There’s a drink and drug-free festival happening in Cavan this summer

Ireland’s only substance-free festival is returning to Cavan this August bank holiday weekend.

If you’re looking to enjoy a festival this summer without the week-long hangover and period of shook-ness that tends to follow, this holistic weekend in Cavan could be right up your alley.

The Healing Spirit Festival takes place just outside Milltown in Co Cavan, on the land of organiser and organic farmer Gearóid Teevan. The festival, previously known as the Healing Bridges Festival, aims to promote merry making and celebration in a substance-free way.

Over the weekend dozens of music acts will play the festival’s two stages, alongside dancing, food, workshops, art, yoga, storytelling, plant foraging, food stalls and plenty of family-friendly activities in the heart of Cavan’s Lakelands.

On the lineup are Liam Ó Maonlaí, trad folk outfit Kíla, New York rockers The Prodigals and Tipperary-based heavy folk band Bog Bodies. Attendees can also visit the Talk Tent where discussions will include biodiversity, Celtic myths, composting, the power of volunteering and more.

Speaking about the festival, organiser Gearóid said: “This year we are holding the festival at the time of Celtic Festival of Lughnasadh, which heralds the start of the harvest season and the celebration of new growth. I have a beautiful field of wheat growing which will be in full bloom for the festival. The festival is drink- and drug-free, so it is a very safe space with a dedicated children’s area. I wanted to show people, without preaching at them, that they can have a fun time without causing a hangover!”

Besides being drink-free, The Healing Spirit Festival is a return to how some Irish festivals now held on a massive scale with tens of thousands of attendees used to be – just a few heads dancing in a field, two stages, and the chance to feel like you’re in on a secret not many others know about just yet.

If you’re looking to head along you have the option of a day ticket or a weekend camping ticket, with a two-night camping ticket for one adult and up to four children for €200.

Tickets and more info available right here.

Header image via Lorraine Teevan

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