Join Us To Celebrate The Launch Of Mary Reynolds' New Book: We Are The Ark
Saturday, November 5th from 2pm to 5pm
In partnership with the Festival of the Rolling Sun Book Festival, the launch of Mary Reynolds’ much anticipated new book will take place in stunning Westport House.
In partnership with the Festival of the Rolling Sun Book Festival, the launch of Mary Reynolds’ much anticipated new book will take place in stunning Westport House.
It is a fitting location for the event as Mary is the creative visionary behind the future gardens experience at Westport Estate which will feature a very different and uniquely Irish landscape experience telling the story of the Tree of Life.
With live music by The Frames violin player, Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Irish singer-song writer Lisa O’Neill, signed books will be also available to purchase and Ruth Evans, illustrator of the book, will be in attendance.
Plus enjoy a range of workshops & talks for the nature-conscious soul.
Meet Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds is a reformed internationally acclaimed landscape designer and the youngest woman in history to win a gold medal at the Chelsea flower show. She has since given all that up to be part of the solution to the crisis we are all living through - climate and biodiversity collapse. She is the bestselling author of “The Garden Awakening” and a motivational speaker and founder of the global movement: We Are The ARK.
“Mary Reynolds gives us a much-needed reason for hope. The gardener, the conservationist, the city planner, and the nature lover will all be inspired for this wonderful book shows how thousands of even small wildlife friendly gardens, including school gardens, can provide habitat for embattled wildlife around the world.” —Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute UN Messenger of Peace
Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute UN Messenger of Peace
Live Music
music by Lisa O'Neill & Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
During the launch of Mary's Book 'We are the ARK', you will be treated by incredible and intimate performances from LISA O'NEILL and COLM MAC CON IOMAIRE.
Lisa O'Neill
Lisa O'Neill is an Irish singer-songwriter who has carved a niche for herself with her distinctive take on folk, building a following at home and internationally.
Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Colm Mac Con Iomaire is an Irish composer and musician from Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland, who plays violin and sings with The Frames.
"At the heart of The Frames whirlwind was a still centre," writes Nuala O'Connor of Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Nuala O'Connor - Irish Times
AMAZING WORKSHOPS
Colleen Kennedy
WORKSHOP 1:
COLLEEN KENNEDY
Hedgerow to Kitchen Medicine
During the weekend launch of Mary Reynold's Book guests can also enjoy an amazing workshop by Colleen Kennedy titled 'Hedgerow to Kitchen Medicine'.
The workshop explores how to use common hedgerow herbs for home use, how to make simple remedies and natural cosmetics, and how to prepare naturopathic balanced food.
Hedgerow to Kitchen Medicine
With Colleen Kennedy, Medical Herbalist/Nutritionist/Naturopath, mIRH, mANP
Course Description:
This is a course designed to bring the hedgerows to life with all the possible culinary and medicinal uses of common plants growing all over Ireland.
In the Spring, we look at the array of cleansing and detoxifying herbs that grow in abundance and teach how to use them safely in your kitchen.
In the Autumn/Winter, we look at the immune supporting herbs and berries, and make nourishing recipes to feed your resilience throughout the cold/flu season.
What you will learn:
- Tips on how to increase nutrient density with common kitchen herbs and energetically balance your meals to suit your constitution.
- Introduce the power of plant medicine to everyday recipes like juices, soups and condiments.
- Learn tips in Detoxification strategies and take home some samples from the demonstrations.
- Learn how different phytonutrients can help your organs of detoxification.
- Take home recipes and information sheets on the herbs discussed.
- Taste and sample throughout the day all recipes made.
- Herbs walks to show plant ID, meet and greet your plant allies!
- Q&A with an experienced Clinical Herbalist
- This course is designed to help you use plants safely and with confidence in your home. It does not equip the attendee with skills to become a practitioner or to give advice on health conditions to the public.
Please consult your GP or health practitioner if you have any diagnosed health conditions.
