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Future Ancestor Athy 2026
Honouring Berba: A Celebration of Heritage & Ecology
Athy Library Grounds | 16 May 2026 | Marking the Start of National Biodiversity Week
Blueway Art Studio and Doras na Feasa Collective are proud to present Future Ancestor Athy from 1-4pm on the 16th May 2026 in partnership with Athy Library. This immersive event weaves together eco-workshops, art installations, and live performances centred on Berba, the mythical Goddess of the River Barrow.
As a witness to all that has come before, Berba symbolises the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future. She remains a constant presence through changing times, representing the vital role of the River Barrow in the life and history of Athy.
“Future Ancestor Athy fosters behavioural change by strengthening the community’s sense of place, weaving together Earth Charter values, local folklore, and the living ecology of the River Barrow.”
Click here to Meet the Team & doras na feasa
Watch: The 2024 Pilot Festival
Catch a glimpse of the magic from our pilot event in the reel below. To dive deeper into the background concept, our focus on river ecology, imaginative storytelling, and the future plans/events for our ambitious long-term program and water parade click here
Our Foundation: The Earth Charter
The Earth Charter is a document featuring 16 principles that inspire a global movement to build a just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Born from a decade-long worldwide dialogue, the Charter emphasises our interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of all people, the greater community of life, and future generations.
Featured Socially-Engaged Projects
Future Ancestor Athy is proud to showcase the collaborative work of four distinct community projects:
| Project | Collaborators |
|---|---|
| Crann Taca (Anchor or Support Tree) run by Anchor Youth Club and Emily Rainsford, will look at The River as our Anchor – introducing Crann Taca (Support Tree). In Irish, Crann Taca signifies a pillar or a point of support. It is the “support tree” that holds firm while the world flows around it. Under the guidance of Emily, local youths explore sustainability and heritage through the craft of Artist Books. They aren’t just making art; they’re exploring the rights of the river and our duty to the future. | Anchor Youth Club & Emily Rainsford |
| The Moth Project delivered through Athy Sing & Sign, Wild Kildare, artists Angelina Foster and Cathy Heffernan, will take us on an adventure, weaving together the ancient and the modern. From the “Moth” (An Scéalaí), our climate messenger to the Goddess of the Barrow is embodied by the playful otter. We’ll explore Irish Sign Language (ISL), moth biodiversity, and folklore, then craft eco-protest banners inspired by the Earth Charter and World Deaf Flag. | Athy Sing & Sign, Angelina Foster & Cathy Heffernan |
| Rafta Bherba (Berba’s Float) by Athy Men’s Sheds and Nessa Doran O’Reilly are restoring a traditional Irish open water boat into a biodiversity-themed float. By rescuing a vessel from landfill, the project champions circular building and community heritage skills, exploring the shared history of Galway and Athy. | Athy Men’s Shed & Nessa Doran O’Reilly |
| One Voice. One Action. by Griese Youth Theatre explores a world where river creatures find their voice, urging us to truly see the nature around us. This performance also celebrates the 101st anniversary of the Kildare County Council Library Service, honouring the library as a vital community resource | Griese Youth Theatre |
Also Featuring:
- Performances by Athy Comhaltas reminding us of our roots and the power of music in honouring our ancestors, and rising star Makayla Chloe. Makayla is a singer-songwriter from Athy, County Kildare. A member of the young music collective MOA, she has already begun to make her mark, performing alongside renowned artists such as Bob Geldof and Amble.
- An ISL-supported walk & talk along the Barrow, led by Cliff Reid of Boattrips.ie
- Hands-on Learning: Free eco-workshops and interactive art installations throughout the grounds.
- Berba’s Reverie by Deirdre Southey
Berba’s Reverie by Deirdre Southey
“When future generations look back upon the Great Derangement they will certainly blame the leaders and politicians… for their failure to address… climate… but they may well hold artists and writers to be equally culpable – for the imagining of possibilities is not after all, the job of politicians and bureaucrats.”…..— Amitav Ghosh, The Great Derangement
Investing in our Future Ancestors
We are extremely grateful to all our 2025/26 funders below, without whom this event could not take place. Their support enables us to bridge the gap between art, ecology, and communities in Athy and beyond.
- Kildare County Council, through the Climate Innovation Award
- Kildare Biodiversity Office, The Heritage Council & Kildare Creative Communities.
- Waterways Ireland
- Circular Communications Award from Circularity.ie through Doras na Feasa
- Athy Lions Club
