Rough Restoration Weekend (Friday - Sunday, 28 - 30 August)

Rough Restoration Weekend (Friday - Sunday, 28 - 30 August)
A weekend of nature, learning, and collective action
Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon, meals included, camping on site.
Location: Hometree’s Cnocán Bán site, in the Eastern part of Maamturk Mountains in County Galway
Cost: €80
Step into the heart of Hometree's restoration work with a unique weekend in beautiful North Connemara. Together, we'll climb, haul and build on a site early in its restoration journey. It's real, physical work on steep terrain, in all weather. The weekend calls for stamina, a steady pace and a willingness to get stuck in. What you'll get back is the deep satisfaction of seeing your effort reshape the land in front of you.
We'll camp on the hillside, cook together and sleep in tents going fully off grid for the weekend. On Saturday evening, we will hold a film screening in the local community filled with music and good craic.
You'll be working shoulder to shoulder with a crew of like-minded people, turning graft and grit into real progress for this landscape. It's hard work and good company in equal measure! Come ready for hands on work in Connemara, and leave having made a lasting difference to this valley
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.
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.
This project is kindly supported by funding from the NPWS Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Participant
Cancellations received more than 28 days prior to the course start date will receive an 85% refund of the total course fee. A 15% administration fee will be retained.
Cancellations received between 28 and 14 days prior to the course start date will receive a 50% refund of the course fee.
Cancellations received less than 14 days prior to the course start date are non-refundable.
Cancellation by Organiser
If the course is cancelled by us, a full refund of the course fee will be issued.