Take Me to the River is a collaborative, visual, and sensory response to the waterways and landscapes that shape our lives in County Meath. Inviting communities to explore their relationship with place, it acts as a catalyst for environmental awareness and meaningful public engagement through the arts. Bringing together multiple perspectives and creative disciplines, it explores the deep historical, cultural, ecological, and economic connections that bind us to our local environments. Dynamic partnerships and exchanges, combined with the power of artistic and cultural expression explore riverside habitats, landscapes, flora, and fauna, while supporting those taking positive, nature-based actions, advocating for the protection and restoration of our ecosystems and the strengthening of ecological resilience.

This site-specific programme of events for 2026 prompts reflection and learning through activities such as listening, drawing, foraging, and shared moments of river-life exploration. Encouraging us to slow down and observe, these experiences are enriched by conversations around sustainable cohabitation with nature and how communities and ecosystems can thrive together.

GET INVOLVED

All TMTTR events are free. Booking required. Please find details below

Take Me to the River 2026: River_Systems_Magnify

Location: Dalgan Park & Skane River 
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026 
Time: 9:30am – 3pm 
Price: Free, booking essential 
Participants: Adults & teens 15+ accompanied by an adult 

Taking place in Dalgan Park and along the River Skane as part of Biodiversity Week, the day invites participants to explore river ecosystems through a blend of science, environmental learning, and creative practice. Led by biodiversity specialists, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and artist Anna Marie Savage, attendees will examine water quality, discover microscopic river life, and learn about local habitat restoration. Using experimental ink and collage techniques, participants will respond creatively to what they observe. No artistic experience is required – just curiosity and care for the natural environment.

Event Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/take-me-to-the-river-2026-river-systems-magnify

Take Me to the River 2026: Assembly_Breath_Resonance

Location: Teltown House & River Blackwater

Date: Sunday 14th June 2026

Time: 10am – 1pm

Price: Free, booking essential

Participants: Adults

An outdoor gathering taking place in the grounds of Teltown House, and along the River Blackwater in the Boyne Valley, this quiet, reflective assembly invites participants to connect with the site’s deep cultural history and living ecology in advance of the summer solstice. Guided by historian Anthony Murphy, ecologist Emma Reeves, and sound artist Chloe McHugh, the event weaves together myth, landscape, biodiversity, and wellbeing. Participants will hear about the ancient Tailteann Games, explore river habitats and wildlife, and experience a restorative sound bath by the river. The event encourages mindful listening, reflection, and a renewed sense of ecological and cultural responsibility.

Event Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/take-me-to-the-river-2026-assembly-breath-resonance

Take Me to the River 2026: Ancient_Rhythm_Connect

Location: Girley Bog

Date: Sunday 26th July 2026

Time: 10am – 12pm

Price: Free, booking essential

Participants: All ages

Celebrating International Bog Day this free, outdoor event for all ages takes place at Girley Bog, one of the few remaining raised bogs in County Meath. Guided by peatland geographer Kate Flood and artist Penelope Lacey, explore this unique wetland landscape where water, land, and folklore intersect. Combining gentle walking, storytelling, ecological learning, and creative reflection, discover the bog’s biodiversity, cultural history, and vital role in our river systems, while tuning into seasonal rhythms and sensory experiences inspired by Fraughan Sunday. The event encourages deeper awareness of peatlands, their benefits, the threats they face, and how communities can support their protection and renewal.

Event Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/take-me-to-the-river-2026-ancient-rhythm-connect

Take Me to the River 2026: Picnic in the Park

Location: Brú na Bóinne National Park 
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026 
Time: 11am – 4pm 
Price: Free, booking essential 
Participants: All ages – adult & family engagements

Taking place in the new Brú na Bóinne National Park during National Heritage Week, on Water Heritage Day, enjoy storytelling, creative workshops, walks, and seasonal traditions. Discover connections between biodiversity, archaeology, Irish culture and heritage, while reflecting on our past, present and future relationship with this land wrapped around the northern banks of the river Boyne.

Part of Solstice Arts Centre’s Take Me to the River 2026 programme, the day brings together families, artists, ecologists, craftspeople and historians for hands-on exploration of this iconic Boyne Valley landscape. A gathering of community, explore our collective care and environmental responsibility to this historical site for future generations.

Event Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/take-me-to-the-river-2026-picnic-in-the-park

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