PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
The Herb School offers a range of bespoke private experiences, tours, and foraging workshops that can be fully tailored to suit individual clients or private groups. Whether booking a half-day, full-day, or multi-day experience, guests can choose from a selection of immersive options, personally hosted by Denise.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed around the client’s interests, whether culinary, medicinal, or rooted in Irish myth and lore, creating a deeply personal, enriching and memorable experience that blends learning, exploration, and enjoyment in a relaxed and engaging way.
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VISIT TO THE HERB GARDEN
Situated in the picturesque Delvin river valley, just outside the charming village of Naul, The Herb Garden is a rewilded, organic garden and a haven for native Irish flora and fauna. Learn about the mythology, folklore and traditional culinary and medicinal uses of the many native Irish trees, plants and herbs growing in this unique and special place.
The visit combines practical knowledge with storytelling, creating a memorable and meaningful connection to the natural world. Seasonal ancient Celtic festivals such as Imbolc and Samhain can be celebrated by learning about the plants, customs and traditions associated with our ancestors.
FOURKNOCKS PASSAGE GRAVES
Denise has lived in the shadow of Fourknocks megalithic tombs for over thirty years, and it holds a very special place in her heart. A private visit to this ancient monument offers a rare and atmospheric glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past. Experience the unique carvings and structure of the tomb while reflecting on the deep relationship between people and place throughout history.
Fourknocks is one of Ireland’s ‘hidden gems’ as it is largely unknown to most tourists. Denise brings this remarkable site to life by weaving together its archaeological significance with stories of land and people, past and present. It is highly likely that we will have the entire site to ourselves on the day of your visit.
SEASHORE FORAGING WALK
Tantalise your tastebuds, take in the sea air, and learn the valuable life skill of coastal foraging. Denise will guide you on this fun and informative seashore foraging walk in a scenic coastal location. After an introduction on how to forage safely and sustainably, we will explore the rock pools, cliff walks and sand dunes.
You will learn how to safely identify seasonal native Irish coastal plants, herbs, seaweeds and shellfish with plenty of tips on using them to create tasty and nutritious wild food dishes, drinks and simple herbal remedies. Our Irish coastlines are full of surprises, making this an invigorating and memorable experience.
ARDGILLAN CASTLE AND GARDENS
Ardgillan Castle and Gardens are situated in a spectacular coastal location, near the pretty fishing village of Skerries, and are a must visit for anyone interested in history, gardening and herbs. The beautifully restored walled herb and vegetable gardens on the estate are among Denise’s favourite cultivated gardens in Ireland.
After a walk along the stunning herbaceous borders and rose garden, we arrive at the walled herb and vegetable gardens, where the head gardener, Dominica, grows a wonderful range of culinary and medicinal herbs. Denise shares insights into the traditional and modern uses of the herbs in the garden, along with stories of the history of the castle and gardens.
BESPOKE EXPERIENCES
This flexible option allows us to design a tailored experience for you, in a location that suits you best, whether inland or along the coast. As a native Dubliner, Denise knows of many wonderful locations within easy reach of the city, where both foraging and spectacular scenery can be combined in a gentle walk or a more strenuous hike.
Choose from a rural or urban location, a coastal trail, or a stroll through one of north Dublin’s pretty seaside villages, to incorporate a sightseeing trip with a foraging walk. We can offer some recommendations for great lunch or dinner options, where you can sample seasonal Irish cuisine at its best. With enough notice, we can even arrange a boat trip to Ireland’s Eye or Lambay Island, in Dublin Bay.
A TASTE OF IRELAND
As a self-confessed lover of good food and a founder/member of the Fingal Food Circle, Denise can offer recommendations for your dining options during your visit. Whether you are looking for a healthy light lunch, or a more substantial gourmet meal, we can suggest some eating establishments that showcase the best of local, seasonal, Irish produce.
For larger groups, a wild food lunch option can be arranged, serving dishes made with seasonal herbs and foraged ingredients. This adds a social and sensory dimension to the experience, allowing guests to taste the flavours they have been learning about, bringing the experience full circle from plant to plate.
Testimonials
What our participants say about their learning experience at The Herb School
cONTACT uS
Please leave us a brief message with your enquiry and we will get back to you!
Email denise@theherbschool.ie or fill out the form below.
