Wild Medicine & Crafting: A Bealtaine Workshop – Nettles & Hawthorn

Hosted by Herbalist Luke Ó hErodáin and his wife Niamh Ó hErodáin

Step into the brightening of the year and celebrate Bealtaine with a day of herbs, craft, and community. While Samhain marks the turning of the Celtic New Year, Bealtaine is our threshold into the “light half” of the year. Together we will walk the land, focusing our energy on the incredible versatility of the Nettle, with the sacred Hawthorn (May flower) as our heart-centered guide.

Throughout the day we will share nourishing food and enjoy vibrant cups of seasonal herbal tea blends. We will be crafting remedies and wool creations to carry us through the high summer months.

Location: Luke & Niamh’s Cottage, located between Fermoy and Ballyduff (exact location given closer to date after booking). Limited spaces available!

Morning — Nettle & May Flower Medicine

10:30am — Herb Walk & Gathering
A guided walk with Luke among the fields and hedgerows of the farm. We will meet the plants of the season, with a deep dive into the Nettle and the Hawthorn.

• Our precious Nettle: We will practice the traditional gathering of Nettle leaves for their abundant health benefits and nutrient density. You will also learn the art of harvesting the roots for grounding medicine. Beyond the apothecary, we will explore the Nettle’s myriad uses, from its traditional role in strengthening hair and scalp health to its history as a fiber for making strong string and cordage.

• The May Flower: We will meet the Hawthorn in its flowering glory. Differing from the autumn berries, the May flower is a potent antioxidant and a specific medicine for emotional and physical heart support.

Midday Meal

12:30pm — Light Lunch in the cottage
A seasonal lunch shared together in the cottage, featuring foraged goods, organic local produce, and freshly baked homemade bread.

Afternoon — Crafting & Creativity

13:30pm — Herbal & Wool Workshop
Hands-on crafting using the gifts of the season. You will go home with the following:

• Whole Nettle Preparations — We will work with the full spectrum of the plant, creating remedies that utilise the mineral-rich leaves and the potent, grounding roots.

• Hawthorn “May Flower” Tincture — A heart-strengthening medicine captured at the height of the bloom.

• Needle-Felted Wool Creation — A guided session with Niamh using soft wool to needle-felt your own seasonal piece, connecting to the tactile, ancient tradition of Irish wool-craft.

Closing

16:45pm — End of Day Gathering
We close with tea and reflection, sharing our creations and the stories of the day before stepping back into the world, ready for the summer season ahead.

Concession places limited but available on request.