November Events – Eco Active Social Club

Roz published in Events and Tours, Latest News, November Events, Self Sufficiency, Skills Courses, October 13, 2015

Chill Out This Autumn

Chilled Out Seasonal Events This Autumn

Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love the colours, the feeling of settling down for the winter and the slowing down of everything.
This does not mean an end to activities though as I love to take this reflective time to create and learn. With this in mind there are some lovely events coming up that may be of interest.

Seaweed Cookery Demo with Marie Power

On Wednesday, the 14th of October at 8pm Marie Power, the Sea Gardener, will be giving a cookery demonstration and talk on the benefits of seaweed at Brownes Farmhouse Dungarvan. In response to requests from seaweed enthusiasts, she has developed a range of innovative sweet & savoury foods using seaweed, under The Sea Gardener label.
These will be available on the night!
More Details Here >>

Natural Cosmetic Making Workshops:

Vivienne Campbell is a much sought after herbalist who gives workshops on the uses of natural ingredients for cosmetics and wellbeing. She is holding two natural cosmetic making workshops this November, one in Gorey Co Wexford on 7th and one in Ennis Co Clare on the 1st November. These make great personal Christmas gifts too!
More Details Here >>

Natural Soap Making Workshop

I have a friend who makes her own soap and swears that it is addictive! Nature lover & Holistic practitioner Angela Healy of Willow Cottage at Wells House is giving a one day soap making workshop on November 8th where you can learn how to make your own 100% natural moisturising coconut and olive oil soaps using the traditional cold process method.
More Details Here >>

Incidentally it’s also the time of year to make sloe gin and elderberry liquors... great gifts at any time of the year! Yum!

Here’s a great video on how to make Rose Hip Oil for your face too:

Roz published in Foraging and Foodie Trails, Latest News, November Events, This and That, Upcoming Courses November 12, 2014

Edible Christmas Gifts Workshop

Blackstairs EcoTrails Christmas Workshops

This Christmas I will be making Christmas gifts for family and friends and you can too! Blackstairs Ecotrails in Carlow are holding two wonderful workshops this weekend – details below:

NOVEMBER 15TH, EDIBLE CHRISTMAS GIFTS WORKSHOP

Want to make your own edible Christmas presents? We will show you how at this all day workshop. We will go out into the hills, lanes and byways to collect ingredients to make Turkish Delight, Sloe Gin, Rowan Berry Schnapps, Sweet Chestnut stuffing and more!
COST:
€95.00 / €65 concession for OAP & unwaged

WINTER HERBAL & CULINARY LARDER WORKSHOP

A hands on workshop to stock up your larder with herbal tonics, salves and creams to keep you fighting fit for winter. Jacquie Burgess our Master Herbalist will ensure our wellness and preparedness for winter.We will also cook up some delicious treats EG Sloe Gin,Rowan Berry Schnapps,Turkish Delight and more! Suitable for everyone who loves foraging and using wild herbs.
COST:
€95.00 / €65 concession for OAP & unwaged
To Book either of these events click here >>

Roz published in Activities, April Events, August Events, December Events, Events and Tours, November 7, 2014

Ballybunion Ecotreks with Danny

Ecotrek Ballybunion -Walking Holidays in Kerry

Ecotrek Ballybunion is a unique personal guided tour with local historian and pipe player Danny Houlihan. Danny has vast local knowledge of the area and is a pleasure to listen to as he tells tales of ancient chiefs, local heroes and you can even have a go at playing the uilleann pipes!
He offers tours to small groups and ( upon appointment) individuals taking them around the stunning coastal scenery of Ballybunion in gorgeous Co Kerry. The trails are part of The Wild Atlantic Way – Possibly the wildest parts!!
Open year round – booking essential.
Call Danny today on +353 (0)87 353613 – it’s best to call him than email 🙂
Read about our recent trip to Kerry where we met up with Danny for a few hours >>
Find more links to Dannys’ Facebook, Twitter etc here >>

Roz published in Activities, Bushcraft, Bushcraft and Wild Camping, Family Friendly Events, Foraging and Foodie Trails, October 8, 2014

Bushcraft Events in Dublin

Pioneer Bushcraft Events Enniskerry & Dublin

Sean has lot’s of regular events coming up for those interested in doing something different and learning something new this October.
Including:

10th Oct. (Fri)

Primitive & Modern Fire Skills Workshop – Enniskerry Village Square, 10am.

