Celebrating 25 Years of CELT in 2026

In 2026, CELT turns 25.

And when we look back to where it all began, the story is both humble and powerful.

CELT began in 2001 when wildlife enthusiasts and dry-stone wall builders Richard O'Gorman and Bob Wilson had a simple idea: to bring together like-minded people to share and promote traditional and ecological skills. They believed that practical knowledge — stone wall building, woodland skills, biodiversity awareness — mattered. Not just as hobbies, but as foundations for a healthier relationship with the land.

A non-profit company limited by guarantee was formed and registered as a charity, allowing CELT to access funding and build something lasting.

In November 2002, the first major event took place at Bealkelly Wood in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare. Around 50 people gathered for a weekend of hands-on demonstrations and skill sharing. The response was immediate — people wanted more.

By 2003, funding from The Heritage Council supported two larger weekend events in May and September, attracting over 70 participants. That funding allowed for proper tools, fair payment of skilled tutors, and the steady growth of what would become one of CELT’s most enduring contributions: accessible, hands-on environmental learning.

In the years that followed, attendance grew. Some events drew over 100 participants from across Ireland and even overseas. Local businesses benefited too — accommodation, food and entertainment woven into the rhythm of each gathering.

In 2005, CELT joined the Irish Environmental Network, gaining access to core funding and strengthening its ability to support environmental campaigns and policy engagement through the Environmental Pillar. That move expanded CELT’s impact beyond workshops — bringing its voice into national conversations around sustainability and environmental protection.

In 2007, CELT developed a native tree nursery, supported by the Department of Agriculture. Seeds were collected from certified native sources and propagated to meet growing demand for authentic Irish native trees. This project improved biodiversity, created local employment, and supported nationwide tree planting at a time when climate conversations were becoming more urgent.

That same year, CELT began working with Tuamgraney Development Association to manage a new community woodland. Surveys were carried out, invasive species were removed, native oaks — grown from acorns sourced from the ancient Raheen woodland — were planted. A circular access path, bird hide, nest boxes and signage were installed. It was practical conservation at community scale.

CELT also contributed to nature trail interpretation at Mooghaun ancient Celtic site near Newmarket-on-Fergus and participated in festivals, conferences and shows across the country — always sharing knowledge, always encouraging deeper connection with land.

These early years laid strong foundations.

Finding a Home in Slieve Aughty

In 2013, a new chapter began when events moved to their current home at the Slieve Aughty Centre in Kylebrack West, Loughrea. The eco-friendly facilities, woodland setting and welcoming atmosphere allowed CELT to expand its programme.

From this move, Weekend in the Hills truly came into its own — growing into one of Ireland’s most loved traditional skills and ecological gatherings. With accommodation on site, organic food, woodland walks and space to host multiple workshops simultaneously, the event evolved into something special.

Basket weaving beside stone wall building. Green woodworking beside herbal walks. Music in the evenings. Children exploring. Conversations continuing late into the night.

Slieve Aughty gave CELT a living, breathing home.

The People Who Shaped Us

As we celebrate 25 years, we also pause to remember the people who shaped this journey.

We marked the passing of Bob Wilson — co-founder, dry stone wall builder, and steady guiding force — with deep gratitude. His belief in practical environmental education remains woven into every CELT event.

We also remember Andrew St. Ledger, a tireless advocate for native woodlands and ecological restoration. His dedication to protecting and re-imagining Ireland’s forests continues to influence woodland and biodiversity work connected to CELT and the wider region.

These weren’t just contributors — they were vision holders.

Woodlands, Water and Ongoing Restoration

Throughout its history, CELT has remained rooted in practical ecological action.

From the early native tree nursery to community woodland management, from agroforestry promotion to biodiversity initiatives, the thread is consistent.

In recent years, including 2025, wetland restoration and pond creation projects at Slieve Aughty continued that hands-on work — bringing water back into landscapes, supporting habitat diversity and demonstrating regenerative practice in action.

The vision of re-imagining the Great Forest of Aughty still echoes through the work.

Growing the Conversation

CELT has always balanced traditional craft with broader ecological thinking.

The Earth Activism & Social Permaculture gathering and the Permaculture Gathering of 2025 reflected this — bringing together national and international voices to explore regenerative culture, systems thinking and community resilience.

Roots of Solidarity, woven into Weekend in the Hills, blended ecological learning with arts and creativity — reminding us that sustainability is cultural as well as practical.

Craft as Culture

Green woodworking. Stone carving. Willow weaving. Leatherwork. Herbal knowledge.

These skills are more than demonstrations — they are living heritage. Over 25 years, CELT has helped keep these traditions alive while making them accessible to new generations.

Through workshops, festivals and collaborative projects, confidence has grown alongside competence.

Looking Ahead

Twenty-five years on, CELT remains what it has always been at heart: a space for learning, connection and practical action.

The tools may evolve. The conversations may deepen. But the core mission remains steady — empowering people to live well with the land.

If you have attended a workshop, planted a tree, built a wall, walked the woodland paths, volunteered at an open day, or simply followed along — you are part of this story.

Here’s to 25 years of CELT.

And here’s to the next 25.