Going green in the West – The Connemara Green Festival 2018
In the majestic Connemara National Park on the Wild Atlantic Way, a weekend celebrating Mother Nature will take place from 12th to 14th October. The Connemara Green Festival will be held in the beautiful village of Letterfrack. This festival of conservation and ecology has something for everyone with a jam-packed programme of events.
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Eating for Conservation’ – raising funds for awareness of the conservation of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. The festival program includes walks with local ecologists and historians, nature workshops, hill walks and water sports. Foodies will love the cookery demonstrations, mushroom and seaweed foraging and the chance to sample delicious local artisan foods. Many of the events are free of charge. And all sound amazing! Here are just some of our favourites from this year’s line-up…
The Grand Opening Friday 12th
The opening festival will take place on Friday 12th at 6pm. With the title a ‘Taste of the Forest’, this unique event will take you to the edge of the Waterfall on the Atlantic Link Walk. Find out more here.
Something for everyone on Sat 13th
Saturday has seen the organisers create a wide and varied program with something for every age and ability. Starting off the morning there is a fabulous walk at 10am in the National Park. This farm walk will introduce you to the craftsmanship behind dry stone walls, sheep shearing and scythe cutting. Little ones with curious minds will love this scavenger hunt with a twist – exploring the hidden treasures in the fresh water.
For those who want to find out more about vegetarian cooking, why not check out the cookery demonstration at noon. Maureen O’Sullivan, president of the Vegetarian Society of Ireland will be inspiring young and old alike with her repertoire of recipes. Connemara Beekeepers will be sharing their knowledge of honey bees and heather honey at 3pm.
Sunday delights on Sun 14th
For those who like something a little different in their teacup, why not check out this fantastic Herb Talk in the Letterfrack Community Garden. There will be lots to learn and taste and delicious herbal teas to taste. Of if you have always wanted to try foraging you are spoiled for choice – from seaweed foraging on the shore to mushroom foraging in the fabulous grounds of Kylemore Abbey. You can also learn all about the delicious treasures in the treetops with Food from Trees.
This is just a small sample of the events taking place in Connemara as part of the Connemara Green Festival. To see the full programme check the organiser’s website here. The West really will be awake this October. For even more ideas of what’s on near you check out www.inspireme.ie.
Finally all details were correct at time of press. However we recommended you confirm with the organisers before you travel.
