Macha Workshops

30/05/2026

Looking forward to this

We are delighted to announce the opening of our Celtic (Irish and Scottish) Art & Craft Exhibition which is part of our Shared & Together: Where Ulster-Scots meets Irish Programme of events - supported by the Reconciliation Fund Ireland.

You are invited to join us for a glass and meet the artists and artisans on our Opening Night (2nd June) from 8 to 9pm.

Celtic Art & Craft Exhibition runs from 2nd to 15th June during opening hours (10am to noon and 2 - 4pm, Monday to Saturday).

06/05/2025

A pink pressè made with homemade nettle cordial, so refreshing.

The pollen count has been very high recently with the good weather, so I thought I'd make use of the abundance of fresh wild nettles growing to help with hayfever symptoms.

Wild Nettle Cordial Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1kg young nettle tops,throughly washed and spun in a salad spinner (use gloves!)
- 600ml filtered water
- 400g sugar
- 1 tbsp citric acid

Method:
1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar & citric acid. Bring to the boil.
2. Add nettles, cover, and let steep for 4 hours.
3. After steeping, gently simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain or squeeze out the liquid using muslin. Careful as it's hot.
5. Bottle hot into sterilised bottles.
Store in the fridge. Use within 3 weeks.

Dilute to taste

foraging

02/05/2025

Beltane blessings by the sea
No fireside rituals this year—just good food, salty air, and supporting friends doing what they do best.
From smoky BBQ to refined plates, it was a joy to be part of it all.Sorry no photos of the other courses, I got carried away with the white asparagus ,scallops ,dollaghan & lamb belly.

11/04/2025

The Native Irish Black Bees were out on the dandelions over the last few days.
Dandelions offer both nectar (a carbohydrate source) and pollen (a protein source), which are essential for bees brood-rearing in Spring, The simple, open structure of dandelion flowers makes them easily accessible to bees, providing a crucial food source. These little legends are vital pollinators and part of our natural heritage — small wings, big job.
Let’s keep wild spaces buzzing!

11/04/2025

My ex-battery hens are truly living their best life! 🐔✨ After nearly a year of freedom, these ladies are thriving, laying fresh eggs daily, and loving their free-range lifestyle. I love having them here, they're part of the family 🌿🥚 Thank you for supporting their journey

10/04/2025

Gorse blazing gold, the scent of coconut thick in the sun — and the low hum of native Irish black bees working the bloom. It feels like Brigid is close by, goddess of spring, fire, and new life. Her season, her light, her bees.

Known as whin, aiteann in Irish, Ulex europaeus if you're feeling fancy — but whatever the name, it smells like sunshine.

02/04/2025

🌿✨ Step into the Legends of the Ards Peninsula! ✨🌿

Join us on April 26, 2025, for the Macha Workshops—a unique journey through Celtic and Viking traditions set against the stunning backdrop of Strangford Lough.
Immerse yourself in ancient myths and hands-on crafting

This is more than a workshop—it's a deep dive into history, culture, and nature. Perfect for the culturally curious!​

Book now as limited tickets available
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/macha-workshops-experience-and-2025-p947421

29/03/2025

https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/macha-workshops-experience-and-2025-p947421

Immerse yourself in the myths, landscapes, and traditions of the Ards Peninsula with this hands-on workshop. Set against the stunning backdrop of…

14/03/2025

08/02/2025

A great day spent on Portavogie beach,gathering materials for cyanotype printing with
and for Our Siren Song on the Ards Peninsula with  Rachael from AND parks dept
Thanks so much , I really enjoyed being part of it.