis
Gladiatorial combat held an important and irreplaceable place in ancient Rome. The fights followed established rules, which evolved alongside the different types of gladiators and their equipment.
Join us on this fascinating journey as a guided demonstration of gladiatorial equipment reveals the differences between the murmillo and the Thracian, the retiarius and the secutor, and shows what weapons the scissor fought with.
The equipment on display is regularly used in full-contact gladiatorial combat. Visitors will be able to handle it, try it on, and see it worn by reenactors, gaining a clearer impression of what a gladiator would actually have looked like.
TOMÁŠ JAROŠEK – HARP MEDITATION
GRAIN GODDESS CRAFTING WORKSHOP
Lucie Horkel, tribe Boii
We will transform the gifts of Mother Earth into a small Goddess figure, symbolising abundance, protection, and the eternal cycle of life. Participants must arrive on time so that everyone can be guided through the entire process together, step by step.
THE ZÁVIST OPPIDUM—ARCHAEOLOGY, HERITAGE PRESERVATION, AND THE PUBLIC
Mgr. Daniel Bursák, Mgr. Pavel Horák, Ph.D.
The Závist oppidum is one of the most important La Tène-period sites in central Bohemia. It also clearly demonstrates that archaeological monuments are not merely subjects of academic research, but also part of the modern landscape, public space, and wider social debate.
The lecture will present Závist as a political, settlement, and symbolic centre of the Late Iron Age, while also focusing on the questions surrounding the site today. In connection with the ongoing debate over the revitalisation of the acropolis, we will examine the relationship between archaeology, heritage conservation, land management, and different groups within the public. Závist will serve as a concrete example of how complex archaeological issues can be communicated clearly, openly, and with due professional responsibility.
Attention will also be given to the role that local communities, interest groups, and organisations connected with contemporary pagan traditions can play in caring for sites of this kind.
The aim of the lecture is not only to present the past of one important oppidum, but also to show why and how we should talk about such places today.
IRISH DANCES WORKSHOP
Hana Radilová
KIDS CELTIC-ROMAN BATTLE
The Beard tribe
A space for young warriors! Our child recruits will be equipped with the armour and weapons of Roman legionaries and, after proper training, will fight a battle against the barbarians.
Everything is completely safe, and only padded weapons are used. Up to 60 children can take part.
BRINE – LIQUID LIGHT
Lenka Konfrštová, Zahrada pod Kletí
The ancient Celts regarded it as a sacred tool of purification—and it is no wonder, as salt appears in nearly every culture around the world. In this talk, we will explore why it has such powerful effects from the perspective of chemistry and physics, and how its properties can easily be put to use at home.
CONVERSATION ABOUT BEES AND HONEY
Mgr. Věra Gregorová, SOU Včelařské vzdělávací centrum, o.p.s. Nasavrky
Fascinating facts about the biology and behaviour of the honey bee. Honey is familiar to everyone—but do we really know everything about it?
MALEMIRISH
On Friday at 5:00 p.m., the well-known band MalemIrish will take to the stage, bringing a powerful dose of Irish energy to the Land of the Celts.
Their music combines traditional Irish melodies with a more modern approach to Celtic music, while their repertoire also features songs and sea shanties from the British Isles. Their concerts are full of vibrant energy, memorable melodies, and rhythms that few people can resist moving to.
MalemIrish are no newcomers to Lughnasad. Visitors last had the chance to hear them here last year, while their first appearance dates back to 2018. This year, they return to the Land of the Celts for the fourth time.
BRINE – LIQUID LIGHT, MAKING HOMEMADE COSMETICS FROM SALT (LENKA KONFRŠTOVÁ, ZAHRADA POD KLETÍ) – REGISTRATION NEEDED
Lenka Konfrštová, Zahrada pod Kletí
The ancient Celts considered it a sacred tool of purification, and no wonder — salt appears in almost every culture in the world. In the lecture we will look at why it has such powerful effects from the point of view of chemistry and physics, and how to easily use its power at home. In the practical part of the course you will make your own natural cosmetics: a salt hair spray, herbal bath salt, salt scrub, face mist with salt and rose water, salt micellar water and an herbal salt mouthwash (all from home-made hydrosols).
