South Mayo three-day festival to take place this weekend

The three-day annual CongRegation unconference will return to Cong, from November 28–30, marking its thirteenth year with this year’s theme “Chaos”.

The weekend will begin with a special Friday gathering in the historic setting of Ashford Castle, with talks on Neuroscience, Witchcraft, Music and Maths.

Professor William O’Connor, Foundation Professor and Director of Teaching and Research in Physiology at the University of Limerick School of Medicine, will deliver a talk titled “Make Your Life Count: Choose Chaos.”

Artist, designer and chaos magick practitioner Billie “Bee” Bryan will explore how witchcraft can help bring method to madness, while musician Shane Wearen, a founding member of The Pale, will demonstrate how chaotic sounds can be shaped into music, weaving in stories from his years on the road.

The main event will take place on Saturday, November 29, as 100 participants present their ideas across multiple social venues throughout Cong village. After the presentations, attendees will gather for workshops at Ryan's Hotel, followed by dinner.

Saturday night will see artist Zanya Dahl leading a pub sketch crawl, giving participants a chance to capture the village atmosphere on paper. Others will turn to chaos-themed board games before everyone reconvenes for an Open Mic, a lively session of poetry, music, tributes and storytelling that typically runs late into the night.

The weekend will conclude with the “Chaos to Order” walk through Cong Woods.

Entry to CongRegation is earned rather than bought. Each attendee must submit an original reflection on the theme of “Chaos” via the event website here. Submissions are open until November 26.

Looking ahead to the event, organiser Eoin Kennedy described CongRegation as “a unique mindmesh where curious minds can explore and discuss topics, while the social events help build closer relationships.”

“As each person has earned their ticket based on their insights, there is no hierarchy among students, retirees, and senior business people sharing equally,” he added. “The event is also designed to make it easier for quieter voices to participate, with each person deciding how, where and when they talk about their submission.”