Lá Bealtaine

Rathmullan Tidy Towns has celebrated Lá Bealtaine in a special way since 2022.
Lá Bealtaine (May Day) was a most significant date in the Irish calendar from Celtic times.
Our folklore recalls for us something of the riches of customs and rites associated with this
ancient festival, welcoming summer and to ensure good yields of milk and butter and a
plentiful harvest.

Folklore has it that on the eve of May Day, yellow flowers such as buttercups, marigolds
and primroses were gathered and spread on the doorsteps to welcome summer. Children
would also scatter the flowers outside their neighbours’ doors as a sign of goodwill.