Lecture: free for festival visitors, no registration needed.
Course: advance registration only, course price CZK 1,490 (eBook included), maximum 15 participants.
Course registration deadline: 30 June 2026. Payment: CZK 500 deposit on registration, the rest on site in cash or by QR payment. Registration: +420 608 808 378.
GUIDED DEMONSTRATION OF CELTIC ROPE-MAKING
Josef Bus Lešetický (kmen Boiové & Fergunna)
Výroba keltských provazů – Povíme si jaké materiály používali Kelti v době železné k výrobě provazů, ukážeme si různá lýka, prozradím Vám co to je houžev a jak se vyrábí. Vše si budete moci nejen prohlédnout, ale také osahat a zjistíte jak je jednoduché z přírodních materiálů kolem Vás vyrobit provaz. Vše samozřejmě zasadíme do historického kontextu.
BRENNUS: THE STORY OF ROME’S CONQUEROR
Mgr. Jan Hrdina
He stood at the head of the Gauls who came to Italy in search of glory, wealth, and a new homeland. A confrontation with the rising power of Rome was only a matter of time. What happened that ultimately led to the sacking of the city of Romulus? How did Brennus leave his mark on history? And did these events truly unfold as the historian Livy described them? Brennus’s story is full of unanswered questions—and together, we will seek the answers.
GUIDED GRAIN-GRINDING DEMONSTRATION
Mgr. Lubica Kupcova; archeopark Mokrý Kút
The sad story of grain that becomes bread. Learn how grain was processed into flour in prehistoric and ancient times through a practical demonstration of grinding tools, which visitors will also have the opportunity to try for themselves.
GLORIA CELTIS
A traditional award honouring those who have contributed to the popularisation of Celtic history or supported the activities of our association. Each year, we recognise volunteers, archaeologists, historians, and reenactors who help bring the lives of our ancestors back to life.
ASONANCE
Asonance is one of the longest-established bands on the Czech folk scene. In its early years, the group was particularly influenced by the folk songs of Joan Baez, which inspired bandleader Honza Lašťovička to explore American and British ballads, especially their roots in the traditional music of the British Isles.
Alongside traditional songs performed in their original style, the band also presents folk music from the British Isles in more modern arrangements. However, traditionally interpreted songs and instrumental pieces remain an important part of their repertoire, as does one of the group’s defining features: multi-part vocal arrangements of selected folk and spiritual songs.
DICK O BRASS
Dick O’Brass are returning for the fifth time, ready to set pulses racing for everyone who loves energy, tradition, and a proper musical blast! They first appeared at the festival in 2011, and visitors last had the chance to hear them in 2023.
Their music is rooted in Celtic traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany, which they reshape in their own distinctive style and combine with original material. The result is a unique blend of Celtic rock and hard-driving rock music unlike anything else on the Czech scene.
The band has been performing since 2003 and has firmly established itself among fans of lively, honest, and untamed music.
TEMPUS
On Friday evening, Tempus will take to the stage 🎻
We believe this fantasy world music band needs little introduction. You may have seen them at Lughnasad for the first time last year. 🪈
Look forward to music woven from medieval melodies and rock elements, a hypnotic voice, and the unmistakable sound of the hurdy-gurdy, shawms, bagpipes, and other magical instruments. 🎶
We hope to see you right in the heart of the crowd, because this is going to be epic! 🥁
BRENNUS THE CONQUEROR INTRODUCES HIMSELF
A short scene on the oppidum rampart introducing the main characters of this year’s staged battle.
The year is 387 BC, and the Senones, led by a warrior later known as Brennus, are marching south towards Rome itself. After their victory at the Battle of the Allia, the Celts enter the city, which is soon engulfed in flames. 🔥
Then Chieftain Brennus utters the words that will go down in history: “Vae victis!” – Woe to the vanquished!
