Botany Walk at Esk Mountain

Explore the hidden lives of the native plants that call Esk Mountain home, from Royal Fern and Sundews to Devil’s-bit Scabious, with botanist Phoebe O’Brien. Learn how to use hand lenses and identification cards to appreciate the unique details of these remarkable species and confidently identify your discoveries along the way.

About Your Guide

Phoebe O’Brien is an ecologist and botanist specialising in Irish grasslands and native flora. She serves as a Vice-County Recorder for County Clare with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and works with farmers, landowners, and public bodies throughout Ireland through her work with Great Irish Grasslands.

Phoebe has a particular interest in semi-natural grasslands, wet habitats, and the plants that thrive across Ireland's landscapes, from acidic uplands to species-rich meadows. Her work focuses on understanding how these ecosystems function and how they can be managed to support and enhance biodiversity.

About the Venue

Esk Mountain is a 270-acre nature restoration project located on the Cork–Kerry border. The site offers immersive nature experiences, accommodation, and products made from and inspired by the land.

This event includes a two-hour guided botany walk along Esk Mountain's nature trails, led by Phoebe O’Brien.

Optional Add-On: Join us for a special two-course fireside dinner celebrating the wild flavours of August, featuring ingredients freshly foraged on Esk Mountain.

A selection of products made from the land will be on display and available for purchase, with 100% of profits supporting the nature restoration work taking place on site.

Event Schedule

3:30pm – Arrivals

4:00pm – 6:00pm – Guided Botany Walk with Phoebe O’Brien
€15 per person

6:00pm – 8:00pm – Optional Add-On: Two-Course Fireside Dinner
€35 per person