Lúnasa Workshop with SallyAnn Lenehan

Join Horticulturist, SallyAnn Lenehan, for this thoughtful 2-hour foraging and herbal remedy workshop at beautiful Páirc an Tobair, near Rosscarbery, to embrace the fruits of the season.

Lúnasa or Lughnasadh is our pagan festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, honouring Lugh the god of light, skill and craftsmanship. In the middle ages great gatherings and celebrations were held to honour this important time in the pagan calendar, which included athletic games, competitions and feasting. Normally held in early August (Lúnasa), the tradition of climbing up a hill persisted into the 20th century. Known as 'Crom dubh Sunday', it was eventually Christianised.

It was said that Lugh played funeral games at this time to honour his foster mother the earth goddess Tailtiu who was said to have died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland for agriculture. A time of mourning for the end of summer. A time of celebration and abundance while facing the loss of light and harshness of winter ahead. There would have been feasting, proclaiming laws, and matching making.

One tradition was to put flowers in your hair while walking up a hill or mountain and then burying the flowers on the top to signify the end of summer and the growing season.

During this season of abundance, we can take this time to harvest and process nutrient dense foods to enjoy during the leaner cold months ahead supporting both our health and wellbeing.

Always take care when harvesting and foraging. Only take what you need leaving for others, including our animal friends. Pick away from busy roads. Always seek landowners' permission before picking. Only harvest foods that you know and recognise, if not please seek expert advice.

Please seek advice from your medical practitioner before taking plant remedies if pregnant, breastfeeding or have an illness.

Organised by Green Skibbereen in partnership with Susan O'Regan of Mindhaven and funded by REACH.