PIRATES OF THE PUBS
Friday’s programme will end on a wave of punk as Pirates of the Pubs sail in from South Bohemia!
This band of barroom layabouts only gets up from their drinks when it is time to roar into the microphones. Irish flute, violin, and accordion combined with powerful guitar riffs will leave you unable to sit still.
So stretch those muscles—the party is going to be huge!
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026
GUIDED WALK TO THE OPPIDUM IN HRADIŠTĚ NEAR ČESKÉ LHOTICE
Mgr. Tereza Jošková; Východočeské muzeum v Pardubicích
A guided archaeological walk to České Lhotice, the only oppidum in eastern Bohemia. Once again, we will set out along the popular trail from Nasavrky, today a thriving Celtic settlement, to Lhotice, the original oppidum where life bustled more than 2,000 years ago.
Meeting point: festival entrance.
TERRATHERAPY – HEALING WITH EARTH
Lenka Konfrštová, Zahrada pod Kletí
The ancient Celts believed the earth carries a deep healing power — and natural clays are one of its purest gifts. In the lecture we will talk about their remarkable effects, go through the individual types and show what each is used for. We will also look at different ways of application: on the skin, body and hair, as well as internal use.
TRAINING OF THE ROMAN LEGION WITH HORSES
Štvanci
Learn more about the Štvanci group: https://stvanci.com
FESTIVAL-WIDE GAME FOR CHILDREN
Become a member of a trading caravan travelling with Brennus’s expedition to conquer Rome. Along the way, you will have to demonstrate your physical fitness on an obstacle course, accuracy in archery, discipline during combat training, and care and precision when building a bridge. There will, of course, also be a labyrinth and a few challenges to put your brain to work.
Starting point: Through the gate into the open-air museum, on the left. See the map.
DEPICTIONS OF WESTERN AND NORTHEASTERN BARBARIANS IN ROMAN ART
PhDr. Jan Jílek, Ph.D.; Východočeské muzeum v Pardubicích / Masarykova univerzita Brno
The lecture will introduce the audience to Roman ideas about the peoples living on the fringes of the ancient world. Its main focus will be on Roman art and the meaning of depictions of barbarians on Roman monuments and artefacts, including statues, reliefs, and small works of art.
However, this will not simply be a tour of a “gallery of ancient art”. These artistic representations will also be compared with the archaeological evidence. Particular attention will be paid to the Celts, Dacians, Germanic peoples, and nomadic tribes.
OPENING OF THE CZECH–IRISH CONNECTIONS EXHIBITION WITH IAN JOYCE
Ian Joyce
🍀 This year, the sanctuary at the Land of the Celts will host two exhibitions dedicated to Ireland and Czech–Irish relations. 🍀
Until 31 July, visitors can explore the exhibition UNESCO + Ireland’s Top 10, presenting Ireland’s most important landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other remarkable places well worth discovering.
From 1 to 16 August, it will be followed by the premiere of Czech–Irish Connections, an exhibition tracing the historical and contemporary links between the Czech Republic and Ireland. The exhibition also includes a panel dedicated to the Lughnasad International Festival of Celtic Culture.
The exhibition opening will be attended by a very special guest: Ian Joyce, an Irish sculptor, performer, and composer from one of Ireland’s most prominent artistic families.
We warmly invite you to discover Irish culture and history, as well as the surprising stories connecting Ireland and the Czech Republic.
AUTHOR READING: A CELTIC OAK FAIRY TALE
David Doran Maroš
The sequel to The Celtic Oak Tale will once again take you to the Valley of the Ancient Oaks. What is the valley’s benevolent spirit up to, and how is the fairy of springs, streams, lakes, and rivers doing? And what are the Celtic warriors, their wives, and children planning? Could there be any surprises in store?
There is always something happening in the Valley of the Ancient Oaks. The Celts are never bored. The second volume was published in 2025, and we will be reading from it again this year at the Lughnasad festival in the Land of the Celts.
