The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Winter cheer for mind, body and soul on a Danish theme in Ballybunion
BALLYBUNION hosted its first ever MOYA festival – an acronym that stands for Meditation, Ocean, Yoga, Art – earlier this year, and building on positive feedback, a winter “hygge” equivalent will take place from November 3 to 5.
The festival is co-ordinated by Grainne Twomey and Sarah Allen with help from a team of energetic volunteers. Ms Allen explained that Hygge is ‘a Danish term which means to slow down and take pleasure from the simple things in life’. “It is about community spirit. Hygge encourages families and loved ones to come together”. Cathy Healy, a yoga practitioner, describes the Winter MOYA as “drawing on the old Ireland, where families sat around the fire playing music and telling stories”.
Organisers explain that Ballybunion’s reputation as a place of health and well-being with its magnificent beaches, fresh winds, bracing walks, and its claim to one of the oldest seaweed baths in Ireland -- make it a perfect location for such an event.
The strength of alternative practices in the parish, such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture, shamanism and crystal healing, only boost its ability to host, they say. “Long renowned as a place of dancing and music, visitors to Ballybunion next weekend, can dance at the chakranetics workshop or sing heartwarming ‘songs for the spirit’ around a fire,” Ms Allen said.
“A young local band, Tea at Twelve, will play at the Hygge Lounge in Namir’s restaurant on Friday night, and this is followed by a spectacular Fire Sculpture event on the beach with a lantern, love and light walk.
“We also express our gratitude for the support we received from Kerry County Council Community Support Fund and also the Ballybunion Community Forum.” More information is available at www. facebook.com/moyaballybunion, by phoning 087 783 7448, or emailing moya.ballybunion@gmail.com.