We Are a Forest People: Native Tree Walk
with Maura Brennan

Part of the Soil Project with Kasia Kaminska

Ireland's story is written in trees. Long before roads, towns, and field boundaries shaped the landscape, vast woodlands covered much of this island. Our ancestors lived among oak, ash, hazel, alder, and birch, drawing from them food, medicine, shelter, tools, stories, and spiritual meaning. Trees were not simply part of the landscape - they were kin, teachers, landmarks, and sources of wisdom.

The deep-rooted connection between people and trees can still be found in our language, folklore, placenames, and traditions. The Irish language preserves this relationship in the names we give to trees. Many Irish placenames reveal the trees that once thrived there, offering clues to the ecological history of the land and the values of the communities who lived among them.

During this two-hour guided native tree walk we will uncover a living story of culture, ecology, and belonging. By learning their names as Gaeilge agus Béarla, understanding their roles, and rekindling our relationship with them, we remember something important: we are not separate from nature. We are a forest people, and the roots of that relationship run deep.

Note: We will meet outside the Parade Tower R95YRK1 and the walk will last approximately 2 hours. There will be moments to pause, sit and rest throughout the walk and the paths are all even, well surfaced and accessible. Suitable for all ages and abilities - older attendees are especially welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. All levels of Irish speaking (including none) are welcome. This event will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather.

Artists Biographies:

Maura Brennan is an educator, forest school practitioner, herbalist, wild food forager, forest therapy guide and founder of The Acorn Project. She leads projects in community seed saving, forest school, nature connection and place-based learning programmes. She is passionate about sharing traditional skills and using plants for food, medicine and crafts. She has trained with weavers and herbalists across Ireland and completed a 9 year Herbal apprenticeship. She loves to work in collaboration with communities, organisations, schools, artists and individuals. She is passionate about connecting people to nature through plants.

Kasia Kaminska is an artist living in Co. Kilkenny. Her practice spans photography, print, publications and public engagement. She works with plant based analogue photography processes and sustainable darkroom methods as well as foraging, gardening and growing. Her practice is led by issues of eco-social concern and she often works in collaboration with others and in socially engaged contexts.

Recent projects include Know Your Hedgerow with The Acorn Project / Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Forage+Light with Samuel Keane and Mermaid Arts Centre, and Wilderland, a Creative Ireland Climate Action project with Elaine Harrington and Materials Matter in Co. Mayo. She holds a BA in Photography from TUDublin and an MA in Social Practice from LSAD, TUShannon

For more on the Soil Project see here: