this/OUR is a community deep mapping project exploring Glenbower Wood through art, history, ecology and citizen science, led by artists Basil Al-Rawi, Chris Finnegan, Katie Nolan and Philip Ryan in partnership with Greywood Arts.
Deep mapping is a transdisciplinary process that layers community voices, artistic interpretations, historical narratives, and ecological perspectives into a multidimensional narrative of place. This methodology, inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' short essay On Exactitude in Science, allows us to explore the tension between the precision in defining "THIS" place and the transient, relational nature of "OUR" connection to it.
CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY SUNDAY FESTIVAL 2025
We’re excited to share with you the following events and workshops we will be offering as part of the May Sunday Festival by Greywood Arts in Killeagh this year.
About May Sunday
For nearly 200 years, the first Sunday in May has marked the transition to summer in Killeagh, since the local landlord opened his estate to the villagers for music and dancing on the bridges. This seasonal celebration reaches back to the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine, when fires were lit to cleanse and protect. In recent memory, May Sunday was the day you changed into your new summer clothes.
For nearly 200 years, the first Sunday in May has marked the transition to summer in Killeagh, since the local landlord opened his estate to the villagers for music and dancing on the bridges. This seasonal celebration reaches back to the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine, when fires were lit to cleanse and protect. In recent memory, May Sunday was the day you changed into your new summer clothes.
The festival has grown with the village: from the trees of the estate to the streets and community spaces, shaped by the many hands that have carried it forward. Since 2018, Greywood Arts has been honoured to steward this tradition, celebrating Killeagh’s ecology, history, and creativity.
this/OUR Events at May Sunday Festival 2025 are listed below.
Postcards from Glenbower Installation
This/OUR invited Students from St. Fergal’s NS and their families to explore Glenbower Wood and share their observations by drawing, mapping and recording what they experienced on postcards.
Location - The This/OUR studio, The Coach House, Greywood Arts.
Friday 2nd May 6-9pm & Saturday 3rd May 12-4pm
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Tracing the Lost Lake - A Sound & 3D Scanning Workshop
Once a defining feature of Glenbower Wood, the drained lake has faded from the
landscape—but not from memory. Its absence is marked by ever shifting terrain and
the echoes of stories shared in the community. Explore how sound and digital scanning can trace the lake’s lingering presence and bring it into new forms of experience with this/OUR artists Basil Al-Rawi.
Location - Glenbower Wood
Saturday 3rd May 10am-1pm
Book your place here.
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Dens in the Wood Workshops
Join this/OUR artist Chris Finnegan for two hands-on workshops exploring creativity, play, and nature through the art of den building.
Dens in the Wood Family Session
WE’RE ALL KIDS HERE: A fun and interactive experience where kids and parents work
together to build imaginative dens using natural materials. Perfect for families
looking to connect and create in the beautiful setting of Glenbower Wood.
Location - Glenbower Woods
Saturday 3rd May 12:00 - 1:30pm
Book your place here.
Dens in the Wood Adults Only Session
BIG KIDS: A chance to rediscover playing in nature, explore sculptural techniques, and build in the forest. This session invites adults to embrace creativity, mindfulness, and their inner playfulness.
Location - Glenbower Woods
Saturday 3rd May 2:30 - 4:30pm
Book your place here.
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Dawn Chorus Walk
Experience the forest awakening to the sounds of birdsong. This guided silent walk, with this/OUR artist Basil Al-Rawi offers a rare chance to tune into nature’s symphony without distraction.
Field recordings from the walk will contribute to the this/OUR project’s evolving deep map of the wood, capturing the rich soundscape of the morning as different species take their turn
to sing.
Meet at the playground car park. Ages 12+ welcome (under-18s w/guardian). Bring a flask of tea to share a hot drink after the walk!
Location - Glenbower Woods
Sunday 4th 4:30-6:30am
Book your place here.
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Eco Dye Display
Created as a part of this/OUR, artist Katie Nolan led a pair of workshops to create a collaborative natural textile installation. Through eco-dying and eco-printing processes using traditional dye plants from Ireland and abroad, these transformed fabrics were then stitched together with nettle fibres and installed in Glenbower Wood.
Location - Glenbower Woods
Sunday 4th May
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Map Your Senses
How does your breath change when you enter the woods? Follow this/OUR artist Katie Nolan’s provided prompts and record your responses to "map" your experiences of your
senses while immersed in a woven eco-headpiece and garment made from leaves,
ivy, and other natural material foraged in the woods.
Location - Glenbower Woods
Sunday 4th May 11.30am - 2pm
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More info about May Sunday Festival can be found here with the programme overview below.
To book a place at other workshops and events, please visit:
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this/OUR is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Cork County Council