Meet Colleen Kennedy
Colleen is a registered and fully insured practitioner and member of the Irish Register of Herbalists. Having studied Herbal Medicine, Naturopathy and Nutritional Therapy for 7 years; Colleen has been running her own practice since 2012. She is actively involved in promoting Herbal Medicine in Ireland and lectures with CNM in Galway and Dublin.
“In this exquisite manifesto, Mary Reynolds brilliantly reconceives what the land around our homes and communities could be.”
Paul Hawken, author of Regeneration
AMAZING WORKSHOPS
Melanie Walsh
WORKSHOP 2:
Melanie Walsh
Sound Therapy
Sound Bath, 8am on Sunday – Float away in a Meditative Sound Bath. A one hour immersion in sacred and healing sounds which will take you on a journey of profound relaxation and expanded awareness.
“In this exquisite manifesto, Mary Reynolds brilliantly reconceives what the land around our homes and communities could be.”
Paul Hawken, author of Regeneration
WORKSHOP 3:
Melanie Walsh
Fire Ceremony
A fire ceremony is a powerful Shamanic practice used to release unwanted energies and attachments from the past and make space for new intentions.
Meet Melanie Walsh
With years of experience in many aspects of health and wellness including Holistic Massage, Reiki, Yoga and Shamanic practitioner work, Melanie is also skilled in a wide variety of therapies focused on healing and self-empowerment. A trained Body and Energetic Worker, she also practices Sound Therapy at an advanced level including Voice, Singing Bowls, Gongs and Shamanic Drum and brings a strong focus on the ancient Shamanic Healing tradition into her practice.
Explore 400-Acres of Unspoilt Beauty
westport estate
Strolling out the front door of Hotel Westport brings you into an immersive world of luscious greenery and chirping birds. Breath it all in, grab some coffees and stroll, walk or bike 400-acres of mature woodland, trails and looped walks.
Woodlands, trails & walks
Hotel Westport is located within 400-acres of incredible woodland, trails and looped walks.
Indoor/Outdoor Bistro
Situated within Westport Estate is our very own Gracy's Bistro offering delicious wood burning Pizza, children's menu and a great range of local beers, wines and spirits.
Historic Westport House
A guided tour for the whole family to enjoy. Explore our dungeons and hear tales about kings and queens, slaves and 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagi.
Cafe & Eatery's
Westport Estate boasts a beautiful indoor /outdoor cafe as well as coffee docks and airstreams dotted around the estate.
Highly, highly recommend roaming this magnificent house and gardens. The sheer history of the house is mind boggling and the attention to detail for the renovations and upkeep is great to see. Cant wait till i get back down to Westport to finish off learning all about the history of the grounds and the house.
Brendan O'Donnell - Trip Advisor
Westport Town
voted best town in ireland
Westport is a charming town located in Co. Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland's Atlantic Way. Explore its Georgian town centre with stone bridges linking our tree-lined promenade on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. Visit Rockfleet Castle or Burrishoole Abbey, both with ties to our very own 16th-century pirate queen, Grace O’ Malley or why not cycle our stunning 60km greenway all the way to Achill Island.
Theatre
Take in our local state-of-the-art cultural centre showcasing the best in performing arts, entertainment and theatre.
Amazing Restaurants & Bars
Westport boasts a wide array of shops, restaurants and bars.
Croagh Patrick
Why not take on the mighty Croagh Patrick!? A beautiful, spiritual journey, it's not as hard as you think :)
Cycling The Greenway & Beaches
From cycling the greenway to strolling our beautiful beaches, staying at Hotel Westport offers you endless things to do.
Booked a 3 night package including breakfast and dinner. Hotel was lovely. The food was exceptional, buffet style breakfast. 3 course evening meal with a great choice every evening. Beautiful walks adjacent to the hotel including both riverside and woodland. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.
DDQueen - Trip Advisor
Westport House
GUIDED tourS
Learn of the endless connections Westport House has with the world, over its hundreds of years of existence. Immerse yourself in history with a Guided Tour and enjoy a world of stories from kings and queens to pirates and slave emancipators, beautiful art to 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagi.