BRONZE RING-MAKING WORKSHOP – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Jan Kapustka
Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, participants will make their own bronze ring inspired by jewellery from the Celtic period, which they will be able to take home at the end of the workshop.
Those with experience in making wire jewellery and their own tools are welcome to bring them. All necessary equipment will be provided on site for other participants.
The participation fee can be paid in advance by bank transfer or in cash on site. Those paying on site are kindly asked to arrive early. Anyone who does not arrive by the start of the workshop may have their place offered to someone on the waiting list.
registration here: https://www.ornacero.cz/e-shop/kurzy-a-poukazy/lughnasad-vyroba-bronzoveho-prstenu
CONFARREATIO – A ROMAN WEDDING CEREMONY
Familia Valeria
Become a witness to confarreatio, the oldest and most sacred Roman wedding rite, reserved exclusively for members of the patrician class. Before your eyes, a ceremony led by a pontifex will come to life. During it, the bride and groom will make a sacred vow and share a spelt cake known as farreum—a symbol of their life together, unity, and an inseparable bond consecrated by the gods.
Come and discover one of the most important ceremonies of ancient Rome, learn about its symbolism and meaning, and become part of the festive atmosphere as guests at this extraordinary Roman wedding.
TOURNAMENT
On Saturday, look forward to a tournament in which representatives of the tribes you will meet throughout the festival in the open-air museum will face one another in single combat. 🥇 May the best warrior win!
A MINORITY LANGUAGE OR A WORLD LANGUAGE? THE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF IRISH LANGUAGE
doc. Radvan Markus, Ph.D.; Univerzita Karlova
Irish is one of the Celtic languages still alive today. Its history can be traced back to fourth-century inscriptions carved into stone stelae and to glosses in the margins of Latin manuscripts preserved on the European continent. Medieval Irish literature is unique in the number of surviving works and the range of genres and stories, and it also reflects some of the old Celtic myths and customs. From the seventeenth century onwards Irish declined (with many parallels to Czech), a decline partly reversed by the language revival at the turn of the twentieth century. Today Irish is a minority language in Ireland, yet one that is very much on the rise — as shown by the growth of Irish-language schools, the presence of Irish in the digital sphere and the success of literature and film in the language. Thanks to the Irish diaspora and general interest in Irish culture, Irish also has a far greater presence in the world than the number of speakers would suggest.
THE POWER OF SUMMER HERBS
Veronika Mergentalová
Which plants do we gather at the height of summer, what messages do they carry, and how can they be used for health and ritual?
Yarrow, agrimony, sage, oregano… and a full group of nine herbal allies. We will explore their everyday uses in the kitchen, their medicinal properties, and the messages they hold for the soul—messages that can guide us on our journey.
The lecture will be packed with practical tips, accompanied by fresh herbs, demonstrations of how they are processed, and a tasting of herbal products.
THE LOST CZECH HARP
Tomáš Jarošek
A witty, curious and inspiring performance about the history of the Czech harp. Did you know that the Celtic harp may actually be a Czech harp? That it used to be a widespread folk instrument? That our countrymen roamed the whole world with a harp on their back? You probably had no idea, because the harp was condemned by society and then lost from our history! The performance is full of surprises, humour and inspiration — drawn not only from history but also from the present-day life of a harp maker from southern Moravia.
Experience the story of the Czech harp. Come listen — and try playing it yourself.
THEATER GROUP KVÍTKO
the Kvítko amateur theatre company
A light-hearted play about Brennus and the Capitoline geese, performed by the Kvítko amateur theatre company.
THE CELTIC OPPIDUM AT STARÉ HRADISKO
Mgr. Hana Čižmářová, Ph.D.
LUGH’S OATH
Lucie Horkel, kmen Boii
The lecture Lugh’s Oath will focus on the legend of the Celtic god Lugh and the promise he made to his foster mother. Participants will discover the myth behind the origins of Lughnasad, the festival celebrating the harvest and the abundance of the land.
