Future Ancestor Athy is a project led by community arts collective Doras Na Feasa and Blueway Art Studio, which enables behavioural change in the Athy community through their sense of place, by connecting the Earth Charter Values with the folklore and biodiversity of the River Barrow.

From Sept-Dec 2025, Doras na Feasa will collaborate with Athy Men’s Shed and  to build a regenerative biodiversity float in preparation for the next Future Ancestor Athy Festival. The project is led by Nessa Doran O’Reilly, who will introduce research into traditional Irish Boat building, conservation & restoration techniques. Angelina Foster of Blueway Art Studio will present the UNESCO-endorsed Earth Charter as an anchor to underpin the intersection of sense of place, future ancestor concepts and human values in addressing climate change.

The project hopes to open discussion on:

1. The shift from sustainability to regeneration within circular economy practices, by providing creative opportunities to explore local folklore of Goddess Berba & the River Barrow.
2. The rights of rivers, lost habitats, biodiversity loss. The Future Ancestor Festival & this project element directly respond to climate change, by changing the narrative or language and allowing us to imagine our future worlds. Intergenerational activities and exchange are key to this. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.