Song of the Scythe Festival
August 14th and 15th
A Celebration of Traditional Skills, Community, Land Restoration & Song
The Song of the Scythe is an annual gathering taking place August 14th and 15th. It celebrates the ancient craft of scything, ecological restoration, and community connection. Rooted in the spirit of the Irish meitheal—the tradition of neighbours coming together to work the land and support one another—this festival brings people together to share skills, care for semi-natural grasslands, and celebrate through music, poetry, and storytelling.
Whether you are a seasoned mower, an enthusiastic beginner, or simply passionate about nature conservation and native Irish heritage, there is something here for everyone.
Weekend Highlights
Hands-on Scything & Tool Care
Learn set-up, sharpening: peening, and efficient mowing techniques from expert instructors
Arts & Evening Performance
Experience an intimate evening of song, traditional music, and spoken word.
Event Schedule and Ticket Links
Full Weekend Pass
Friday
Workshops, walks and evening songs.
Saturday
Workshops, spoken word and song, Lunch from Skehana Hill Farm.
Camping & parking available
Friday 14th of August Schedule
Immersive Scything Workshop
Time: 11:00 AM
With: Chris Hayes, Fergus O'Regan, and Brian Browne
Whether you're new to scything or have years of experience, this practical, hands-on workshop is an opportunity to improve your skills. Bring your questions about technique, equipment, blade selection or mowing different conditions, and learn from experienced instructors Chris Hayes, Fergus O'Regan and Brian Browne.
*Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland
Visit to Gales Hill Semi-Natural Grass
Time: 3:00 PM
With: Dr. Maria Long (NPWS Grassland Ecologist)
Guided Grassland Walk
Join grassland ecologist Maria Long for a guided visit to Gale's Hill Nature Reserve in North Kilkenny, home to one of Ireland's rare orchid-rich semi-natural limestone grasslands. Discover why these precious habitats are disappearing, what makes a healthy grassland, and how conservation efforts are helping to restore and protect them.
An Evening of Song at Graine Native Tree Nursery
Time: 7:00 PM
Featuring: Muireann Ní Shé, Crispy Quill, and William Slattery (Hosted by Lus na Tine)
Lus na Tine presents Muireann Ní Shé and Crispy Quill with William Slattery for an evening of song at Graine Native Tree Nursery.
Saturday the 15th of August Schedule
Saturday Festival Day and Meitheal
Time: 11:00 AM onwards
Featuring: Graine Native Tree Nursery
Activities
- Morning Scything Meitheal & Skills Exchange
- Sharpening & Peening Clinics
- Grass Identification & Hedgerow Walk
- Traditional Hay Weaving
- Micro-talks with Guest Speakers
- Spoken Word & Song with Paddy Doyle and Lus na Tine
- Local food featuring lunch from Skehana Hill Farm
