Online Writing and Art Workshops for Bealtaine Festival - Register early

 

Two Online Highlights from Bealtaine Festival 2026

Bealtaine Festival — Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and ageing — is back this May with an exciting programme of workshops, performances and creative gatherings designed to inspire and connect people aged 50 and over. Whether you’re a painter curious about abstract landscapes or a writer looking for motivation and community, there’s something online for you this year.

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🎨 Explore Your Artistic Side: Exploring Abstract Landscape

🗓 11th, 13th & 15th May • 10:30 am–12:00 pm (online)

A creative three‑part online workshop inviting you into the playful world of abstract and expressive landscape painting. Led by artist Julie Cusack, this series encourages experimentation with colour, mark‑making, and intuitive creative processes. Whether you’re totally new to painting or simply looking to loosen up your creative muscles, you’ll enjoy guided demos, supportive instruction, and the chance to create multiple pieces throughout the course.

👉 Book your place here:
📌 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bealtaine-festival-exploring-abstract-landscape-11th-13th-15th-may-tickets-1985611220612?aff=erellivml

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✍️ Write, Create & Connect: Bealtaine Festival 2026 – Write So! with The Stinging Fly

🗓 5th & 19th May • 10:00 am–12:00 pm (online)

If writing is your passion (or something you’ve always wanted to try), this two‑session online workshop is a perfect fit. In partnership with The Stinging Fly, writers Martina Evans and Danielle McLaughlin host these interactive sessions designed to spark fresh ideas and give you time, space and encouragement to write — whether you prefer fiction or poetry. Beginners are warmly welcomed, and the supportive structure is ideal for anyone wanting to get started on something new.

👉 Reserve your spot here:
📌 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bealtaine-festival-2026-write-so-with-the-stinging-fly-5th-19th-may-tickets-1985594961982?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

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🙌 What Makes These Workshops Special

Both events are part of the Bealtaine Festival’s wider effort to highlight the creative potential and community connection that arts can bring as we age. The festival runs throughout May with dozens of online and in‑person activities — from music and performance to talks and exhibitions — all framed around the theme of creativity, connection and a “Lust for Life.”

Whether you’re exploring colour on a virtual canvas or finding your voice on the page, this year’s online offerings are a great way to connect, learn and create from wherever you are.

✨ Call Out to Cultural Companions! The Great Skill Swap 2026 ✨

 At our last coffee morning, a wonderful idea sparked: what if we could create a space for our community to share skills, passions, and curiosities, just for the joy of learning from one another?

We’re thrilled to invite you to The Great Skill Swap 2026, happening in time for Bealtaine, the festival that celebrates creativity as we age!

This is your chance to bring your talents—big or small, professional or playful—into a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you knit, paint, write, dance, play an instrument, or have a curiosity you’d love to explore with others, we want you to join us.

We’ll take care of the venue, tea, coffee, and some tasty treats—all you need to bring is your idea 💡.

Interested in sharing your skills? Fill out this quick form to let us know what you’d like to bring: Sign up here

Let’s make something wonderful together—learning, laughing, and connecting in true CCC spirit. We can’t wait to see what you’ll share!

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🍲 Celebrating Community & Cuisine: Cultural Companions Cookery Demo with Clara Cooks

Food has an extraordinary power to bring people together, sparking conversation, and creating moments that linger long after the last bite. That’s the spirit behind the Cultural Companions Cookery Demo with Clara Cooks, taking place on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street in Youghal, Cork. eventbrite.ie

This special event is held in collaboration with Cumann na Daoine and the Youghal Active Retirement Association. It is part of the Cultural Companions programme designed to encourage social engagement through arts, culture, and shared experiences.

👩‍🍳 Meet the Chef: Clara Cooks

At the heart of this demo is Clara, the creative force behind Clara Cooks — a Cork‑based culinary educator, caterer, and food enthusiast with a passion for teaching and sharing Irish flavours. From delicious home cooking grounded in family traditions to an internationally inspired approach honed through travel and formal chef training, Clara brings both expertise and heart to the kitchen.

🍽️ What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to an engaging live cookery demonstration where Clara will share her skills and insights into preparing delicious dishes that celebrate local produce and seasonal flavours. She will share tips on cooking for one or two people and batch cooking,

🤝 Food, Culture & Connection

This cookery demo stands as a lovely example of how food can enhance cultural engagement. The Cultural Companions programme supports shared experiences that reduce social isolation and build community bonds by integrating arts and culture into everyday life

📅 Save the Date

• When: Thursday, 23 April 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (approx.)
• Where: Cumann na Daoine, Youghal, Cork

⚠️ Numbers are strictly limited, so booking in advance via Eventbrite is essential to secure your spot.

