HerbFeast Ireland 2026
- Ralph Quinlan Forde BSc Hons MA
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
HerbFeast 2026 is being held at the beautiful Bellurgan Park, an 18th-century estate set beneath the Hill of Ochaine where Cú Chulainn once stood watch in the Táin.
HerbFest is an annual two-day celebration of herbal medicine, learning and community between May 15th to the 17th 2026.
HerbFeast 2026 brings together herbalists, plant lovers and practitioners for talks, workshops, herb walks and shared organic meals in the woodland grounds beneath the mythical Hill of Ochaine.
Flexible accommodation options are available. Perfectly nestled between Belfast and Dublin, this venue is easily and readily accessible.
Surrounded by more than 200 acres of native woodland to explore, a lake and winding paths, this is an inspiring place to gather, learn and reconnect with the living landscape (and herbs) of Ireland.
This year introduces new features shaped directly by feedback. These include the HerbFeast Panel chaired by Keith Robertson with all speakers present for live Q and A, distillation demonstrations showcasing hydrosol and essential oil making, practical workshops such as plant contemplation, botanical illustration and forest time, and a renewed focus on organic meals.
You can also choose to stay an optional extra night on Sunday for food, music and a relaxed wind down around the fire.
Irish Medical Herbalist Dr Clare's New Book Uprooted Medicine
Famed Medical Herbalist Dr Dilis Clare based in Galway has recently published her book Uprooted Medicine which is already being considered for a national award.
Here Dr Clare is discussing the book on her Podcast
HerbFeast is an annual gathering celebrating herbal medicine, community, and shared knowledge.
Organised by the Community of Irish Herbalists (CIH), it brings together professional herbal practitioners, students of professionally accredited courses, and herb enthusiasts for talks, workshops, herb walks, and social events in a welcoming environment.
Accommodation is now fully flexible. Your Weekend Ticket covers all talks, workshops, grounds access and meals during the day, while you choose the accommodation option that suits your comfort and budget. These include camping, campervan spaces, on-site cabins with en-suite, or a reserved block of rooms at the Carrickdale Hotel and Spa.
This model ensures everyone can attend while keeping the event fair and accessible.
Bellurgan Park is one hour from Dublin or Belfast and minutes from the M1, with strong rail and bus connections to Dundalk for those using public transport. Car-pooling and lift sharing can be arranged.
Join us for a weekend of learning, community and inspiration with leading speakers, plant experts and herbal educators from across Ireland and beyond.
More speaker announcements are coming soon. https://herbfeast.ie/
HerbFeast Programme 2026
(Subject to some adjustments)
F R I DAY 1 5T H
15:00 - 19:00 Registration
Check-in, welcome packs, and settling in.
17:00 - 19:00 Speaker’s Dinner & Potluck
Casual dining and meet-and-greet (an email will be sent regarding the
potluck).
19:30 Held by Keith Robertson
Opening Circle
Official welcome and grounding for the weekend.
S ATU R DAY 1 6T H
07:00 - 08:00
60 min
Yoga / Morning Activity
Start the day with movement and breath.
07:30 - 09:00 Breakfast (Boarders and campers only)
08:30 - 08:45 Registration (Day attendees)
09:00 - 10:30
90 min
Graeme Tobyn
Galenic Traditions in Europe Amidst Eastern Influences
10:45 - 11:45
60 min
Breakout Session 1
1. Herb Walks
2. Botanical Illustration (with Marina - spaces limited)
3. Additional options TBC
11:45 - 12:00
☕ Tea Break
12:00 - 13:00
60 min
Ross Hennessy
Sustainable Methods of Growing Medicinal Plants
Supporting your clinical practice through cultivation.
13:00 - 14:15
🥗 Lunch Break (75 min)
14:15 - 15:45
90 min
Chaired by Keith Robertson
Speaker Panel Discussion
With Danny, Graeme, Marina, and Kat.
15:45 - 16:45
60 min
Breakout Session 2
1. Botanical Illustration (Marina)
2. Herb Walk
17:15 - 18:15
60 min
Keith Robertson & Danny Ó Rawe
Skit: History of Celtic Medicine
20:00 Onwards Keith & Danny
Quiz / Social Evening
S U N DAY 1 7 T H
07:00 - 08:00
60 min
Yoga / Morning Activity
07:30 - 09:00 Breakfast (Boarders and campers only)
08:30 - 08:45 Registration (Day attendees)
09:00 - 10:00
60 min
Breakout Session 3
1. Herb Walks
2. Plant Contemplation (Keith Robertson)
3. Botanical Illustration (Marina)
10:00 - 11:30
90 min
Kat Maier
Cholesterol – Getting to the Heart of the Matter
11:30 - 12:00
☕ Tea Break
12:00 - 13:00
60 min
Danny Ó Rawe
Clinical Approaches to Insulin Resistance
13:00 - 14:15
🥗 Lunch Break (75 min)
14:15 - 16:15
120 min
Luke & Lorna
Distillation: Live Demonstration and Talk
Theory, science, and therapeutics of Hydrosols and Essential Oils.
16:15 Closing Circle
14:15 - 15:45 Evening Food & Community Bonfire
NOTE: Strictly for boarders staying until Monday. If you wish to join,
please contact us regarding the add-on price.
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