Nature’s Wild Gift: What to Forage on a Walk in Ireland
Foraging, the age-old practice of gathering wild plants for food and medicine, is experiencing a revival. It’s not just about finding free food - though that’s a great perk.
Foraging reconnects us with nature, enhances our knowledge of the local ecosystem, and boosts our well-being. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the world of foraging, you’ll love the one-day foraging and food-making course offered by Common Knowledge.
Some Irish Wild Medicinal/Edible Herbs you’ll find out foraging in most areas of Ireland
Nettle
Nettle: Often dreaded for its sting, nettle is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, and protein. Nettles are excellent for boosting energy levels and supporting the immune system. They can also alleviate allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Self Heal (Prunella Vulgaris)
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris): True to its name, self-heal is a versatile herb known for its wound-healing properties. It’s great for treating minor cuts and bruises, internally, it can help with sore throats, mouth ulcers, and digestive issues. This little plant is also believed to boost the immune system and combat viral infections.
Dandelions
Dandelions: Often dismissed as an unwanted weed, dandelions are nutritional powerhouses. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre. The roots can be used to support liver health, while the leaves make a nutritious addition to salads. Dandelions also have diuretic properties, helping to detoxify the body.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain (Plantago major): This common herb is a skin savior. Plantain leaves can be used to soothe insect bites, rashes, and minor cuts. When consumed, plantain has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestive health. It’s also known to have antimicrobial effects, making it useful for minor infections.
Wild Rose (Rosa rugosa)
Wild Rose (Rosa rugosa): The beautiful wild rose offers more than just visual appeal. Its hips are rich in vitamin C, making them great for boosting the immune system. Wild rose can also be used to make teas and syrups that support respiratory health. Additionally, its petals can be used in skincare for their soothing properties.
About our Foraging and Food Making course at Common Knowledge in the Burren
We regularly run one-day foraging and food-making courses on the grounds of the Common Knowledge Centre in Kilfenora. This course is perfect for beginners and seasoned foragers alike. Under the expert leadership of our Permaculture and Foraging experts, Ciara Parsons and Chloe Dempsey, you’ll learn how to forage responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that wild plants continue to thrive. You'll also leave being able to identify over 10 common wild plants, making you more confident in your future solo foraging adventures.
But that’s not all, you’ll also make a delicious wild pesto, a healing herbal skin salve, and a fizzy herbal drink with fermented kefir grains, all of which you get to you get to take home with you and as we’re big on our food here, your delicious veggie lunch and daily supply of tea and coffee are included in your course fee.
“Ciara and Chloe are really knowledgeable about all the wild plants, their uses and benefits. We learned to identify wild, safe plants in the fields and hedgerows tasting as we went! The course was presented in a really fun way and we were treated to some delicious homemade snacks and drinks. Lunch was absolutely delicious too. We came away with loads of ideas and recipes as well as a jar of wild pesto, a kefir drink which we’d helped to make and a tin of healing balm. A truly inspirational day!”
By the end of the day, you’ll have a basket full of wild herbs and a heart full of knowledge, you’ll not only gain practical skills but also a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Foraging responsibly ensures these plants remain abundant for future generations, and knowing how to identify wild plants will add a certain something to all your future outdoor experiences.