11th Oct. (Sat)

Native Woodland Masterclass – Enniskerry Village Square, 10am.

12th Oct. (Sun)

Basic Map & Compass Navigation Skills – Bray Train Station, 11am

13th Oct. (Mon)

Urban Botany of Dublin City – canal lock at LaTouche Bridge, Rathmines Road Lower, 11am.

14th Oct. (Tues)

Coastal Foraging & Rocky Shore Ecology – Balbriggan Train Station 10am.

20th Oct. (Mon)

Urban Botany of Dublin City – canal lock at LaTouche Bridge, Rathmines Road Lower, 10am.

23rd Oct. (Thurs)

Urban Botany of Dublin City – canal lock at LaTouche Bridge, Rathmines Road Lower, 10am.

24th Oct. (Fri)

Night Navigation – Balbriggan Train Station, 7pm.

25th Oct. (Sat)

Native Woodland Masterclass – Enniskerry Village Square, 10am.

26th Oct. (Sun)

Outdoor Camping Skills Workshop – Enniskerry Village Square, 10am.

28th Oct. (Tue)

Urban Botany of Dublin City – canal lock at LaTouche Bridge, Rathmines Road Lower, 11am.

29th Oct. (Wed)

Night Navigation – Balbriggan Train Station, 6pm.

30th Oct (Thur)

Basic Map & Compass Navigation Skills – Bray Train Station, 11am.

31st Oct (Fri)

Bull Island Birdwatching Tour – Junction of Causeway Road and Jim Larkin Road, Clontarf, 10am

1st Nov (Sat)

Coastal Foraging & Rocky Shore Ecology – Balbriggan Train Station, 10.30am.

To Book Visit www.pioneerbushcraft.org, Call 086-3704773 or Email: pioneerbushcraft@gmail.com

Roz published in Activities, Foraging and Foodie Trails, Latest News, Mushroom Hunts, November Events, October 7, 2014

Events at Gortbrac Organic Farm

Foraging Events Tralee

GortBrac Organic Farm & Eco Cabins have some cool events coming up including:

11 October: Mushroom Foraging with Jonathan Spazzi
Learn how to identify, find and cook wild mushrooms; includes a talk and foraging walk through local woods

18 October: Natural Cosmetics with Vivienne Campbell
Natural cosmetics are easy and enjoyable to make when you know how. Items such as lip balm, moisturisers, bath bombs and face scrubs can easily be made at home in your own kitchen. This practical course will show you how. Come along and pamper yourself and learn how to make gorgeous, natural products for yourself and loved ones!

08 November: Seaweed Harvesting and Cooking with John Fitzgerald
Learn how identify, sustainably harvest and cook seaweed; includes a talk, 10 course taster lunch, seashore foraging trip, seaweed bath pack and seaweed garden fertiliser!

Contact Cathy Eastman (085 7782289) to book places or for more details or check out their events page here >>
FB/GortbrackOrganicFarm

www:gortbrackorganicfarm.com
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Roz published in Activities, April Events, August Events, EAI, Events and Tours, August 3, 2014

