As we transition into autumn, traditionally a time of hibernation, West Cork is instead coming alive for the month of October with the 13th annual Feel Good Festival. 

This year’s festival theme is ‘Community & Connection’, and this Saturday, October 11th, there is a full day at The Maritime Hotel in Bantry entirely dedicated to music and wellbeing.

There will be a bit of everything, from a ukulele performance, to a discussion around collective trauma, music and healing with Pat Bracken, Kevin O’Shanahan, and Nuala Kenny. Nóirín Ní Riain, the festival’s singer-in-residence, will bring the afternoon to a close with a song-sharing session. 

Nóirín has been a pioneer of the health benefits of singing in Ireland and worldwide through her workshops, performances, lectures and writings, not only for those with mental health issues but for everyone, regardless of age, gender status, or religious belief.

The day closes with a raffle in aid of the  Bridge Street Community Café in Bantry, which provides mental health and wellness supports to the people of West Cork. 

Further south and also on Saturday, a brand-new community support service is launching at 49 North Street, Skibbereen: the Saturday drop-in Community Café. Whether someone just wants a quiet spot away from their own four walls, or a friendly face to share a cup of tea and set the world to rights, everyone is welcome to this shared space each Saturday between 11am and 2pm. 

Those at 49 North Street say this drop-in café is also a great starting point for anyone who is new to the West Cork area, to find out what’s happening, and where to turn if they need help: ‘Community doesn’t mean the people who were already here when you got here; it means everyone’.

For the full Feel Good Festival programme see musicalive.ie. For information on the groups and activities at 49 North Street, phone Anne-Marie on 0868423432 or email Barbara at [email protected]