Holistic exhibitions and fairs in Ireland has changed over the last few years, in this article Mary Sheridan, Show Coordinator at the Mind Body Spirit Festival tells us how their event has changed since their inception in 1995.

HOLISTIC EXHIBITIONS IN IRELAND – PAST & PRESENT

By: Mary Sheridan, MBS Show Coordinator

Today there are lots of small holistic shows in various small venues around the country. But only one of the size of the Mind Body Spirit Festival in the R.D.S, held twice a year.  This increasingly popular three day festival is Ireland’s largest gathering of natural complementary healthcare practitioners and organizations, from Ireland and internationally.

History of the show

The Mind Body Spirit Festival was held for the first time in 1995 at the R.D.S Ballsbridge. There were no other exhibitions like it in the Republic of Ireland. The only other Mind Body Spirit Festival was held in London. It was and still is a three day festival. It was very well received and huge queues formed outside the event hall and only a limited number of people were allowed access at any one time due to the huge volume of people. It has been recorded that some 6,000 people attended the event.

The organizer

Mr. Louis O’Sullivan is the driving force behind the Mind Body Spirit Festival. To quote one of his forewords in the Mind Body Spirit Festival in 1996, “There has been great support and an enthusiastic response to this 2nd Festival, building upon the 1st year’s event.  We have watched its organic expansion and growth reflecting all our individual spiritual growing and self-development through the past year. We hope to serve and facilitate this process further.” Other exhibitions that were run by Louis O’ Sullivan in the same year were, the 10th Irish Natural Health Exhibition held on St Patrick’s weekend, A Woman’s Health Exhibition and the Mystics & Psychics Exhibition held June bank holiday. 

Changes through the years

The most evident changes since the beginning of the show would be the speakers and the titles of the talks.

For example the presenters in 1996 were as follows: Maura Lundberg, Betty Palko, Tom Jordan, George Rhatigan, Michael Sheridan, Dermot O’ Hara, Gandiva Lorcan, Robert Pye, Jack Temple, June Marsh Lazar, Linda Myres, Irene Stein, Tarpan Williams, Michael O’Doherty, Liam O’ Maonlai, Derek Seagrief, Seamus Lynch, Nicolas Gent, Simon Rosselli, Thea Valerie Neale, Helen Glavin, and Headlining the event were, Paddy McMahon, Tim Wheater and Fergus Gibson. The topics of 1996 were similar to today however today there is more emphasis on health and alternative approaches to positiveness and wellbeing than there was in the past. The festival now gives you a more holistic experience. Visitors can experience mini sessions in anything between Aromatherapy, Angel healing, Astrology, Bio-energy, Clairvoyance, Dance movement, Dowsing, Drumming, Iridology, Kinesiology, Life coaching, Massage, Meditation, Pilates, Reiki, Rolfing, Reflexology, Sound therapy, spirituality, Shiatsu,  Tai-chi and yoga.

Are people more open to holistics today or not?

Yes, in my personal opinion I would say that people are much more open to holistics today then a couple of years ago. We put together a programme balancing, harmonizing and complementing the teacher, healers and artists who live and work throughout the seasons to bring help and enlightenment to the public. We extend a great welcome to all, now is a time of renewal, reflection, and rediscovery in our spiritual being.  There is also a growing trend towards natural solutions for the individual and their families.

What is the aim of today’s Mind Body Spirit Festival?

The Mind Body Spirit Festival is a unique day out offering visitors the opportunity to experience the natural world of complementary health, holistic therapies and natural healing techniques with over 175 exhibitors.  This extensive programme includes free demonstrations / performances and more than 68 free lectures, and low cost workshops. It certainly makes the festival a great day out for everyone. Embracing many approaches to Health, Spiritual Healing, Living and celebrating- bringing you a Holistic Experience.

What are the plans for the future?

Mind Body Spirit Festival is back at the end of October with top class speakers on all aspects of health and wellbeing – to help us through these difficult times.

Visitors to the Mind Body Spirit Festival will have the opportunity to participate in both traditional and innovating healing forms for mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing in an environment promoting positive living and self-discovery.

This year we have brought in new speakers from the U.K and Ireland.  Talking on new and relevant topics on being happy and healthy – in mind, body & spirit.

We welcome;  Heidi Sawyer, David Hamilton, Barbara Meiklejohn- Free, Anna Louise Haigh,  Stephanie King, Gefei Wu, Sidney Vincent, Simon Peter Elliott, Anita Searby, John Jezewski,   from overseas, and for the first time at MBS Dublin we have Stewart Pearce “The Alchemy of Voice” , Davina MacKall “dream work”, Lesley McIntyre “BodyTalk” and Brian Colbert “The Happiness Habit”.  Returning to the festival experts on Yoga, are Salvatore Zambito and Mohini Chatlani. Also appearing from Ireland is: Aidan Storey, Michaela Avulund, Dermot O’ Hara, Emma Tamplin, Madeleine Doherty, Seamus Byrne, Patricia McNally, Caroline Flynn and Brian Siddharta Ingle.

For a full list of lectures and workshops visit:   www.mindbodyspirit.ie

If you want to be inspired and make positive changes in your life, visit the Mind Body Spirit Festival at the RDS and learn how to achieve optimum physical, mental and spiritual; health – naturally.

COMPETITION!

Win A Pair Of Tickets!

We have 10 pairs of entrance tickets to give away to the MBS festival.

For your chance to have an inspiring day out, just send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    with “BCU MBS Ticket giveaway” in the subject line. Include your name address and telephone number.

All entries must be received by 8th October 2010. The first 10 out of the hat win a pair of tickets.

Details of the event;

Date: 23, 24, 25 October 2010
Venue: R.D.S, Industries Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Time: 11am – 7pm Saturday & Sunday / 11am – 6pm Bank Holiday Monday
Admission: €12 (Senior Citizens €8 and under 12s free)