August in Ireland with Stephen Walsh: Traditions, Festivals, and Harvest Time

August marks a significant turning point in the traditional Celtic calendar, with August 1st (Lughnasadh) recognized as the first day of autumn. This ancient marker heralds a season of gathering, celebration, and deep connection to the land.

Lughnasadh is a 30-day festival that dates to Ireland’s earliest traditions and literature. Named after the god Lugh, the festival celebrated the first fruits of the harvest and symbolized humanity’s triumph over scarcity and blight.

Historically, Lughnasadh was marked by large gatherings atop hills and mountains. These included ritual ceremonies, athletic competitions, feasting, matchmaking, trading, and visits to holy wells. Evidence suggests that sacrifices, symbolic dances, and the offering of new crops like bilberries were common. These practices celebrated fertility, abundance, and the cycle of life.

Many modern fairs are believed to be descendants of Lughnasadh celebrations. One notable example is the Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, where a wild mountain goat (the “puck”) is crowned and celebrated in a unique blend of folklore and festivity.

Putting out the hare!

August is also prime harvest season across Ireland. One fascinating custom is the tradition of “putting out the hare.” As crops were cut, animals hiding in the last sheaf would be driven out with a cheer or noise. Farmers took pride in finishing their harvest before others, and it became common to leave one sheaf standing while workers shouted to “send the hare” to neighbouring fields.

In some regions, the final sheaf was cut in a ritualized way: workers stood back and took turns throwing their reaping hooks to sever it. Practices like this were observed from Antrim and Down in the north-east to Limerick and Tipperary in the south-west, reflecting how widespread and deeply rooted these customs were.

Festivals in Ireland

While ancient traditions still echo in rural life, modern festivals bring people together in new ways:

• The Dublin Horse Show (August 6th–10th) is one of Ireland’s premier equestrian events. Hosted at the RDS, it features international show jumping, dressage, and exhibitions showcasing Ireland’s elite horse breeding. It remains a major draw for horse lovers from around the world.
• The Rose of Tralee Festival (August 15th-19^th) celebrates Irish heritage on a global scale. Now in its 66th year, the festival invites women of Irish ancestry from across the world to take part in a personality-based competition rooted in cultural pride. Each “Rose” is paired with a male escort and participates in events, parades, and interviews throughout the week.

August remains a time of deep tradition and vibrant celebration in Ireland. From ancient harvest rituals to modern festivals that span the globe, the month offers a unique blend of history, culture, and community.

Here at Connemara Marble Jewelry, we look forward to our celebration over on QVC for our annual Rose of Tralee celebration and both Stephen and Denise will be live in studio! We hope you will all tune in – Exciting times!

Closer to home we are bringing lots of new pieces to our collection and are really ramping up for the final and busiest few months of the year. We are sad to say goodbye to summer but look forward to the next season.

Slán,

Stephen