Food, Fire & Folklore

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and flavours of the past. On Sunday 24th August, enjoy the mouth-watering aroma of a pig on a spit, watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate traditional techniques like spinning, weaving, leatherwork and book binding, and see the ancient fulacht fia in action as we recreate how our ancestors once cooked.

Join us in the Ringfort as award-winning Chef Mark Irwin cooks a pig on a spit, bringing ancient methods to life with mouth-watering results. On the day, he'll be serving delicious pork baps, traditional nettle dumplings, buttered corn and a summer fruit dessert, all cooked over an open fire.

Step inside the world of traditional craftsmanship with live demonstrations throughout the day. In the castle, Geraldine will showcase the age-old techniques of spinning and weaving. Arno will demonstrate the intricate work of book binding and leathercraft, sharing the tools and methods once used by our ancestors. At the Crannóg, Stefan will captivate visitors of all ages with enchanting tales of Irish myths and legends that have been passed down for generations.

Watch history come to life as we light the fulacht fiadh. This ancient cooking method involved heating stones in a fire and placing them into a water-filled trough to boil meat. Tony will demonstrate how this clever and resourceful technique was used to prepare food in prehistoric Ireland, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and survival skills of our ancestors.

Usual Admission Fee to Craggaunowen applies.