Beocht an earraigh - The breath of Spring

Propagate 2026

Catalyst is very pleased to announce this year’s propagate (our annual community outreach programme) ‘Beocht an earraigh’; a two part workshop centred around Brigid and our relationship with local surroundings, exploring language (English/Irish) and its relationship to the natural world.

Part 1 (Saturday 21 February): We celebrate the first new shoots of the Spring with a bilingual (Irish/English) guided walk through Colin Glen Forest with Aoife de Bhál. A chance to practice your cúplá focal in a relaxed environment, and to tap into the rhythm of the seasons. Join us to spot mushrooms, sample wild teas and gather rushes together. All gathered materials will be used for traditional crafts in workshop 2. 

Part 2 (Sunday 22 February): In this workshop, participants will learn how to make crosses, dolls and candles using rushes. Learn about the folklore, mythology and rituals associated with the goddess Bríd/Saint Bridget, the rhythms of the Celtic calendar and the Irish language and its relationship to the natural world.

Aoife de Bhál is a Gaeilgeoir from Béal Feirste. Their work focuses on bringing people into community with each other, and with the other creatures we share our world with. Aoife runs events and courses through Fálróid, which is the Irish word for ‘rambling, walking at your ease’. This work invites people of all ages to enter into a relaxed exploration of teanga, landscape and the rhythms of the natural world through foraging, craft, storytelling and Forest School. They are especially fond of fungi, rivers and crows.

Day 2