Café Bloodthirsty

Dec 22

Ah, the Winter Solstice—a time when the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin and the longest night of the year beckons us to embrace the shadows. As the sun retreats, surrendering its warmth to the cold embrace of winter, we gather to honour the ancient traditions that have dance...Read more

Ah, the Winter Solstice—a time when the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin and the longest night of the year beckons us to embrace the shadows. As the sun retreats, surrendering its warmth to the cold embrace of winter, we gather to honour the ancient traditions that have danced through the ages. This is not merely a moment of darkness; it is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun, a time when the world holds its breath in anticipation of the light that will soon return. The Winter Solstice—or Yule as it was known to our pagan ancestors—has roots steeped in history, stretching back to the Celts and beyond. They revered this time as a sacred threshold, a point of reflection and renewal. Celebrating the return of the sun, the Celts lit bonfires to ward off the encroaching chill and to beckon the warmth back to the earth. It is said that the goddess Brigid, a figure of immense power and wisdom, would watch over the festivities, ensuring that the light would indeed return. Her spirit, intertwined with the very essence of winter, reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope flickers like a candle in the night. As we delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Irish history, we encounter the enigmatic figure of the legendary witch, the Banshee. Though often portrayed as a harbinger of death, she embodies the duality of life and the passage into the unknown. The Banshee, with her mournful wail, serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence, whispering secrets of the past while guiding souls into the afterlife. In her haunting presence, we find a celebration of both life and death, a beautiful dance that reflects the very essence of the Winter Solstice. Let us not forget the great mystic and visionary, Aisling, who roamed the verdant hills of Ireland, weaving spells and stories that still echo through the ages. Aisling, with her ethereal grace, was said to have the ability to commune with the spirits of the earth, drawing upon the ancient wisdom of the druids. Her legacy serves as a beacon for those of us who dare to tread the path of the arcane, reminding us that the Winter Solstice is a time to honour not only the light but also the shadows that shape our very souls. So, dearest deviants, as we gather 'round our flickering candles and embrace the chill of the night, let us celebrate the Winter Solstice with the reverence it deserves. We shall raise our glasses to the returning sun, to the spirits of our ancestors, and to the whispers of the earth that guide us through the darkness. For in this sacred time, we are reminded that even in the coldest of winters, the promise of rebirth lies just beyond the horizon, waiting to illuminate our lives once more.

Dec 18

Announcing our Creators Programme. Make it bloody. Make it spooky. Make it magickal. Make it yours. #BloodthirstyCreators #ChooseYourPoison

Jun 25

Greetings, Deviants, Today, I’m issuing a call-to-action. The simple fact of the matter is that while we are ever so close to opening our doors at long last, we are reliant on you to achieve our goal. As you may know, Café Bloodthirsty, for all its hallmark macabre and mystical trappings, was alw...Read more

Greetings, Deviants, Today, I’m issuing a call-to-action. The simple fact of the matter is that while we are ever so close to opening our doors at long last, we are reliant on you to achieve our goal. As you may know, Café Bloodthirsty, for all its hallmark macabre and mystical trappings, was always intended to provide a safe and supportive space for fellow activists, creatives, feminists and LGBTQIA+ people. I count myself among all of them and I have a strong background in championing for human rights through my non-profit work, particularly since founding my own organisation in 2018. When I immigrated to Ireland in 2021, I was committed to continuing my activism by establishing a venue to engage with others in the community and bolster their efforts—by promoting their creative work, collaborating on events or supporting their political campaigns. Our team were all set to realise this vision until we were suddenly met with dire circumstances. Now, we are steadily recovering from illegal eviction, homelessness and severe depression as a result. I've even been forced to shut down the Community Centre I launched in the Cayman Islands for vulnerable queer youth. Unsurprisingly, it has taken us a significant amount of time and finances in order to get back on our feet. But we remain undeterred and believe firmly in our community and mission. This is where we seek your aid. Please, share this post with others in your circles. With your contribution to our Kickstarter Campaign, we can finally make Café Bloodthirsty a reality for all of us. We shall be eternally grateful for your patronage. And a very special thank you to CATU Ireland, People Before Profit Galway and ROSA Socialist Feminists Galway for helping us to weather the storm. —Billie “Bee” Bryan Curator & Owner, Café Bloodthirsty #ChooseYourPoison

Jun 23

As the golden orb of the sun reaches its zenith in the heavens, we mark the joyous occasion of the Summer Solstice. This venerable day has stirred the hearts of mankind since time immemorial, harking back to the ancient pagan rites and rituals of our Celtic forebears. In the verdant land of Ireland,...Read more

As the golden orb of the sun reaches its zenith in the heavens, we mark the joyous occasion of the Summer Solstice. This venerable day has stirred the hearts of mankind since time immemorial, harking back to the ancient pagan rites and rituals of our Celtic forebears. In the verdant land of Ireland, the Summer Solstice holds a special place in the annals of history, where the ancient Druids and their acolytes would gather to honour the sun and seek its benevolent blessings upon the land. The customs and traditions of the Summer Solstice are steeped in the folklore and mystique of ages past, where the air was filled with the rhythmic beats of drums and the lilting melodies of ancient songs. The sacred sites of Ireland, such as the mystical Hill of Tara, bore witness to the timeless reverence bestowed upon this celestial event. Midsummer festivities abound with merriment and reverence for the solstice. The lighting of bonfires, a sacred rite passed down through generations, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, and serves as a beacon to guide the sun on its journey through the sky. Sunflower wreaths, woven with care and adorned with vibrant blossoms, are worn as talismans to invoke the blessings of the sun and ensure a bountiful harvest. It is a time when the boundaries between the mortal realm and the mystical otherworld grow thin, and the spirits of nature are said to roam freely in the shimmering moonlight.

Jun 20

Dearest Deviants, At long last, it is with great excitement and pride that we announce the launch of our Kickstarter Campaign for the opening of our venue. Café Bloodthirsty, nestled in the heart of Galway, aspires to be a haven for the most unique souls, fostering a community of so-called deviant...Read more

Dearest Deviants, At long last, it is with great excitement and pride that we announce the launch of our Kickstarter Campaign for the opening of our venue. Café Bloodthirsty, nestled in the heart of Galway, aspires to be a haven for the most unique souls, fostering a community of so-called deviants who revel in the arts, literature and music of a darker persuasion. Delight in the harrowing melodies and unearthly prose that shall echo through our hallowed halls, for we cater to the most discerning of tastes. But fret not, for amidst the shadows, our establishment stands firm upon pillars of ethical fortitude. We champion strong social and political values, enshrining equity and inclusivity and standing in steadfast support of our LGBTQIA+ community. After a long and arduous period of many tribulations, we now need your support to help us realise our vision. And with your generous contribution, we shall treat thee to an assortment of rewards, from exclusive merchandise to special events. Heed our call! With your gracious patronage, Café Bloodthirsty shall rise to become a beacon of creativity and camaraderie, where the peculiar and the passionate converge in splendid harmony. Back Us On Kickstarter https://q.uir.ky/cb