Living Landscapes
~ Turas Fómhar Tour 8th to 18th of September 2025 ~
The “Living Landscapes” of Ireland are central to the focus of this journey. They are the medium through which we will discover the varied bioregions that exist here, how they came to be, the unique habitats they provide and the rich medicine they can often offer. We will journey in connection with these ancient places and through them explore the ecological & cultural history of these lands.
We will visit many wild and ancient power places; primordial woodlands of Oak and Yew, stone circles and megaliths, hermitage caves, fairy forts, & holy wells. We will explore the rich biodiversity of Ireland’s flora and be guided by many experts in Herbalism, Botany, Herbal Medicine Making, Wild Food Foraging, Mythology & Storytelling, Forestry and Native Tree Lore.
We will also explore the mythology that permeates the land and its people and be immersed in stories of the Sídhe & Tuatha Dé, the otherworldly folk that are said to reside in the hollow hills.
This “Turas Fómhar” will deepen your connection with plants and planet, history and self. It is an homage to the “Living Landscapes” that make up the land of Éireann.
“Bígí linn! Tar agus Fáilte” as we say or “Join us! Come and be welcome!"
“The land has a memory. Every hill, every rock, every stream has a story to tell, if only we’d listen.”
Lose yourself in tales of ancient fairy folk and wise women
Get to know Ireland’s most loved Seanchaí (traditional storyteller), Eddie Lenihan. Eddie is what we would consider to be a national treasure. He has spent a lifetime traveling the length & breadth of Ireland gathering and recording the stories of the land and its peoples.
Explore the majestic nature of Irelands Wild West
Set against a majestic backdrop of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, Uragh Stone Circle is possibly one of the most mystical feeling megalithic sites in the country. A gorgeous drive along the narrow, meandering road down to this remote spot adds an air of anticipation to the journey.
Immerse yourself in contemporary Irish culture & herbal medicine making
Using some herbs that we gathered, we'll get our hands busy making herbal formulas. We'll work with some favorite herbs to craft simple, safe, effective remedies and learn the alchemical process of the art of hydrosol distillation.
unique & magical landscapes
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medicine making
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storytelling
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botany & foraging walks
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cozy & luxurious accommodation
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crafting
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unique & magical landscapes 〰️ medicine making 〰️ storytelling 〰️ botany & foraging walks 〰️ cozy & luxurious accommodation 〰️ crafting 〰️
Ready to reserve your space?
FAQs
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Yes, the trip includes accommodations and meals. We aim to provide locally-sourced, nutritious food that caters to different dietary preferences and needs. You will be prompted to inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can accommodate your needs. The food is very high-quality and has often been one of the highlights of past trip participants!
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East Clare/Southeast Galway (Four Nights): We will stay at an Eco House and Organic Kitchen Center, a boutique eco-hotel near Loughrea. This charming accommodation includes an equestrian center and one of Ireland's only certified organic restaurants, with much of the produce coming from their gardens.
West Cork (Six Nights): In West Cork, we will stay in two luxurious manor houses on a 100-acre private woodland with sea views from the gardens. These houses feature spacious communal areas and multiple kitchens, providing a high standard of comfort in a beautiful, serene setting.
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The trip will involve moderate walking and hiking through various landscapes, including forests, hills, and ancient sites. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for some periods of time. If you have any specific concerns about physical requirements, please reach out to us.
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Yes, there will be some designated free time throughout the trip for participants to rest, reflect, or explore nearby areas on their own. We encourage participants to use this time to connect with the landscape in their own way, whether through journaling, photography, or quiet contemplation. Of course, everything we offer is optional and you can always choose to stay in our stunning accommodation whenever you crave some quiet downtime by yourself.
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Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, with the possibility of experiencing all four seasons in one day. It’s best to be prepared for a mix of sunny, rainy, and cool weather. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear, such as a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Keeping a positive attitude, enjoying the mystic atmosphere of Ireland in any weather and being prepared for varying conditions will enhance your experience.
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Our guides are experts in their fields, including Herbalism, Botany, Wild Food Foraging, Mythology, and Native Tree Lore. They have extensive knowledge of Ireland's flora, fauna, and cultural history and will provide enriching information and stories during the trip.
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To ensure a personalized and immersive experience, the group size is kept small, typically ranging from 15 to 24 participants. This allows for a more intimate connection with the guides, the land, and the cultural experiences.
Ready to reserve your space?
The Details
Living Landscapes Tour Duration:
11 days, 10 nights
Living Landscapes Tour Cost: We have 3 price tiers (prices listed in euros)
Tier #1: First eight places 3300€
Tier #2: Second eight places 3400€
Tier #3: Final eight places 3500€
Price includes:
Double occupancy lodging with either twin beds or double beds for couples - Solo travelers will be paired with a roommate
A limited-number of private rooms are available with additional supplement
Three meals a day
All transportation within Ireland
All entrance fees
Classes and instruction.
TARA DE RÓISTE
Tara is an Irish herbalist, a steward of wild lands, cob horses, goats and gardens. She is an ordained Priestess of the Sacred Land through the Coire Sois School of Irish Spirituality and is passionate about the preservation and restoration of culture and heritage on these islands. She is originally from the shores of the Irish Sea in Co. Wexford but now tends land and native woodland in East Clare on them shores of Lough Bridget. She is passionate about facilitating connection between people and the natural world. She has a lifetime interest in the native spirituality of her homeland and in stoking the flames of her indigenous traditions. She believes fervently in connecting others with this deep well of knowledge. After spending many years journeying through the land of Ireland, connecting with the sacred sites, ancient stones, trees and the magical wild places, Tara feels a deep calling to bring others to experience these unique places & the healing they offer us.
CHRIS GAMBATESA
Chris is originally from Ohio but has now made his home on a rural homestead in the Mhúscraí Gaeltacht (Irish speaking region) deep in the wilds of West Cork along the shores of the River Lee. He left the states 31 years ago and has made his home in Ireland for the last 27 years by way of Spain, Finland, Greece, and Hungary. He began his obsession with plants while living in a treehouse for 6 months in an ancient oak woodland in Co. Wicklow 27 years past. He loves growing every kind of medicinal plant he can find seeds for. He’s been touring the island of Ireland relentlessly for last 2 1/2 decades in search of nature, beauty, and the mysteries of this unique land.
What happens after you book?
Step #1: Submit your booking request & you will get an email with a request to fill out a short waiver and participant questionnaire
Step #2: After you have filled those out we will get back to you within 24h with a payment link to easily pay your deposit of €1000
Step #3: You will have secured your space and we will keep you in the loop with helpful resources like a packing list, upcoming payment dates, and more so you can get excited about your upcoming trip of a lifetime :)