About Us

Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity, the national not-for-profit organisation that promotes opportunities for greater participation by older people in society through partnerships and collaborative programmes. Bealtaine is the largest co-operative arts festival in Ireland and, arguably, its biggest arts festival. Although the core of the festival takes place during the month of May, its effects are felt throughout the year.

Bealtaine aims to engage older people in the arts in Ireland in a participative and collective manner. It provides an opportunity for people to enjoy arts activities in later life that would not have been available to many of them in their earlier years. The festival incorporates all forms of art including music, theatre, literature, poetry, dance, film, storytelling, painting, drawing, print-making, sculpture and photography.

Bealtaine involves co-operation and collaboration between Age & Opportunity and a range of agencies and organisations including: national cultural institutions, national and regional arts bodies, public libraries, Active Retirement Associations, long-stay care facilities, local authorities and the Health Service Executive.

Age & Opportunity's programmes include:

Bealtaine – the national festival celebrating creativity in older age

Creative Exchanges – using the arts to transform the experience of residents and staff in care centres for older people

Go for Life – promoting greater participation by older people in sport and physical activity

AgeWise – raising awareness of ageism among policy-makers and service providers whose work affects the lives of older people

Ageing with Confidence – helping people to explore their own ageing in a positive way to maintain health and well-being

Get Vocal – strengthening the voice of older people in Irish society