Trip To BallyBunion

BallyBunion Eco Tourism Trails

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Tralee in Co Kerry for a business Conference with my sister TweetingGoddess. I decided to make the most of my trip by also visiting Ballybunion during my stay so I called ahead and arranged to meet local historian and ecotrek founder Danny Houlihan of ecotrekballybunion.com.
Danny met me at the beach and we headed around his trail whilst he shared local information and vivid historic tales that would not be unusual in a Game of Thrones episode!
From a Chiefs sacrifice of his nine beautiful daughters to Fionn Mac Chumhaills epic battles Danny made the trip so interesting we even had passers by stopping to listen in and hear him play the pipes!
After my time with Danny we headed out of Ballybunion for a mile to visit Mike of Bromore Cliffs – This spectacular piece of scenery took our breath away and Mike was such a lovely friendly guy telling us about a local picnic that had been held in the field there the week before. It all sounded very famous five!
Mike also has a gorgeous self catering cottage available for rent and the best thing about all this is that it’s open in the winter months too! I’ll be heading down that way again soon to include a local cheesmaker and more so do check back as we will adding these trails to our website in the coming months. Meantime Here are some photos of the spectacular scenery available in Beautiful Ballybunion!

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Roz published in Activities, April Events, August Events, December Events, Family Friendly Events, May 12, 2014

Surfing in Bundoran Donegal

Bundoran Surf Co

Surfing is a great sport to be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to pick up a new sport or even just an excuse to get into the great outdoors.
Beginner lessons take place in waist deep water so don’t worry if you aren’t confident in the water. Our Surf School is approved by the Irish Surfing Association, all lessons are fully insured and all instructors are qualified beach lifeguards.
Information about beginner surf lessons:

Adult €30 (3 lessons €85, 4 €110, 5 €130 on consecutive days).
Groups of 7 and more €25pp.
Kids €25 (from 8 to 16yrs inclusive).
Groups of 16 and more €20pp.

Lessons run at 10am and 2pm all year round.
5pm lesson available on request.
All instruction and equipment provided.
Transport to and from beach included.
The lessons last for about 3 hours.
Changing facilities, hot showers, and a hot drink after the session included.
All you need is a towel and swimwear.
We use 4/3mm suits in summer and 5/4/3mm suits in winter.
www.bundoransurfco.com

Roz published in Activities, April Events, August Events, Canoeing, December Events, March 19, 2014

Canoe and Camp Holidays Ireland

Paddle your own Canoe breaks

“Paddle your own Canoe” holidays on the beautiful, peaceful and
interesting Barrow river.
Enjoy a holiday with everything you need supplied both in the form of equipment and also local information and suggested stop offs from our newest member ‘Go with the Flow’.

Your canoe holiday generally starts in the quiet town of
Monasterevin.
We will meet you by the river with your two-seat canoe and paddles, some dry bags, buoyancy jackets and a Kelly kettle (Always nice be able to pull in and have a brew with out reliance on the grid) and if required a tent.
Typically you will be paddling for 2/3 hours in the morning and similar again after lunch. The river is very peaceful and quite intimate. There is an abundance of nature and wildlife all around. Walkway along the route is popular so you can expect many friendly faces, waves and chats and there are also many houses and old cottages, ancient ruined castles, farms, pubs, restaurants and stately homes. Each little town and village has its own unique character with plenty to offer the curious tourist.
An audio guide to accompany you on your expedition is available as part of the Guidigo series. You can download the app via Google Play here then download Barrow way Historic trail.

Camping – (based on two people sharing) is wild camping. We can supply you with a tent and a kettle. When ever you feel like calling it a day you just pull over, set up tent and settle down for a relaxing evening and night in the great outdoors.
Leave no trace policy applies.
Camping and Canoeing:

5 days/4 nights only €100 pp
High season (June/July/Aug) €150 pp

Includes:

Canoe rental and canoe transportation
Dry Barrels
Safety equipment
Guide book
Minimum 2 people

Alternatively you can decide to stay in one of our carefully selected bed and breakfasts or hotels – see rates below:
B&B
5 day 4 night €249pp – High season (July /August) €299pp
3 Star Hotel
5 day4 nights €299pp – High season (July /August) €349pp
4 Star Hotel
5 day 4 nights €359pp- High season (July /August) €399pp
For those choosing a B&B or Hotel option you will have a set finish point each day. Usually no more than 20k going with the flow.
Sample Itinerary:

Day 1 Monasterevin to Athy
Day 2 Athy to Carlow
Day 3 Carlow to Leighlinbridge
Day 4 Leighlinbridge to Goresbridge
Day 5 Goresbridge to St Mullins

It is also possible to add an additional night or two along the way and/or spend two nights in one of the towns or villages enroute. Contact us directly for details of custom trips.
www.gowiththeflow.ie

Roz published in April Events, December Events, EAI, Family Friendly Events, February Events, January 1, 2014

Irish Seaweed Safaris

The Irish Seaweed Safari is an experience not to be missed!

