As part of the Ballincollig Winter Music Festival 2026, we’re presenting Notes from the Earth, a unique evening of discussion and reflection centred on the theme “Loving the Earth at a time of ecological crisis.” The event brings together a thoughtful and inspiring panel, including Mary Reynolds, alongside artists, writers and cultural voices working at the intersection of land, creativity and community.
Given your programme and interests, I felt this event may align well with the conversations you’re already fostering.
Mary Reynolds is a reformed, internationally acclaimed landscape designer who rose to global prominence after winning a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002. Her story was later told in the 2016 film Dare to be Wild. A bestselling author, inspirational speaker and founder of the global We Are The ARK movement, Mary advocates for re-wilding and restorative action — encouraging people to return land under their care back to nature through simple Acts of Restorative Kindness.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you’d like any further information and share to anyone who may be interested in
Warm regards,
Miriam
Notes from the Earth
Thursday 29 January 2026
Ballincollig Winter Music Festival 2026 (BWMF26)
The Ballincollig Winter Music Festival proudly presents Notes from the Earth, a special evening of reflection, conversation and music taking place on Thursday 29 January 2026, as part of the 16th Annual Ballincollig Winter Music Festival.
Set against the theme “Loving the Earth at a time of ecological crisis”, Notes from the Earth brings together an extraordinary panel of artists, thinkers and cultural voices whose work is deeply rooted in landscape, community, tradition and care for the natural world.
The event features internationally acclaimed nature activist and reformed landscape designer Mary Reynolds; multi-award-winning dancer and community activist Edwina Guckian; critically acclaimed comedian, broadcaster, author and self-described “climate worrier” Colm O’Regan; prolific writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods; award-winning composer and instrumentalist Alannah Thornburgh; and traditional musician and sean-nós singer Diarmuid Ó Meachair.
Together, these voices will explore how creativity, humour, music, movement and storytelling can help us reconnect with the land and with one another — offering space for both honest reflection and renewed hope.
About the contributors
Mary Reynolds is a reformed, internationally acclaimed landscape designer who rose to global prominence after winning a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002. Her story was later told in the 2016 film Dare to be Wild. A bestselling author, inspirational speaker and founder of the global We Are The ARK movement, Mary advocates for re-wilding and restorative action, encouraging people to return land under their care back to nature through simple Acts of Restorative Kindness.
Edwina Guckian, from Co. Leitrim, is one of Ireland’s most influential dancers and cultural activists. Founder of Áirc Damhsa Culture Club — now in its 20th year with over 500 members across nine counties — she has dedicated her career to reconnecting music, movement and community. Artistic Director of the Leitrim Dance Project and recipient of the Gradam Comaoine TG4, Markievicz Award and Arts Council Next Generation Bursary, Edwina is also the author of Sparks from the Flagstones, a children’s book celebrating Irish folk traditions.
Colm O’Regan is an award-winning comedian, author and broadcaster, known for his sharp wit and humane approach to complex issues. A familiar face from The Late Late Show and Comedy Central, he presents the multi-award-winning RTÉ Radio 1 programme Colm O’Regan Wants A Word and is the creator of the @irishmammies phenomenon. His book Climate Worrier, an Irish Book Award nominee, has evolved into a sell-out touring show and keynote exploring climate anxiety with warmth and humour.
Vincent Woods is a writer and broadcaster whose work spans theatre, poetry, radio and documentary. A regular contributor to RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany and Director of the Iron Mountain Literature Festival, Vincent is a member of Aosdána and has long explored themes of landscape, memory and cultural identity. His collaborations include the film Bealach an Fhéir Ghortaigh / Hunger’s Way with Edwina Guckian.
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning harpist and composer from the west of Ireland whose music weaves Irish harping traditions with American folk and jazz influences. Her debut album Shapeshifter (2025) received widespread critical acclaim, earning her Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Folk Awards. Currently Musician-in-Residence at Carnegie Library, Fingal, Alannah’s work is praised for its fluidity, depth and connection to myth, nature and place.
Diarmuid Ó Meachair, from Cúil Aodha, Co. Cork, is one of Ireland’s leading young traditional musicians. A TG4 Young Musician of the Year, he is a highly regarded accordion and melodeon player as well as a sean-nós singer. A lecturer at University College Cork and a member of De Dannan, Diarmuid has released four solo albums and received multiple RTÉ Folk Award nominations in recent years.
Notes from the Earth is a unique gathering of voices and ideas within the 2026 Ballincollig Winter Music Festival — an invitation to listen, reflect and imagine new ways of loving and caring for the world we share.
Ballincollig Winter Music Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Miriam
Hilarious 3-Act Comedy 
Thank you 
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