Step into the heart of Hometree's restoration work with a unique weekend in the beautiful Bealnabrack Valley. Together, we'll camp, work and learn on a site at the very beginning of its restoration journey, helping to lay the foundations for a landscape that will flourish for generations to come.
Location: Hometree’s Cnocán Bán site, in the Eastern part of Maamturk Mountains in County Galway.
This is a deliberately back to basics experience! We will camp together on the hillside, cook and share meals as a group (food and drinking water provided by Hometree), and spend our days living and working outdoors in the heart of the Connemara landscape. We will use a composting toilet, there are no hot showers or home comforts- just fresh air, shared purpose, star-filled skies, and the unique satisfaction of living close to the land while helping to restore it.
What to Expect
Learn by Doing: Work alongside Hometree's Restoration team as you explore the ecology, biodiversity and layered history of Ireland's uplands. Through practical restoration work and conversations on site, you'll gain a first-hand understanding of peatland and rainforest restoration, and what it takes to bring landscapes back to life.
Hands-on Restoration: Contribute directly to the restoration of the site by removing, repairing and improving essential infrastructure. This is physical work in the ever-changing Connemara weather, where every task makes a tangible difference to the future of the landscape.
Stories, Reflection & Community: Through a screening of Dinnseanchas and facilitated discussion, we'll explore restoration through culture, story and community. Camping, sharing meals, working side by side and gathering around the campfire create space for meaningful conversations, new friendships and a genuine sense of connection.
What You'll Leave With: You'll leave with practical restoration experience, a deeper understanding of Ireland's peatland and rainforest restoration, and a renewed sense of connection to the natural world. More than that, you'll experience the camaraderie that comes from living simply, embracing the elements, and working together towards a shared purpose.
Is This Weekend for You?
If you're looking to support Hometree, experience restoration in its most hands-on form, and don't mind swapping home comforts for an unforgettable weekend outdoors, we'd love to have you join us. This is a physically demanding weekend on uneven steep ground, whatever the weather. You'll be pitching your own tent, carrying out practical restoration work, and living outdoors from morning to night. Bring sturdy boots, waterproofs, warm layers and a tent that can handle the Irish weather.
After a rewarding day's work, we'll head into the local village for a well-earned pint and traditional music before returning to camp beneath the Connemara sky.
Tent/camping gear: Participants will need to bring their own camping equipment. There is no running water or showers.
Food: Hometree will supply breakfast, lunch, dinner and fresh drinking water. It is advisable to bring snacks.
Clothing /footwear: Participants will need to bring their own clothing, waterproofs, sturdy waterproof footwear for work outdoors.