Táin March passing through Mullingar this weekend
The Táin March is passing through Mullingar this weekend, and to mark that, there is a event in the town park.
The meeting point is the Silver Brosna Sculpture, where archaeologist Paul Gosling, who has researched the route of the Táin, will discuss with artist Ann Meldon Hugh the inspiration behind the piece and how it refers to the epic tale of An Táin Bó Cúailnge.
It is a free event and all are welcome.
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Athlone Castle hosts Táin March gathering on Friday 24 June
Athlone Castle together with the Táin March Festival extends an invitation to those living in and visiting Athlone to welcome Queen Medb and her warriors to the town on Friday 24 June.
The Táin March procession will start at the Civic Square, Church Street at 5.30pm and proceed down Church Street and across the town bridge to Athlone Castle.
Athlone Castle will host a gathering for Queen Medb and the Táin March participants and supporters from 5.30pm to 7pm.
There will be free admission to the castle visitor centre and museum, outdoor board games, outdoor chess and costumes for children to dress up and have fun in the castle courtyard.
The Táin organisers will give demonstrations and encourage everyone to join in, and there will also be a brief talk about the Táin March.
The story of Táin is a story of envy, honour and military prowess. The armies of Connacht and Ulster met in a titanic struggle over a prize bull called Donn Cúailnge.
The Táin March was established in 2011 as a community walking festival to celebrate and promote the epic tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley.
It normally starts in Rathcroghan in County Roscommon, where Queen Medb began her quest for the Brown Bull of Cooley and ends in Bush, Cooley, County Louth.
Over three weekends and 12 walking days, marchers proceed from Rathcroghan to Cooley following Queens Medb’s route in pursuit of the Brown Bull.
This year’s festival is a little different as the march started in Cooley and is making its way to Mullingar and Athlone before reaching Rathcroughan.
Carmel Duffy, manager of Athlone Castle, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Táin March to Athlone Castle and we encourage everyone, especially families with children from the community of Athlone to join in the march and discover this Epic tale.”
Free workshops for children
To help the children get ready for the march, the festival organisers will deliver storytelling and drama workshops created around the story of the Táin.
These free workshops are on the afternoon and early evening of Wednesday 22 June. The workshops are suitable for children of nine-14 years of age.
Booking is essential via 090 6442130 or info@athlonecastle.ie as spaces will be limited.
See athlonecastle.ie/events for information or check out Athlone Castle on Instagram or Facebook.