Celebrate Learning with Cork Cultural Companions at Lifelong Learning Festival 2026

Cork Cultural Companions are delighted to be part of this year’s Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, taking place from April 22nd to 29th 2026 - a week-long celebration of learning, creativity and community across the city and county.

The festival brings together hundreds of free events, inviting people of all ages and interests to try something new, share skills, and connect with others.

This year, Cultural Companions invite you to join us for a series of welcoming and engaging events designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and enjoy learning together.

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🍲 Cookery Demo with Clara Cooks

Join us in Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal on Thursday 23rd April at 4pm for a delicious and engaging cookery demonstration with Clara Cooks.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for inspiration, this is a great opportunity to pick up tips, enjoy good company, and maybe discover a new favourite dish.

📌 Spaces are limited – booking required via Eventbrite 

Book your place

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🌿 Nature Then & Now – Workshop

Step into a thoughtful and interactive workshop exploring how our natural environment has changed over time. 

📍 Civic Trust House, Cork City
🗓 Friday 24th April at 2pm

This session offers a chance to reflect, learn, and share perspectives in a relaxed setting.

📌 Spaces are limited – booking required via Eventbrite

Book your place

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☕📱 Coffee Morning with a Helpful Twist

Join us for a friendly coffee morning with a practical edge at the Mercy Centre, Mallow on Tuesday 28th April from 10:30am to 12pm.

Enjoy tea, treats, and great conversation—while also getting help with everyday smartphone and WhatsApp questions, such as:

• Sending photos and voice messages
• Muting group chats
• Adding contacts
• Finding messages or managing notifications

Whether you’d like to learn something new or are happy to lend a hand to others, everyone is welcome.

📌 Booking required

Book your place

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Come Along and Get Involved

All of our events reflect the spirit of the Lifelong Learning Festival—encouraging everyone to investigate, participate and celebrate learning in a fun and supportive way.

Whether you’re curious to try something new, meet new people, or share your own skills, we’d love to see you there.

👉 All events are free but booking is essential as places are limited.

Mallow Cultural Companions Coffee Morning with a Helpful twist!

 ☕📱 Join Us for a Coffee Morning with a Helpful Twist!

As part of the Lifelong Learning Festival, Cultural Companions are hosting a relaxed and friendly coffee morning at the Mercy Centre, Mallow on Tuesday 28th from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Come along for a chat over tea and treats with fellow Cultural Companions and bring your smartphone questions with you! We’ll have friendly help on hand for common WhatsApp queries, like:
• How to mute busy group chats
• Sending photos and voice messages
• Finding and opening messages or photos
• Adding a new contact
• Managing notifications and settings

Whether you’d like to learn a few handy tips or you’re already tech-savvy and happy to lend a hand to others, you’re very welcome to join us.

It’s all about sharing skills, building confidence, and enjoying good company ☕

📍 Mercy Centre, Mallow
🗓 Tuesday 28th
⏰ 10:30am – 12:00pm

Spread the word... we’d love to see you there!

Community Safety Day Tuesday, April 21st | 4pm – 7pm

 

Strengthening Safety & Wellbeing:  Community Safety Day in Millennium Hall

Cork City residents are invited to a free public event dedicated to community safety and wellbeing: Community Safety Day, taking place on Tuesday, April 21st, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Millennium Hall, Cork City Hall.

This special afternoon brings together residents, community organisations, local businesses, Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, and other stakeholders to explore practical strategies and resources for a safer city.

What to Expect:

• Expert speakers covering key topics including:
  • Safety after dark
  • Domestic violence awareness
  • Online fraud and scams
  • Crime prevention tips for residents and businesses
• Opportunities to connect with local services and community organisations
• Practical advice and resources to strengthen safety in your neighbourhood

How to Register:

• Online: REGISTER HERE
• Phone: 021 4924000
• Email: communitysafety@corkcity.ie

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community volunteer, Community Safety Day offers valuable insights, resources, and connections to help Cork remain a safe and vibrant city. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and get involved!

Fake, Real, or Somewhere In Between? Help Shape a Media Literacy Pilot for Older Adults

 

📰 What News Can You Trust?

Cork Cultural Companions is exploring a new pilot: “Informed & Connected: Media Literacy & Civic Engagement” for older adults. 

We want to help people critically engage with news, spot bias, and reflect on civic and societal issues but first, we’d love your input!

Tell us what you think:

• What challenges do you face in understanding or trusting the news?
• Would you be interested in discussion-led sessions, creative exercises, or workshops on media literacy?

Your feedback will help shape a programme that truly meets the needs of older adults in Cork. 

Take short survey by clicking on this LINK