Westport House (Historic House)
opening times
January
Closed
FEBRUARY
Closed
MARCH
Open Wednesday to Sunday with pre-booked visits at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
APRIL
Open daily with pre-booked visits at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
MAY
Open daily with pre-booked visits at 10am, 12pm and 2pm
JUNE
Open daily with pre-booked guided tours on the hour, every hour from 10am to 4pm.
JULY
Open daily with pre-booked guided tours on the hour, every hour from 10am to 4pm.
AUGUST
Open daily with pre-booked guided tours on the hour, every hour from 10am to 4pm.
SEPTEMBER
Open daily with pre-booked guided tours at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
OCTOBER
Open daily with pre-booked guided tours at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
NOVEMBER
Open for Winter Wonderland November 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
DECEMBER
Open from 12:00 to 6:00pm on Fridays and 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday & Sundays.
Closed December 24th to 26th inclusive.
Open December 27th to January 1st 2023 from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.
Adult
€ 13.49
Senior 65+
€ 11.00
Student
€ 11.00
Child
€ 6.50
3 years and under
€ 0
Westport Estate is over 400 acres with three main entrances.
If walking to Westport House, we recommend using the Westport Estate Quay Entrance.
Quay Entrance Eircode: F28 Y765
WALKING FROM TOWN - Shortcut
If walking from Westport Town, please make your way to Hotel Westport. This will allow you to walk to Westport House through Westport Estate.
Hotel Westport Eircode: F28 E438
DRIVING
If driving to Westport House we recommend using the Westport Estate Quay Entrance.
Quay Entrance Eircode: F28 Y765
Had a lovely day at Westport house the grounds were beautiful with a gorgeous bridge and swans. The best part was our tour of the house. Darren, our guide was terrific! He was knowledgeable and good with the humour. I would highly recommend a visit to Westport House!
Sheryl B - Trip Advisor
Leisure Centre & Spa
ENJOY 10% OFF
Unwind with a morning jog in our gym or swim in our pool, followed by a well-deserved spa session and spa treatment in our award-winning leisure centre & spa.
Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi
Hotel Westport boasts a 20m swimming pool, relaxation pool with gentle jets and heated Jacuzzi, all bathed in natural light throughout the day.
Sauna & Steam Room
Relax after a long evening or get ready for the day with our premium Sauna and/or Steam rooms.
Gymnasium
Our small but compact gymnasium offers our guests all you need for a great workout. From Treadmills to ellipticals, free weights to machines.
Spa & Treatments
Treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating treatment during your stay at Hotel Westport and enjoy 10% off.
Fantastic staff, friendly and so helpful. Excellent facilities. Also highly recommend the classes. Great trainers and so motivating! Really enjoyed them.
Sarah Gibbons - Trip Advisor
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Hotel Westport
The Demesne, Newport Road, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28E438, Ireland
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We Are The Ark Launch & Retreat
Weekend Itinerary
Friday, November 4th
- 2pm –Art Workshop with Ruth Evans (illustrator of We Are The Ark by Mary Reynolds)
- 5pm - Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception
- 7:00pm – Dinner in Hotel Westport
- 9:30pm – Fire Ceremony
Saturday, November 5th
- 8:00am Morning Yoga
- 9:00am Breakfast
- 10:30am to 1:30pm Hedgerow to Kitchen Medicine - with Colleen Kennedy – local herbalist
- Optional afternoon activity
- Spa Treatment at Senses Spa
- Sea swim at The Point (tide times to be checked)
- Guided tour of Westport House
- Book Launch & Signing with Mary
- 6:00pm Drinks Reception in Westport House.
- Music by Lisa O’Neill & Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
- Short talk by Mary followed by book signing.
- 8:30pm Dinner in Hotel Westport
Sunday, November 6th
- 8am Sound Bath with The Sidhe Space
- 9:00am Breakfast
- 10:30am – 12:00pm – Start Your Ark Talk by Mary
- Checkout & Depart