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Imbolc: Foods of the Festival
It’s St. Brigid’s Day – Imbolc, the start of spring. 🌱 St. Brigid’s Day, the 1st of February Today St Brigid’s Day is marked as a mix of Christian and older seasonal and pagan traditions. Many people make St Brigid’s crosses from rushes, visit holy wells, or leave a Brat…
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Coffee in Kildare – CafĂ© Spotlight: Square, Kildare Town
Today, on St. Brigid’s Eve, I walked the Curragh in Co. Kildare as part of the Kildare Leadership Partnership’s Walk the Mantle guided walk, led by the excellent Pat, Ronan, and Sharon. The rain eased just as we set off through the plains. For anyone unfamiliar with the Curragh, this…
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February Walk – Straffan, Co. Kildare
If you enjoy getting out into the fresh air and fancy an uplifting saunter and socialising walk on Val/ Gal/ Pal-entines Day, the 14th of February, join me at 11:00 am in the main carpark of the K Club hotel, in Straffan (W23 YX53). A chance to enjoy the outdoors, the land, and…
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Kildare Food & Drink: Local Produce in Celbridge
The list below features local food and drink producers in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. Some of the produce listed is not actually sourced in Celbridge, but is available locally, such as the coffee beans that are roasted here. Farms Derrybeg Farm CSA Derrybeg Farm CSA is a community-supported agriculture project, where…
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Ireland’s Medieval Landscape: Round Towers
“Look! Rapunzel’s tower!” This was a comment I heard a little girl excitedly tell her parents in Glendalough car park. She was pointing to the round tower behind the trees with utter glee in her face. Her reaction captures something essential about these structures: their height, their drama, and their…
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Early Irish Farming by Fergus Kelly: A Window into Ireland’s Agrarian Past
I believe it is time for a revival – not necessarily of all the older ways themselves, but in how we think about the land, and of the knowledge and control we once had over what we eat. Ireland is at a crossroads, and much of what once grounded life…
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Mercosur and the Future of European Farming
What is the Mercosur Agreement, and why are so many people protesting it? What does it mean for modern farming? And why does the European Union want us to agree to it? How this will impact Ireland and the rest of Europe, one can only guess. But Europe’s citizens are…
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Let’s Brighten January: Seasonal Mood-Boosting Foods
January can feel long, dark, and chilly, but the right foods can help lift the spirits and restore energy. Even in mid-winter, Ireland provides a range of mood-lifting, nutrient-rich produce. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and celeriac bring natural sweetness and comforting warmth to soups, roasts, and stews. Potatoes provide…
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January Walk – Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Happy New Year, everyone! January, what a month eh. If you enjoy the crisp chill air and fancy an uplifting (hopefully snowy) stroll on the 24th of January, join me at 11:00 am at the gates to Carton Avenue, across the road from the Ely Wine Store (W23 C9V9). A chance to enjoy…
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Oak & Oolite Favourite Books of 2025
This is a collection of books I read and returned to over the past year, each reflecting the themes and values at the heart of Oak & Oolite. From explorations of the land, history, and the flavours of life, to works that inspire connection, resilience, and shared experience, these books…
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Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas, no-one! I am about to set out for the Christmas Day Walk. I am not imagining anyone will turn up – I know it is early days but the walk will happen anyway. I will update later. Afternoon Update Yes, I went on the Christmas Day walk this…
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Storytime for Ages 6-7: A Surprise Christmas Star
On a cold, frosty December afternoon, Holly put on her sparkly jumper and woolly coat and walked to her friend Cillian’s house for a Christmas party. The house was bright with twinkly lights, paper snowflakes, and happy music. Everyone was laughing and playing games. Soon it was time for food.…
