Invoking Ireland: Connecting With the Source
Schedule
Sat Mar 28 2026 at 08:00 pm to 09:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell | Belfast, NI
About this Event
A reflection of the ideas of Irish philosopher and mystic John Moriarty (1938 – 2007) through readings from his works, stories from Irish mythology, poetry and music. We reflect on John’s vision of walking beautifully on the Earth with the aim of renewing and enriching a sense of meaning and purpose. Guest speakers and performers will include Irish actor and comedian Tommy Tiernan, musician Liam O’Maonlai and Diarmuid Lyng of Wild Irish Retreats.
John Moriarty (1938-2007) was a highly original Irish philosopher, mystic, and writer from County Kerry, renowned for his unique blend of Celtic myth, personal experience, and deep ecological thought, often described as Ireland's greatest thinker you've never heard of, who drew from ancient Irish stories and landscapes to address modern problems, living a reclusive life near Mangerton Mountain.
About the performers:
Tommy Tiernan has worked for the past 30 years as an actor, comedian, podcaster and chat show host. He met John Moriarty in the summer of 2002 and has been strongly taken by his work ever since.
Liam O’Maonlai is a versatile and multifaceted Irish musician, singer and song writer, best known as founder and lead vocalist with the Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers. Liam has a deep passion for the Irish musical tradition and in particular Sean-nós singing. His more recent work is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Irish traditional music. His work emphasises the importance of cultural heritage and the universal language of music and it resonates deeply within and beyond Ireland.
Diarmuid “Gizzy” Lyng is a former Wexford hurling captain who runs Wild Irish with his partner, poet Siobhán de Paor. Having recently purchased a home and land in South Kilkenny, they are in the process of establishing a cultural and Irish-language centre, a Scoil Scairte: a living space for story, spirituality, and connection. Diarmuid has curated and performed in a variety of events around Ireland, bringing the teachings of John Moriarty to a wider audience.
Cáit Ní Riain is a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Upperchurch in Co.Tipperary. She is deeply rooted in Irish traditional music and song, and has been influenced by the great depth and beauty of the songs and tunes of Ireland, and of folk musics the world over. She is particularly passionate about the traditional songs of Ireland, the keening tradition, the deep embodiment of voice, and voice as a potent healing and spiritual tool. She plays piano and sings in ‘The Weaving’, alongside accordionist and singer, Méabh Begley and Leeds’ fiddler, Owen Spafford. She holds a BA/MUS from University College Cork and an MA from University College Dublin in Irish Folklore and Ethnology.
Where is it happening?
St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, Belfast, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 24.10