Join our 4th generation Seaweed Foragers and enjoy the spectacular shore walk from the rugged coastline of Caherush meandering along the shoreline enjoying nostalgic views looking out on Spanish Point Bay along with the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

During the safari you will learn about the many seaweeds the Atlantic Coastline has to offer.
You will be shown how to identify and harvest the seaweeds by hand like our ancestors would have done.
You will learn about the Nutritional Benefits of the edible seaweeds along the with the Cosmetic and Horticultural benefits.
You will also be treated to Sea Veg tasting at the Wild Irish Sea Veg Company!
They will give their expertise in how to prepare and cook the seaweeds you have encountered during the Seaweed Safari. You will be able to sample culinary delights using Dillisk, Carrageen, Sea Spaghetti, Sugar Kelp and Sea Salad among others.
You will than learn how to use seaweeds both in the Garden and how can it help for Cosmetic purposes.
The Tour lasts approx 3 hours – Walks will run in conjunction with the tide times. We will inform anyone who books the time for their chosen date.
What you need:

Appropriate Clothing for weather conditions
Walking Boots/Shoes
Camera for some stunning photos!

Costs:

€15 per adult – €5 Children
Group of 10 or more is €10pp and kids free.
If you are booking for more than 10 adults and also inc children then please do not select child numbers at booking point (to avoid getting charged) – instead please add if any children and numbers + ages of same in the NOTE box.

Any date is available.
Please note that a Minimum booking of 4 adults is required.
If you would like less than 4 places email us your preferred date and we will see if can make up the numbers to go ahead.
EAI Map Ref: Seaweed Safaris, Caherush, Co Clare >>

Roz published in April Events, August Events, December Events, Events and Tours, Family Friendly Events, January 1, 2014

Avoca Mines Guided Walk

Avoca Mines And Mottee Stone Tour

This guided looped walk is a wonderfully scenic walk in the heart of rural Ireland with lots of emphasis on the history and heritage of the Avoca area over the centuries.

Approx 15 km
3-4 Hour Looped Walk

The pretty village of Avoca and its surrounds was once the workplace of Bram Stoker (of Count Dracula fame) and its population was dependent on the Woollen Mills.
Hear how the copper mines of Avoca brought prosperity and many engineering feats to this valley. See the engine houses and chimneys dotted around and enjoy your tour of the Avoca Mill established in 1723 and Ireland’s Oldest Weaving Mill.
The area is also home to the Red Kite – an impressive bird of prey which became extinct for over 200 years ago but has now been re-introduced to the local habitat. You may get the opportunity to see a Red Kite or some of the many more types of wildlife and farming animals as you walk with us. Enjoy spectacular views over the Vale of Avoca and beyond.
Hear how Ireland’s national poet Thomas Moore chose the Vale of Avoca for one of his most memorable songs the Meetings of the Waters.

Classification: Easy/Moderate (a few hills to climb)
Meeting Point: Avoca Handweavers Mill
How to Get There: by car to Avoca or bus to Arklow with complimentary transfer to Avoca
Start Time: 10:00 hours
When:
Saturdays and Sundays
Booking:
Advance booking essential
Price:
Adult €25, Family Ticket (2 adults 2 children) €50
Packed Lunch: €5 pp (Hearty Sandwich and piece of fruit)
Included: Guided Walk, Tour of the Avoca Mill, Bottle Water and Snack Bar
EAI Map Ref: Avoca Handweavers Mill >>