On the coming Saturday, January 25th the village of Knocknagoshel will host its inaugural Body and Mind Philosophy Festival.
This is a unique one-day event organised by the Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns Committee. It’s a free to attend event but donations ill be welcomed.
The festival will use tenets of philosophy and wellness to explore such topics as sports, story-telling and local culture. It will offer attendees an inspiring day of thought-provoking discussions, mindful practices and music.
The festival will kick off at 2pm at the Knocknagoshel Community Centre with an introduction by a representative of the local Tidy Towns committee, followed by a range of engaging activities.
Touching on Diverse Themes
The sessions will touch on diverse themes, including: The Stories and Philosophy of County Kerry by local author and scholar Mary McGillicuddy, filmmaker Brenda Ní Shúilleabháin, and philosopher Kevin Power will explore the philosophical roots of the county’s rich cultural heritage.
The Body – A discussion on the body’s endurance and mind-body connection, featuring long-distance swimmers, retired runners, All-Ireland football champions, and world-class athletes.
Confirmed speakers include Nuala Moore, John Lenihan, Lorraine Scanlon, and David Keohan.
Philosophy and Youth – A parallel session dedicated to youth engagement with philosophy, led by Kevin Power.
Movement and Meditation
Mindfulness and Sound Bath – An engaging workshop exploring mindfulness through movement and meditation, led by Renata Day of Ren@Zen.
Exploring the Idea of Truth – Professor Vittorio Buffachi will lead a session exploring the modern challenges of truth, alongside journalist Jennifer Horgan of the Irish Examiner.
In the evening, the festival will continue at O’Connor’s Pub with a lighthearted pub chat on the theme: Everything is Sh#t: I’m Delighted by Dr. Julie Reshe, followed by a live music performance by Splann from 9pm.
Thinkers, Athletes, and Wellness Experts
“We’re excited to bring together a diverse group of thinkers, athletes, and wellness experts for a festival that blends mind, body, and community spirit,” said a spokesperson for Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns.
“We hope this event will inspire new ideas, foster connections, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our village.”
The Body and Mind: Philosophy Festival Knocknagoshel is free to attend, though donations are encouraged to support future initiatives.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
The event is made possible by the generosity of local speakers, volunteers, and the Knocknagoshel community, as well as financial support from RWE and SECAD.
Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns is a community-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy and beauty of the village through various local initiatives, events and projects.
The group works to improve the environment, encourage cultural engagement and foster a sense of belonging among all members of the community.
For More Information
For more information, please contact Susan Goodwillie, Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns member at 087 9593094, or email knocknagosheltidytowns11@gmail.com | susan.goodwillie@gmail.com.
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