Legendary Hippie Rainbow Gathering returns to Slieve Blooms

The famous Rainbow Gathering is returning to the Slieve Bloom Mountains more than three decades after it was last held in the Laois Offaly range.

Lughnasa Moon Rainbow Gathering Ireland '24 has announced that they had found a “beautiful site” for their late summer gathering in Cadamstown.

"It is situated in rolling hills with beautiful views overlooking a vast plain. But, it is sheltered somewhat from the elements by forest and hills,” said the organisers

They also pointed out that the site near Offaly village has running water and “bountiful firewood,” as well as much land for camping together.

“The gathering site is surrounded by very well maintained nature hikes through the Sliabh Bloom hills. The giant's grave, the resting place of the Celtic King which gives the mountains their name, is close by,” said the group.

The group is looking for volunteers this weekend July 27/28 to set up a “seed camp” from July 27 to August 11th. The main gathering will run from August 11 to mid-September 2024.

They are looking for volunteers to gather firewood for a big welcome blaze. People are also being sought to set up a kitchen as well as creating a weatherproof welcome lodge. Dry storage areas need to be established and toilet pits and paths also need to be made.

They also ask people on their social media sight to please coordinate your arrival through the correct channels to keep organised and keep Johnny (landowner) informed.

The contact information is Email: irishrainbowgathering@riseup.net. Call / Text: 085 1847390.

On August 25, 1993, a group of over 2,000 “Rainbow Gatherers” came from all over Europe to the small townland of Ballyhupahaun, Rosenallis, to share in peace and love, and earned national media attention for themselves and for the beautiful townland. It was later the subject of a book by The Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun by Johnny Renko aka John Whelan a former senator and editor of the Leinster Express.

The gathering received a lot of media coverage, with curious people from near and far coming along to see these “fascinating Rainbow people”.

One report even stated that former Taoiseach Charles Haughey flew over the Slieve Bloom site in an aeroplane to catch a glimpse of these much talked about people in their talking circle and black magic hat.

The gathering was warmly welcomed by locals and was a great success.