The lecture will reveal the meaning of this Celtic festival, which we will celebrate together for the twentieth time this year.
SCENIC BATTLE: BRENNUS THE CONQUEROR
Travel back to 387 BC, when the Celtic war leader Brennus defeated the Roman forces at the River Allia, and his warriors then went on to capture Rome itself.
This staged battle will bring one of the most significant events in Celtic history to life through dynamic combat demonstrations, period weaponry and armour, and narration that will introduce the audience to the historical context as well as the legendary phrase “Vae victis!” – “Woe to the vanquished!”
GROUP CONSTELLATIONS: OPENING TO ABUNDANCE
Kristýna Strolená
Lughnasad is a celebration of the harvest and a giving of thanks for its gifts. But do we allow ourselves to fully accept the fruits of our journey, or are we held back by family patterns and inner beliefs? In this experiential gathering we connect the language of epigenetics with the healing space of systemic constellations. The programme is designed so that everyone takes away a personal experience. Through the Saturation Method and constellation practice we will explore our inner capacity to receive abundance. Together we will create a safe space in which you can release what no longer serves you and gratefully accept the strength and support of those who came before us.
Limited capacity: 30 places. Please arrive on time — it will not be possible to join once the session has started.
CLASH OF THE TRIBES
Celtic tribes will face Roman units in a dynamic combat demonstration featuring warriors from numerous reenactment groups from the Czech Republic and abroad. Do not expect a theatrical performance or pre-rehearsed choreography—the clash is shaped above all by the energy, experience, and enthusiasm of the warriors themselves.
Reenactment is a hobby dedicated to recreating the lives, crafts, and warfare of our ancestors as faithfully as possible. Participants will demonstrate period weapons and armour, combat skills, and the tactics of ancient armies.
This year’s anniversary edition will bring a record turnout, with more than 250 reenactors appearing at Lughnasad. This makes it the largest gathering in the Czech Republic devoted to the La Tène and Roman periods. It is a unique opportunity to see an extraordinary variety of historical groups, equipment, and fighting styles together on a single battlefield.
THE FORGOTTEN CITY BENEATH THE HIGHWAY – THE DISCOVERY OF A LATE IRON AGE POWER CENTER NEAR HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
Mgr. Tomáš Mangel, Ph.D.; Univerzita Hradec Králové
The lecture will introduce you to the discovery of an economic and political centre dating from the Late Iron Age, uncovered in 2024 and 2025 during the construction of the D35 motorway near Hradec Králové.
You will learn about the finds themselves, the significance of the settlement, and the circumstances in which this unexpected discovery was made.
FESTIVAL QUIZ – REGISTRATION NEEDED
Vojtěch Boháč
Sign up for the festival quiz, traveller!
Do you enjoy taking part in pub quizzes with your friends? Now you can put your knowledge to the test at Lughnasad too! Form a team of 3–6 people and see how much you know about the festival and Celtic history.
❗ Registration is required and will remain open until capacity is reached. Register your team using the form below.
Register here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTdCzxNGyRM4GgMBIBCjsMzVDXrlVV1WMXLlRILdrChXVejw/viewform
HOW PREHISTORIC BEER WAS BREWED
David Kosák Maršálek; tribe Bacrie
The happy story of grain that becomes beer. The Solar Barque, the oldest beer known from our lands: how it was discovered, how it was brewed, and what it tastes like. A talk accompanied by a tasting.
BAR FAST THE DOOR
Bar Fast the Door is a trio consisting of multi-instrumentalist and singer Eoghan O’Reilly, violinist Ondřej Volčík, and guitarist Tomáš Vomočil. Their repertoire is based primarily on traditional Irish music, but also includes Eoghan’s original songs.
Bar Fast the Door’s music offers a unique listening experience, especially for those familiar with the captivating atmosphere of Irish pubs.
