Laois Slieve Bloom villagers plan revival of legendary 1993 eco Rainbow Gathering

A warm invitation to the international Rainbow Gathering to come back to Laois 30 years on, is getting a great response.

The development committee in Rosenallis village in the Slieve Bloom Mountains hopes to welcome lots of eco friendly guests back to the mountain this summer.

Nearly 31 years ago, Laois was entranced when a huge gathering of peaceful, nature loving people from around the world spent a summer month living together peacefully on the land with a 'leave no trace' policy, by invite of landowner Mick Clear.

Photo from the 1993 Slieve Bloom Rainbow Gathering by Marie Farrell.

Now the local committee who last summer revived the 60 years old traditional Festival of the Mountain and are also working to regenerate their pretty village, want to recreate the magic of that inspirational summer.

Daniel McDonald, PRO of Rosenallis Development Association has contacted Rainbow members on social media.

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live what the response is like so far, both locally and from the rainbow community.

"The feedback from both the local community and the rainbow community has been overwhelmingly positive.

"There's a palpable buzz surrounding the idea of bringing back the Rainbow Gathering. The individuals I've spoken with are enthusiastic about making it a reality, recognizing the potential it holds to invigorate Rosenallis and provide a much-needed uplift after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

A big part of the Rainbow Gathering ethos is the absence of commerce and of technology.

Daniel explains how the festival which is a local fundraiser with machinery and stalls, can work alongside a Rainbow Gathering. 

"Any Rainbow gathering will take place some distance from the Festival venue. The group are specifically looking at sites in the Slieve Bloom mountains that are outside of phone coverage, + operate by the rainbow people principles of Magic Hat," he said.

"The festival will take place for one day on August 25 whereas a Rainbow gathering would start on the New Moon, Aug 4 and run until the end of August.

"Ideally, collaboration between Rosenallis Festival of the Mountain and Vintage Rally and the Rainbow Gathering should be creative, where people at the gathering can add colour to the Festival of the Mountain and Vintage Rally, bringing music and skill sharing to the event.

"I was far too young to have experienced the Rainbow Gathering firsthand, but I've heard countless stories from the community about its profound impact. My father (Cllr Seamus McDonald) did visit.

"The memories of the gathering hold a special place in the hearts of Laois people, particularly those from Rosenallis. Anyone who attended the 1993 gathering can vividly recall the event with fondness.

Photo: Marie Farrell.

"Last year marked the 30th anniversary, reigniting the desire to bring back the Rainbow community.

"The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from both local and global communities show that now is the perfect time to stage another gathering.  The response to our idea has been tremendous, with massive traction gained from all corners.

"Plans for this year's event are progressing very well; we're currently arranging attractions and vintage displays. Building on the record-breaking success of 2023, we aim to make this year's event even more memorable and successful," Daniel said.

The revived Rosenallis Festival on the Mountain held in association with Rosenallis & District Vintage and Classic Club will take place on August 25.