Imbolc

1 February, 2026

February hangs heavy in many a heart
The sun still hides behind rain swollen clouds
and yet it fights each day to shine a bit longer
over the winter-worn multitudes

Let us fight that winter melancholy together
Join us in celebrating the coming of light
at our one-day revel, Imbolc
As in past times people celebrated
the Chailleach of winter giving sway to Brigid,
so shall we, with the making of candles, butter, and planting seeds.

Food For the feast, we put a call to all who would join us, and hope ye answer.
We would love to highlight the foods that remained in February, those that were stored and preserved in all manners whether it be drying, curing, salting or other methods of preservation. We can share what we have preserved from now until the event, eat together and share our experiences.

Our main meal will be a potluck and will feature foods that have been preserved, or would have remained at this liminal time between the depth of winter and the resurgence of Spring. If you don’t preserve anything, we would love for you to join us as well! Here are some ideas to how you can contribute to the feast. • Cold meats and cheeses are excellent.
• Fruits (fresh or dried) and pickles of any kind (from fish to gherkins).
• German-style sausages are ideal.
• Boiled eggs and pies are good.
• Baklava isn’t quite period, but there are very similar period desserts so we welcome it!
• Halwa, barfi, and almost all Middle Eastern sweet things are great!

Activities During the day there will be the following activities:

• Candle Making
• Butter Making
• A&S Display
• Bardic

Any questions can be directed to the event stewards, Gwerful an Filí and Mallymkun Rauði.

A&S Display

The theme for Imbolc’s A&S Display is “Light”. So bring along your (brightest or lightest) A&S project and let us all enjoy the spark of your creativity. All entries that relate to or invoke the theme are welcome, and artisans are encouraged to be creative in their interpretation. Entries do not need to be created specifically for the display; artisans are welcome to enter something they have previously made. Entries do not need to be physical items; research entries are very welcome.

Documentation of your entry is encouraged but not strictly required. We encourage you to include a short document in your entry with your SCA name a short description of the item its connection to the theme and your inspiration what period and location it is attributed to any other information you would like to include (optional), e.g., how was it made in period, and who would have used it? What tools, materials and practices were used (and did you do anything differently in your entry?) You could also include sources you used for your research, describe your process for creating your entry, or talk about what you learned from creating it. All attendees are cordially invited to view the display, discuss their entries with participants and ask questions.

If you wish to participate in the display, please contact Ingemar of Dun in Mara on Discord, email (nadja@ef.gy) or at the event so we can allocate a table to you.

Pre-booking is essential. Last day to purchase tickets will be 27 January

Event Fees

All fees include Fienta’s administration fee.
SCA Member: €20.00
SCA Member - Unwaged/Student: €15.00
Non-SCA Member: €25.00
Children 12 and under: €0.00

Location:

The event will be held at the Jim Kirwan Scout Hall in Clara, County Offaly.
The site is moderately accessible, with some bumpy doorways. There is plenty of parking space for those driving, and it is also only a 5 minute walk from the nearest train station with connections to Dublin Heuston.
Site Address: Jim Kirwan Scout Hall
Clara
Co. Offaly
R35 HT67

Staff

Event Stewards: Gwerful an Filí & Mallymkun Rauði