Tending The Hearth
A Women’s Retreat in Ireland at the threshold of Spring
with Special Guest
Leah Song of Rising Appalachia
5th to 12th Febuary 2027
Join Tara De Róiste and Zillah Francis of Wild Routes Ireland along with Leah Song of Rising Appalachia for a seven day women’s retreat in the south-west of Ireland at the turning of the year. Imbolc is the ancient Irish festival marking the first stirring of spring, and An Tairseach (un TAR-shukh) is the Irish word for the threshold. We will begin at the new moon of Imbolc, where we will cross the threshold from winter into spring in the company of Brigid, keeper of the sacred flame and holy well, and Gobnait, healer and patroness of bees & blacksmiths.
Our days will be shaped by the hearth. We will tend it together, weave Brigid’s crosses, work with rushes, straw and wool, dip candles, share poetry and stories, rest in saunas and the sea air, and gather each evening to join our voices in song. Together, we will draw from the well and awaken the Imbas (IM-bus), the old Irish word for poetic inspiration.
With a small group of 15 women, this is a chance to go deeper into the mysteries, songs, traditions and landscape of Ireland, and to support each other as we emerge from the dark half of the year & ignite with the Spring.
This journey is intended to be a collective prayer for the times we are living through. A sacred time to dream with the wild and to vision the future we would wish to see our children inherit. It is a time to return to our roots and to right relationship with the land & with each other.
Want to know more about the places we’ll visit and the people we’ll meet?
Email us at:
info@wildroutesireland.com
For further info on how to register for this once in a lifetime experience and a copy of our e-brochure.
unique & magical landscapes
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medicine making
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storytelling
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botany & foraging walks
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cozy & luxurious accommodation
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crafting
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unique & magical landscapes 〰️ medicine making 〰️ storytelling 〰️ botany & foraging walks 〰️ cozy & luxurious accommodation 〰️ crafting 〰️
FAQs
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Yes, the trip includes accommodations and meals. We aim to provide locally-sourced, nutritious food that caters to different dietary preferences and needs. You will be prompted to inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can accommodate your needs. The food is very high-quality and has often been one of the highlights of past trip participants!
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West Cork (Seven Nights): In West Cork, we will stay in a luxurious manor house on a 100-acre private woodland with sea views from the gardens. This house features spacious communal areas and multiple kitchens, providing a high standard of comfort in a beautiful, serene setting.
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Yes, there will be some designated free time throughout the trip for participants to rest, reflect, or explore nearby areas on their own. We encourage participants to use this time to connect with the landscape in their own way, whether through journaling, photography, or quiet contemplation. Of course, everything we offer is optional and you can always choose to stay in our stunning accommodation whenever you crave some quiet downtime by yourself.
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Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, with the possibility of experiencing all four seasons in one day. It’s best to be prepared for a mix of sunny, rainy, and cool weather. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear, such as a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Keeping a positive attitude, enjoying the mystic atmosphere of Ireland in any weather and being prepared for varying conditions will enhance your experience.
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Our guides are experts in their fields, including Herbalism, Botany, Wild Food Foraging, Mythology, and Native Tree Lore. They have extensive knowledge of Ireland's flora, fauna, and cultural history and will provide enriching information and stories during the trip.
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To ensure a personalized and immersive experience, the group size is max 15 people. This allows for a more intimate connection with the guides, the land, and the cultural experiences.
The Details
Tending The Hearth
5-12 February 2027
Tour Duration:
7 days, 7nights
Tending The Hearth Tour Cost: The tour operates on a 3 tiered pricing system (in Euros) whereby the first five people to complete the registration process receive a €200 discount, the next five a €100 discount, and the final five pay full price. Other than that the different tiers do not signify higher levels of accommodation or any other enhancements.
Tier #1: First five places sold €3050 - 5 remaining
Tier #2: Second five places sold €3150 - 5 remaining
Tier #3: Final five places sold €3250 - 5 remaining
Price includes:
Double occupancy lodging with either twin beds or double beds for couples - Solo travelers will be paired with a roommate
A limited-number of private rooms (3) are available with additional €500 supplement
Three meals a day
All transportation within Ireland during the retreat
All entrance fees
Classes and instruction.
Ready to reserve your space?
TARA DE RÓISTE
Tara is an Irish herbalist, a steward of wild lands, cob horses, goats and gardens. She is an ordained Priestess of the Sacred Land through the Coire Sois School of Irish Spirituality and is passionate about the preservation and restoration of culture and heritage on these islands. She is originally from the shores of the Irish Sea in Co. Wexford but now tends land and native woodland in East Clare on them shores of Lough Bridget. She is passionate about facilitating connection between people and the natural world. She has a lifetime interest in the native spirituality of her homeland and in stoking the flames of her indigenous traditions. She believes fervently in connecting others with this deep well of knowledge. After spending many years journeying through the land of Ireland, connecting with the sacred sites, ancient stones, trees and the magical wild places, Tara feels a deep calling to bring others to experience these unique places & the healing they offer us.
ZILLAH FRANCIS
Zillah grew up travelling around the west coast of Ireland and this fostered a deep love for wild places and hedgerows, where she feels most at home. She was also taught foraging skills by her parents from a young age, and has a playful curiosity and respect for all things wild. She is a sound healing practitioner, and weaves her skills in connecting with place and plant into her practice. She believes that frequency is how all things communicate and connect, and that if we are quiet enough we may begin to hear the stones sing! Zillah is also a landscape gardener, a musician, is excellent at holding space, and has been known to wander off to climb a tree or sing to a lake every now and then.
LEAH SONG
Leah Song is a storyteller, song-catcher, and cultural bridge-builder best known for her role as front-woman of Rising Appalachia, alongside her sister Chloe. For over two decades, she has carried her voice across borders blending Appalachian folk, balladry from her lineages and global roots traditions into songs that honour both land and lineage. Her repertoire includes Southern soul, Spanish boleros, Irish ballads and Appalachian anthems.
What happens after you book?
Step #1: Contact us by email with your booking request & you will reply with a request to fill out a short waiver and participant questionnaire
Step #2: After you have filled those out, we will get back to you within 24h with a payment link to easily pay your deposit of €1500
Step #3: You will have secured your space and we will keep you in the loop with helpful resources like a packing list, upcoming payment dates, and more so you can get excited about your upcoming trip of a lifetime :)