Eimear Burke: Druid and Seanchaí
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Kilkenny Druid Grove

Three Castles, the home of The Grove

The triskele at 3 Castles, home of Eimear Burke and site used by the Kilkenny OBOD grove.
The labyrinth at 3 Castles, home of Eimear Burke and site used by the Kilkenny OBOD Grove.
Through the arched window in the tower at 3 Castles.
The statue of Cernunnos at 3 Castles, by sculptor Pamela Curry



​Our rituals

We hold celebrations of the 8 seasonal festivals which are part of the Druidic wheel of the year.   Each celebration is important in itself, and has its own meaning, but the real importance is in following the cycle of the year, making a connection between the land and our lives, continuing and deepening that connection as the wheel turns and time passes.
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Ritual calendar for 2022
  • Imbolc                                                           February 
  • Cónocht an Earraigh                            March 
  • Bealtaine                                                     
  • Grianstad an t-Samhraidh                June 19th 2022
  • Lúghnasadh                                                August 
  • Cónocht an  fhómhair                         September 
  • Samhain                                                       November
  • Grianstad an Gheimhridh                 December 

Attendance at our rituals is by invitation.  If you would like to attend, please email the Grove's admin office, info@kilkennydruidry.com , telling us a little about yourself.

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​The nature of our rituals.

​Our rituals are informed by the ritual format taught by OBOD, The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, with which our Grove is registered.   They are not connected to any particular religion, as Druids may follow different religious paths.  However, we do invoke and honour the ancient Irish deities as part of  our bond with the land.
Eimear burke with  her friend Nuala and Shaman Deirdre Wadding, celebrating Bealtaine 2018.
Eimear Burke, attending to the ritual fire.
Eimear Burke
Eimear Burke during the Uisneach to Standing Rock ritual held in honour of the water protectors of Standing Rock.
The following elements are part of every ceremony:
  • We call the four directions
  • We call for peace, for without peace, no work can be
  • We cast a circle, creating sacred space for our work
  • We recite the Druid's Prayer

Our rituals are held outside, so attendees may wish to bring clothing and shoes appropriate to the season. 

Our rituals are child-friendly, and children are most welcome, though obviously we ask responsible adults to exercise reasonable supervision.  

We ask that people do not bring dogs into the circle.  While we are dog-friendly, during ritual they can sometimes be a distraction.
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​Multilingual rituals

​While our rituals are mostly conducted in English, we use Irish for certain elements, such as calling the quarters.  We feel it is appropriate to honour the language of the land.  For anyone who wishes to inform themselves about the use of Irish in ritual, this site has a page which should prove helpful.

There are often places in rituals where participants are invited to speak or invoke the deity of their choice.  Such participation is not compulsory, but for those who feel moved to speak up, they should feel free to invoke in the language of their choice.  Sacred words have their own music, and we do not need to understand every word to feel the intention.
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The Night Court

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After the ceremony, we hold a pot luck feast, with each attendee bringing food to share with the gathering.  Then, there is a Night Court.  This is a space for Bardic offering, whether of music, poetry, story or song.   The Night Court runs on strict rules regarding the respect required to make a safe space for performers.  Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for someone who is new or shy to share their creativity with those gathered.

​There might be a wee tune on the harp....
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Sometimes, after the performances are done, there are shenanigans and much-welcome silliness:

​However, even for those who can't stay for the night Court, there is music.  Aside from the fact that several members of the grove share their beautiful singing and drumming as part of the ceremony, it is often possible to hear talented individuals having a little musical fun in the garden.  Cernunnos is happy to hold their sheet music!
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Here is a clip from a documentary about St Patrick which shows members of the Grove conducting an Imbolc ritual at 3 Castles.​
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  • Welcome
  • What is Druidry
  • OBOD
  • Kilkenny Druid Grove
  • Celebrating rites of passage
  • Workshops and classes
  • Storytelling
  • Irish language for ritual
  • Blog
  • Remembering Howard Campbell
  • Seed thoughts
  • Gallery
  • About Eimear
  • Contact us
  • Links
  • New Page
  • Bioróg Retreat
  • Summer Gathering 2022