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Foraging at Bealtaine

Foraging at Bealtaine- Mountain Ways Ireland, 11A Cloughinney Road, Forkhill, County Armagh, BT35 9RY
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About

As part of the Féile na Bealtaine festival 2023, Re-discover the ancient art of foraging. Bealtaine is one of those ancient turning points of the calendar. The time we decorate our May Bush, the time that cattle were traditionally driven to higher mountain Booley pastures. It's also a beautiful time of the year to learn about foraging and how to re-connect with our ancient past. It all sits within the story of Slieve Gullion, Land of Mountain, Myth and Legend.

Join us to learn about edible 'weeds' and medicinal wild plants once used by our ancestors at Slieve Gullion's foot. Spring foraging is one of the highlights of the foraging calendar.

Spring is a lovely time of the year to forage with new growth bursting from the hedgerows and delicate greens popping up for a new season.

Join Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland on his farm. He is a wild food enthusiast and will introduce you to this fascinating world. To most people, the hedgerow is one green mass but after this event, you'll see it very differently.

After a short introduction to the ancient art of 'gathering', you set off on foot to meet the plants. This slow-paced guided walk allows you to get back in touch with deep ancestral skills. This is what our forefathers did on a daily basis and rich folklore goes hand in hand.

The species-rich hill farm is set in the spectacular Ring of Gullion landscape. It's the perfect setting to slow down and tune in with nature. When you meet and gather wild plants here, it's like stepping back in time. In a small way, you can experience life as your ancestors did for thousands of years.
Taste As You Walk
On this 3-hour workshop/foraging experience, Brian will begin by introducing you to some basic "do's and dont's" of foraging. He will outline safety guidelines as well as run through identification and preservation techniques.

Brian will also show you some of the deadly plants meaning you stay safe.
You will learn how to identify a range of common 'weeds' and plants. This is the secret world of wild edibles and medicinal plants. Brian will reveal some of that magic for you.

These plants were once revered by our ancestors right here at the foot of Slieve Gullion. You will have the chance to taste from nature's wild larder.

Better again, taste some of the delicious wild food nibbles that Brian has preserved over the season!

Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Ticket£39.00 per ticket

Please contact the organiser for any further information that's required.

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Map & Directions

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What's Nearby

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from either Belfast or Dublin – Travelling on the M1 Motorway, Exit through the Forkhill Exit, B113. This sign also directs visitors to Newry, W'point and the Mourne Coastal Route. From the slip road you will pick up the first sign for Slieve Gullion Forest Park (4th exit from north, 1st exit from south). On the exit road you will pick up signs for Forkhill B113 and Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

After 1.5km you will pass a petrol station on the right and another on your left. A further 2.5 km will take you into the village of Meigh, after exiting Meigh and a further 1.5 km you will pass by the entrance to Slieve Gullion Forest. Continue on for a further 3 kms passing alongside the village of Drumintee. After passing the Three Steps Bar and Lounge on your left-hand side, continue for a further 500 metre being careful not to miss the next minor road, The Cloughinny Road, to your right.

Turn right on to The Cloughinny Road and you will find us 800 metres further on along the road, 4th house on the right, with black railings and tall white piers.There should be signs at the gate for Mountain Ways Ireland.

(If you are coming from Jonesborough (Junction 18 on M1), take the road for 5 kms to Drumintee / Forkhill, turn left when you reach the Three Steps Bar and Lounge on the corner of the B113. From the Three Steps Bar, its only 500 metres being careful not to miss the next minor road to your right, The Cloughinny Road. Turn right on to The Cloughinny Road and you will find us 800 metres further on along the road, 4th house on the right, with black railings and tall white piers. There should be signs at the gate for Mountain Ways Ireland.)

Public Transport Directions

We are located exactly halfway between Belfast and Dublin and just 5 minutes off the main North / South Motorway.

45 minutes' drive will take you from either Dublin or Belfast international airports.

There are regular train and bus connections between both Dublin / Belfast to either of our local towns of Newry or Dundalk.

Either of these towns are a 10-minute drive away and taxi transport can be arranged if you let us know in advance.

You will need car transport to arrive at our home and farm. There is ample free parking available for either car or small coach.

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