IFSA Annual Gathering 2024

IFSA Annual Gathering 2024

Theme: Restoration - reflecting on how we can restore our woodlands and green spaces.

Location: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway https://slieveaughtycentre.com

Dear members and friends,

We are delighted to welcome you to our sixth Annual Gathering and AGM at the Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea. We hope to use this opportunity to gather in community with each other and with nature to deepen our awareness of the powerfulness of the Forest School approach to making our world a better place for all sentient beings. We extend a special welcome to new members, trainees and to those of you joining us for the first time.

We also extend our thanks to all of the conference ACORN committee, to Slieve Aughty and the staff and to nature for her abundant beauty and constant inspiration to us all.

At this year’s gathering:

• Keynote speaker is Catherine Cleary, an award-winning journalist, author and nature activist.
• 4 CPD workshops which will run twice concurrently (attendees select 2 of 4 options).
• IFSA AGM
• Saturday Evening options include Roundhouse Walk and Talk with the cousins who build it and shared the process on YouTube (https://youtube.com/c/SmoothGefixt), legendary storyteller Eddie Lenihan and community campfire.
• Speaker, Bob Wilson of CELT, Trees and woodlands in the Irish landscape
• Regional and National Conversations
• Tree Planting with Niamh Ni Dhuill, LEAF Ireland, a project of An Taisce.

Calling all Musicians! Please bring your instruments and tunes for around the campfire. If you would like to join the Ceol 2024 WhatsApp to arrange some music for the event please do so here https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kk2EtYK9OtZ2CshJm0Opun or email Mary Cronin at colmanwalsh086@gmail.com

Decor: Want to help bring wild decor to our lovely venue? We welcome you adding any willow decorations, garlands, bunting, fabrics and natural decorations to enhance the beauty of our indoor and outdoor spaces for our visit

Bookings close: 4th June

Conference fee: No refunds after 31st May

Cost: (includes conference, vegetarian lunch on Saturday and Sunday, vegetarian dinner on Saturday evening, tea and coffee throughout, evening activity, storytelling and campfire, and IFSA membership until May 2025)

- Current IFSA members €160 

- Non-members: €190 

- Current FS trainees/ third level students (on presentation of card) €145 

Accommodation: There is accommodation on site, which is limited and is offered on a first come basis and must be booked and paid for at the same time. Accommodation is offered for Friday and/or Saturday nights.

Main House Accommodation 

- Bed and breakfast, 2-3 bed shared, ensuite room in main house €70 per person per night

- Bed and breakfast, 4 bed shared hostel (bunk beds) room, ensuite in main house €65 per person per night

Note: Please indicate the names of others you wish to share with in your booking form on the next page and we will try to accommodate you.

Free WiFi

Camping: 

- Camping (per 2 person tent), Hot showers, free wifi, access to camping kitchen €10 per night  

- Camping and Breakfast (per 2 person tent), Hot showers, free wifi, access to camp kitchen €20 per night

- Campervan, Hot showers, free wifi, access to camping kitchen €20 per night

- Campervan and Breakfast, Hot showers, free wifi, access to camp kitchen €30 per night

For other onsite accommodation options (cottages and chalets) and local Bed and Breakfast options email info@irishforestschoolassociation.ie

Friday Night Dinner: 7.30pm, Vegetarian Pizza and Salad (Must be pre-booked and paid for) €20 per person 

IFSA Hoodies: Will be available to purchase over the weekend. Email info@irishforestschoolassociation.ie if you would like to add your own crafts to a small market place on the Sunday. 

Note: If booking for more than one attendee please email info@irishforestschoolassociation.ie with the details of and workshop choices for additional attendees.