Step Into Nature: Imbolc Festival Invites You to Learn, Create and Get Involved

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting families, schools, community groups and nature enthusiasts to take part in a series of Imbolc Festival events in Crossmaglen, celebrating the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the Ring of Gullion.

Taking place from 31 January to 4 February as part of Imbolc Festival 2026 (28 January–8 February), the programme is supported by the Council through the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and focuses on how communities can work together to care for the area’s unique environment.

The programme begins on Saturday 31 January with a full-day Soil Chromatography Workshop in Crossmaglen Community Centre. Led by artist Julie Corcoran alongside the Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and Ring of Gullion AONB teams, the workshop introduces participants to this art–science technique, revealing the hidden patterns and colours within soil. Participants are encouraged to bring a small soil sample from a place meaningful to them. Booking is essential and the cost is £5.

Also on Saturday 31 January, from 10.30am to 2pm, the ‘Guardians of Gullion’ family-friendly engagement day will take place in Crossmaglen Community Centre. The event will showcase practical actions people can take to support local nature, with interactive biodiversity stands, conservation groups and free talks on geodiversity, soil health, river protection and local heritage. Activities will also take place in Crossmaglen Library, including a bilingual talk on trees, folklore and place names.

For those unable to attend the full workshop, a Soil Chromatography demonstration will be held on Tuesday 4 February, from 6pm to 7pm, in Crossmaglen Library.

Speaking ahead of the events, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said, “The Ring of Gullion AONB lies within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and are places of exceptional natural and cultural value. These events highlight how each of us can play a role in caring for them. By understanding the links between our soils, rivers, wildlife and geology, we can work together to protect these landscapes for generations to come.”

Booking is essential for all activities and can be made at:
Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford GeoPark- Events

The full Imbolc Festival programme is available at:
Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford- What's On