IRISH IN PRACTICE – AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE
doc. Radvan Markus, Ph.D.; Univerzita Karlova
In this short lesson you can get hands-on with one of the Celtic languages still spoken today. You will discover that both Czech and English contain a surprising number of words of Irish origin, and learn what role the language plays in Irish place names. You will also hear about some of Irish grammar’s “quirks”, including unexpected consonant changes at the beginnings of words and “conjugated” prepositions. Last but not least, you will learn to hold a basic conversation about the weather or order a drink. There will be time for questions too.
THE EARLY IRON AGE AND ITS ICONIC…
Eliška Cieslarová (tribe Taurondos)
What did life and culture look like in Bohemia and Moravia between the Bronze Age and the Late Iron Age—the period of the Celts familiar to visitors of Lughnasad? During the Early Iron Age, two distinct cultural spheres met in our lands, both of which deserve closer attention.
The best-known site from this period is the mysterious Býčí skála Cave. You will hear about the legends associated with it and, above all, the remarkable archaeological finds discovered there.
LUGHNASAD RITUAL
🌾 Wanderer, you are invited to the Lughnasad ritual!
The true highlight of the festival is neither the music programme nor the epic battle, but the ritual through which we honour the festival of harvest and abundance. 🌾
It will begin with a procession carrying the Grain Goddess, woven at the festival from ears of this year’s harvest. She will be brought to the ritual site, where the ceremony will continue. One by one, all the Celtic tribes will present their offerings. Afterwards, the volunteers will be invited to join the ceremonial fire—and, of course, so will you, together with the other wanderers! 🔥
💛 Wanderer, allow me one request.
The Lughnasad ritual is not a theatrical performance. It is an authentic spiritual ceremony, conducted not by actors, but by people who genuinely experience and live it. Please give yourself and others a moment of peace and silence, so that everyone can fully absorb its atmosphere.
The ritual is in no hurry. It lasts exactly as long as it needs to, and moments of stillness, reflection, and gratitude for the gifts of nature are an essential part of it.
We therefore ask all wanderers to respect its natural course and duration, and to avoid disturbing others. 💛
Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you in the Amphitheatre! 🌾💛
RÍ RA
On Saturday, you will also be dancing to the music of Rí Ra, a Prague-based band and one of the finalists in the European Celtic music competition held at the prestigious Montelago Celtic Festival in Italy. Their name means “good fun”, so you certainly have plenty to look forward to.
This year, the band celebrates 18 years on the Czech music scene, and this will be their fifth appearance at Lughnasad.
They first performed at the festival in 2009 and are now returning after three years.
FE HU PAGANFOLK
The Fe Hu Paganfolk project was founded in 2015 near Lake Garda in northern Italy, born from the vision of Jordi Tambara. After years of searching and evolution, the band returned to its roots—a connection between nature, spirituality, and the joy of life.
Their music blends medieval and folk melodies with modern rhythms. Expect the sounds of Irish bouzouki, nyckelharpa, flutes, guitars, bass, and percussion, accompanied by stories of youth, imagination, and freedom.
FIRE SHOW ALTERNA
FIVE LEAF CLOVER
At the festival’s 20th edition, Five Leaf Clover will also take to the stage with a hard-hitting rock show infused with Irish and Scottish melodies!
Together with their mascot, Shamus McSmelly, the band have already brought joy to Lughnasad six times—first in 2015 and most recently in 2024.
VINTAGE WINE
Vintage Wine is a Prague-based band whose repertoire consists primarily of Celtic and Irish songs mixed with a touch of rock music. Over the decade of its existence, its members have appeared at countless music events and played countless songs—notorious Irish and Scottish folk songs as well as their own compositions. In addition to shows where whiskey flows freely, a typical feature of this band is its distinctive musical expression, working title “Celtic Trash-folk.”
members:
Petr Polák – mandolin, mandola, vocals
Jakub Boháč – acoustic guitar, vocals
Radim Lapčík – violin, banjo
Matin Menšík – drums
Pavel Pšenička – bass guitar
web:https://www.vintagewine.cz/
instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vintagewinecz/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintagewineband
