Dán na Caillí: Song of the Hagwitch: Cork World Book Fest 2026

Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, Dairena Ní Chinnéide, Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, Síle Denvir, Margaret Lonergan with MC Liam Carson

Is seanbhean í an Chailleach i miotaseolaíocht na nGael, bandia a shamhlaítear leis an talamh, leis an ngeimhreadh agus leis an saol eile, an saol iarbháis. Is minic caille uirthi, í ar leathshúil, mílítheach. Is bean feasa leis í. In Albain, tugtar Beira uirthi agus luaitear í le Leithinis Bhéara i gCo. Chorcaí. Luaitear go minic i litríocht na Gaeilge í: Mise Éire, sine mé ná an Chailleach Bhéara (an Piarsach); luaitear sa bhéaloideas í, i bhfilíocht na mbard, i saothar an Chadhnaigh agus Angela Bourke.

In Gaelic mythology, the Cailleach is an old woman, and a goddess associated with the land, winter, and with the otherworld of the dead. She is often depicted as a veiled hag, with one eye and deathly pale skin. She appears throughout Irish literature, from early Munster folklore to the age of the bards to modern poetry.

Dán na Caillí is a multimedia performance featuring newly commissioned poetry about the Caillleach by Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, Dairena Ní Chinnéide and Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair. It will also feature songs from composer, vocalist and instrumentalist Síle Denvir; and on-screen visuals from artist Margaret Lonergan.