My Ireland
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Take three… wilderness experiences in Ireland
Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft, County Down @ Donal Maloney
1. Finnebrogue Woods, County Down
Strangford Lough is a wilderness in itself. Just a short distance from Belfast, it’s an area that boasts a UNESCO Global Geopark, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. It’s also one of the most richly biodiverse regions in Europe, and is a favourite spot for migrating light-bellied Brent geese. A short distance from the town of Downpatrick down a rural country road, you’ll find the entrance to Finnebrogue Woods, a beautiful setting surrounded by ancient woodland and lakeland. It’s the perfect spot for an array of courses that run the gamut from foraging to wood carving. Courses are led by mountaineer and expeditionist Rob Hill, with outdoor expert George Anthony, who has previously led expeditions to the Himalayas and South America.
In the area: Strangford Lough has lots to see and do around it, from great wildlife experiences to cultural highlights. Don’t miss the Castle Espie Wetlands Centre, the Strangford Lough Activity Centre, with top activities out on the lough, and the beautiful country house of Mount Stewart. Time for more? Pay a visit to Castle Ward for some Game of Thrones-inspired fun, soak up the historic beauty of Inch Abbey and get off the beaten track with a stroll along the Kearney Coastal Walk.
Mullaghmore Loop, The Burren, County Clare © Clare County Council
2. Common Knowledge, The Burren, County Clare
Created to “share skills for a truly sustainable homelife”, Common Knowledge in the wild and beautiful Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark is just the place if you want to learn something new, sustainable and useful. Set within a former ecological retreat, accommodation offerings here range from the comfortable environs of The Courtyard cottages to the more natural surrounds of the campsite. Courses change throughout the year, but you can expect the focus to be on the more traditional side of things including “Dry Stonewalling for Beginners”, “Fermentation” and “Seasonal Permaculture”, as well as traditional crafts such as spoon carving and willow weaving.
In the area: The Burren is full of amazing walking trails, which weave through what is one of the most remarkable karst limestone landscapes in Europe. Hotfoot it to the Cliffs of Moher to test your head for heights, or go deep into the earth at the Ailwee Cave. And don’t miss a relaxed summer lunch in the garden of Burren Food & Wine, close to the pretty village of Ballyvaughan.
Up There The Last, West Cork @ Up There The Last
3. Up There The Last, West Cork
Join traditional food conservationist Max Jones of Up There The Last as he shares his passion for transforming Ireland’s natural landscape into sustaining food. In Myross Wood near Leap village is the Booley, his off-grid research space inspired by mountain huts once used by cattle herders, where Max hosts natural cheese and butter-making workshops. Down on the shoreline itself, he preserves ancient traditions of the sea through shoreline feasts and hands-on workshops, where you can learn to find, harvest, prepare, cook, cure, salt and smoke the bounty of a coastal forage. Max also helped establish The Keep at Woodcock Smokery where Ireland’s last wild salmon smoker, Sally Ferns Barnes, now runs workshops, courses and events.
In the area: West Cork is all about the exceptional beauty of its rugged landscapes and about a 25-minute drive from Leap is the coastal town of Baltimore, where you can jump on a ferry to the islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear. The scenic village and harbour of Glandore is great for traditional music, and the Castletownsend village is also a super-scenic spot. For something memorable, head to Liss Ard Estate close to Skibbereen, which has a remarkable Sky Garden, created by American artist James Turrell.
