The Living Wake invites curious minds and brave souls to explore the extraordinary world of burial artists, those who once sought fame, fortune and world records by being buried underground for days or even weeks. This one-night-only event offers a rare chance to step into a replica of a burial coffin and experience the story of one of Ireland’s most unusual legends, Michael Meaney.

In 1968, Meaney made headlines around the world when he volunteered to be buried alive for 61 days under the London clay in Kilburn. Now, The Living Wake recreates his descent through a three-minute immersive installation combining light, vibration, soundscape and dramatic storytelling. Housed inside a custom-built coffin that mirrors Meaney’s original seven-foot by three-foot space, visitors will hear the rumble of the Piccadilly Line, the creak of the coffin wood and the distant sounds of the crowd above, all from the comfort of McSwiggan’s in Woodquay Galway.

“After many, many hours of watching Mick and other burial artists compete from inside their coffins, we wanted to find out what it actually felt like but this time with a pint in hand,” said director Daire Collins.

Presented by Paper Mountain Films in collaboration with McSwiggan’s, and supported by TG4 and Galway Film Fleadh, this unique event is part of the lead-up to the premiere of Beo Faoin bhfód / Buried Alive!, a new documentary exploring Meaney’s life, the media circus surrounding his stunt, and the very human desire to be remembered even from six feet under.

The documentary will premiere on Friday 11 July at 11.30am in Palás Cinema, Galway.
Admission to The Living Wake on Thursday 10 July in McSwiggan’s is free, but spaces in the coffin are extremely limited.