Who knew that my wee corner of the world had our very own witch trials back in 1711 in Islandmagee, Co, Antrim which echoed the Salem trials.
Attending another fantastic Wild Women of Woods NI event we were treated to the tale of supernatural occurrences, with gender and class politics all coming into the mix, all brilliantly brought to life by Vicky, a local storyteller at the Witch’s Rock. If you ever want to see it for yourself, its a short hike along the coast from Brown’s Bay.
There’s also a good book by Andrew Sneddon on the subject if you’re interested in finding out more.
We then decamped a few miles to Portmuck, for a swim in the sea and have a BBQ. I know the name isn’t particularly inviting, but it’s a very pretty little bay where kids jump of the dock, paddle boarders can practice in the sheltered bay and its safe to swim.
It’s also the first time I’ve ever came across “The Wee Sauna” a super cute mobile sauna that’s perfect to pop into after a dip in the sea. It’s there most weekends (season and weather permitting) and can also be hired for private events.
Another visit to a gorgeous spot with some great women, and always very well fed with delicious food. If you’re interested in attending a Wild Women event you can find them on Facebook
I had never heard of this stunningly beautiful place before, but had been telling a couple of friends about Wild Women of Woods for ages, and when this event came up we decided to go for it.
Dunseverick is about 90 minutes from Belfast. Close to the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges (famous location from Game of Thrones).
Wild Women events are always great fun, and this was a one day event (ideal for us “Mild Women” who aren’t up for the longer camping events just yet). But if camping is your thing and you feel better/safer doing it with a group of like minded, friendly women I guarantee you’ll have great craic.
If you’re visiting Dunseverick, you’ll need to navigate a narrow windy road to get to the Harbour. Once there you’ll find a decent sized car park, bathrooms and even a cute little shack were you can buy hot drinks and snacks and take in the views.
Being wild women, we hiked along the shoreline, and were treated to more breathtaking scenery than you could shake a big stick at. The hike was fairly physical with lots of stiles to climb over, this was fine but might be worth remembering if you have bad knees etc.
After trekking back, the group decided to go for a dip in the deeper sheltered rock pools (I’ve gotten quite into sea swiming recently, and even if you just prefer to go for a dip its meant to be great for boosting your immune system).
All dried off and snuggled up in oodies (best invention ever). Rachel who runs Wild Women of the Woods NI and her fantastic volunteers treated us to a super tasty barbecue. Which was no easy task to feed over 40 ravenous ladies, on an uncharacteristically sunny almost tropical Summer evening. Afterwards everyone just rested, hung out, chatted, laughed and got to know people, some of us just enjoyed soaking up beautiful surroundings that we would have never thought to visit before.
If you’ve seen Wild Women events before but were maybe a bit unsure about trying one, I promise you’ll see gorgeous places, enjoy fabulous food and meet lots of really lovely people.
I love getting out in nature at this time of year and a bit of foraging. An old friend suggested us doing the Wild Women of the Woods NI day retreat and I loved it.
The Wild Women are a brilliant social enterprise, who’s aim is to encourage women to get out and enjoy nature, but just as important is the social element. Women attending their events come from all walks of life with ages ranges from early 20’s to early 70’s.
They offer day retreats and camping experiences, (and can even lend some camping equipment if you don’t have it). Other events will be held at locations where bedrooms are available) I had a particularly busy and frenetic couple of weeks with work, and this day retreat was the perfect antidote.
Outdoor yoga was fantastic
The event I attended was held at the Red Barn Log Cabin at the foot of Belfast’s Cave Hill Forest Park. (It’s also a available to rent on AirB&B, and is gorgeous). The day was facilitated by the very lovely Rachel and Cathy, who will feed you to within an inch of your life.
When we arrived we were welcomed with coffee and homemade banana bread, and had a chance to meet and chat with the other woman taking part around the cabin’s fire pit. Cathy from Sunflower Massage and Yoga then led us in a really relaxing gentle yoga session before we were fed once again with homemade muffins and mushroom tea (it didn’t taste of mushrooms and was packed with antioxidants).
Mushroom tea with honey and lemon
We then walked up through the Cave Hill led by one of the rangers, Cormac. He was great at showing edible plants and describing the history of the area and was loads of fun.
Cormac, dropping knowledge
When we returned to the cabin, Rachel had made dough and we all fashioned our own flat breads and cooked them over an open fire (to much hilarity, turns out cooking with fire isn’t as easy as it looks). After our flatbreads were ready we enjoyed them with nettle soup, followed by chick pea and butternut squash stew. Dessert was fantastic, we toasted marshmallows and made s’mores, had bananas with chocolate wrapped in foil and cooked on the fire and then pineapple grilled and served with coconut yogurt.
Cooking flat breads over the fire
Did I mention the prosecco and homemade elderflower cordial too?
These women really know how to throw a retreat. After trekking around the Cave Hill you’ll be starving, and Rachel and Cathy really looked after us. The other women were great craic and groups are small enough that you don’t feel lost in a crowd and you get a chance to actually get to know each other.
Nettle soup with creme fraich and tabasco
Some women came with friends and others came on their own. The Wild Women is a great way to meet new people and by the end of the day phone numbers were being exchanged and people were following each other on social media etc. Some of the group had recently moved to Belfast and others liked getting out into nature but none of their existing friends were into it, and the Wild Women provides a chance to do this.
Chickpea and butternut squash stew with feta
I don’t know if I’m ready for a night under canvas just yet, but it was one of the most enjoyable days I’ve spent in a long time. Check out Wlid Women of the Woods NI on Facebook to to learn more about what they do and future events.
Seaneen's Sunnyside Kitchen 