Arts, Heritage & Archives

Living  /  Services  /  Arts, Heritage & Archives  /  Arts  /  Funding & Support Opportunities  /  2021 Strategic Projects  /  The Shaking Bog Nature Writing Festival
IN THIS SECTION

The Shaking Bog Nature Writing Festival

Nature Trail with Declan Murphy

“For a brief time, we want to encourage everyone to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so that together - through the events of the festival - we may move into a deeper appreciation of our instinctive connection to the natural world. After all, this profound sense of connection is a key to safeguarding what is most precious for future generations.”

Heading (H2)

Help members of the public to scan text - Break text into chunks using short paragraphs, lists and sub-headings in order to help members of the public quickly understand and absorb information. Keep content clear and concise.

  • Use plain English.
  • Avoid technical words, unfamiliar abbreviations or acronyms; also avoid French and Latin expressions.
  • Be consistent with terms throughout your document.
  • Proofread your document to ensure correct spelling and punctuation.

Heading (H2)

Help members of the public to scan text - Break text into chunks using short paragraphs, lists and sub-headings in order to help members of the public quickly understand and absorb information. Keep content clear and concise.

  • Use plain English.
  • Avoid technical words, unfamiliar abbreviations or acronyms; also avoid French and Latin expressions.
  • Be consistent with terms throughout your document.
  • Proofread your document to ensure correct spelling and punctuation.
Nature Trail with Declan Murphy
Caption

Founded in 2019 by Catherine Nunes, The Shaking Bog Festival is set in the beautiful surroundings of Glencree Valley and it is aimed at anyone and everyone who shares an interest in nature and writing; art and the environment; community and education; connection and conversation. 

The title of the festival is derived from the old Irish “Gleann Crí”, which is itself derived from the ancient “Gleann Criothach”, roughly translated as the “Valley of the Shaking Bog”. The idea of a festival such as this sprung from a love for the wonderous valley, a valley where many of the contributors and attendees are privileged to live and work in. It is a valley of beauty, history and magic. The festival is local in spirit but international in aspiration. 

Following the success of the inaugural 2-day immersive event in 2019 where perspectives of the natural world were reawakened. A plethora of diverse experiences took place such as readings and discussions from world-renowned authors and poets including acclaimed poets Pascale Petit and Paul Durcan, award-winning nature writer John Lewis-Stempel and famed children’s author Shane Hegarty; a dramatic presentation at dusk; a bumper day of art and nature events for children; bird watching; a wildlife photography workshop presented by award-winning Theo Jebb; dancing by the fire with The Straw Boys; a nature trail with Declan Murphy and a grand finale celebratory concert featuring some stellar musicians, including Liam O’Maonlai and the Square Pegs, among others. It was a magical evening of reading, song and music.

Caption