Bearlargair na Saer

Bearlargair na Saer is the ancient language of masons which goes back beyond written history. It originates from the old Gaelic which added Latin and English as time passed. Keeping the language alive Jim Fahy heard it being spoke in his youth and has studied the language in depth, the stronghold of the language in Ireland being Munster. The video gives a flavour of Bearlargair which spread across the world with journeying stonemasons as they carried their skills far and wide throughout history.

Féile na gCloch, the festival of stones, unfurls virtually in 2021 on the 2nd October. Engage with the event whenever suits you via the Galway Heritage website.

Féile na gCloch, festival of stones, is an annual event on Inis Oírr. It brings together practitioners in stone walling, stone carving and letter carving from around the world to celebrate the heritage of the stones of the Aran Islands. In 2017, a new workshop was introduced, to reflect on the role that drawing and sketching plays in each of these traditions.

The walls of the Granite Village

Stone Mason Eddie Farrelly goes for a walk along a Dry Stone Wall in Ballknockan with local Quarry Man and stone mason John McEvoy.

Learn about the traditional dry stone walling practices around the Granite Village and hear some local stories about how the walls were built and used.

Féile na gCloch, the festival of stones, unfurls virtually in 2021 on the 2nd October. Engage with the event whenever suits you via the Galway Heritage website.

Féile na gCloch, festival of stones, is an annual event on Inis Oírr. It brings together practitioners in stone walling, stone carving and letter carving from around the world to celebrate the heritage of the stones of the Aran Islands. In 2017, a new workshop was introduced, to reflect on the role that drawing and sketching plays in each of these traditions.

Drawing out the Stones

Watch this conversation with master stone mason Pat McAfee. You might pick up some ideas for the #DRAWstonewalls event and competition.

This years Féile na gCloch festival will be online, and will have lots of great activities to explore and to get involved in. There will be lots of great films and videos to watch, many of which were created especially for the event. Immerse yourself in stone carving, dry stone walling, paving, letter carving, restoration and mosaic. You can go on a virtual exploration of the Island. 

To full enjoy all that is on offer at Féile na gCloch 2021 virtual please log onto ​
Facebook or the Féile na gCloch website
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Or enter one of the competitions and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. In collaboration with Dublin Sketchers, JesseJames from the Zibaldone Project are hosting an online sketching event and competition. The Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland is delighted to support the Féile na gCloch festival by once again running a miniature dry stone wall building competition. Pick up some tips on how to build miniature dry stone walls.​

Closing date for entries is Sunday 10th of October. Prizes include: Event only ticket to Féile na gCloch 2022, Stone Tool vouchers, Festival Tshirts & Hoddies and more.