Food Empathy – Growing Your Own Food for a Healthy, Sustainable Future

Join Michael Kelly, founder of GIY (Grow It Yourself), for an inspiring workshop at the beautiful Kilgraney Herb Gardens. In this session, Michael explores the powerful concept of food empathy – the deep connection we form with our food when we grow it ourselves.

As global food systems become increasingly complex and our relationship with nature grows more distant, Michael makes the case for the simple yet transformative act of growing your own food. Michael explains that growing even a small amount of your own food can transform your understanding of health, sustainability and community. Drawing on his own journey and the success of GIY, he explains how growing your own food can lead to more mindful eating, reduced food waste and a greater appreciation for seasonal, local produce.

Set in the tranquil surroundings of Kilgraney Herb Gardens, which features a rich variety of culinary and medicinal plants, this talk offers practical advice and is ideal for gardeners, food lovers and anyone interested in living more sustainably.

This talk takes place indoors. 

Michael Kelly is the founder and CEO of GIY, a social enterprise that is creating a global movement of food growers to transform the food system from the ground up. With over 14 years of experience as a social entrepreneur leading and growing GIY, Michael is an Ashoka Fellow, Ireland Funds awardee, TV presenter, public speaker, and author. He is passionate about the power of food growing experiences to give people an understanding of food and the food system (‘food empathy’) that leads to transformational outcomes and pro-environmental behaviours and mindset change.

GIY aims to support 100 million people to grow some of their own food in homes, schools and communities by 2030, and currently reaches over 1 million people each year through campaigns and programmes in Ireland, the UK and US. Michael produces and presents Grow, Cook, Eat, a primetime TV series that has had over 12 million views on RTE and Amazon Prime, and a new food sustainability series on RTE called Food Matters. He has also written 5 books about food and food growing. GIY works with some of the world’s leading brands, governments and foundations, making it easy for organisations to mobilise communities to create impactful wellbeing, climate and biodiversity outcomes. GIY also developed a home for the GIY movement, an urban farm and model of a sustainable food system called GROW HQ in Waterford, Ireland, which won national Cafe of the Year 2020 and is one of the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland in 2020.

Kilgraney Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition featuring a collection of work in jewellery, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and prints.

This exhibition brings together a range of handcrafted pieces, all made with care, attention to detail, and a strong connection to natural materials and traditional techniques. From delicate jewellery and richly textured textiles to expressive prints and hand-formed ceramics, each piece reflects the artist’s love of making and working with their hands.

Date: Thursday 7th August

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cost – 65 euros.

Unfold your creativity in this relaxing and hands-on morning workshop combining the art of origami with the sparkle of jewellery making. You’ll begin by folding a striking geometric paper decoration, perfect as a Christmas ornament or a statement piece. Then, you’ll move on to crafting smaller, delicate shapes and learn how to turn them into beautiful earrings, pendants, and charms.

No prior experience needed, just bring your curiosity and a love for handmade treasures. All materials are provided, and we’ll enjoy a mid-morning break with tea, coffee, and homemade scones.

Date: Thursday 14th August

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cost – 65 euros.

Join us for a relaxed and creative morning in the beautiful Kilgraney House garden, where plants, light, and texture inspire a hands-on exploration of monoprinting using natural and non-toxic inks.

Participants will experiment with simple, printmaking methods to create unique monoprints. We’ll explore layering, direct printing from natural textures, and spontaneous mark-making. You’ll also learn how to make your own botanical inks through a live demonstration using seasonal plants foraged from the Kilgraney grounds. All experience levels are welcome. This is a mindful, nature-connected session in a beautiful setting, with tea, coffee, and homemade scones served mid-morning.

Date: Thursday 21st August

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cost – 65 euros.

Dive into the world of beaded jewellery in this vibrant, hands-on workshop where colour, texture, and design come together. Using a beautiful assortment of glass, acrylic, and wooden beads, you’ll learn how to craft your own unique jewellery pieces, including earrings, pendants, and brooches.

You’ll also have the option to enhance your designs with hand-painted wooden elements and simple wirework techniques, adding dimension and flair to your pieces. This workshop is ideal for beginners and creative enthusiasts looking to explore the art of jewellery making. Enjoy a relaxing morning of creativity, with tea, coffee, and homemade scones during the break. All tools and materials are provided, just bring your imagination!

Date: Thursday 28th August

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cost – 65 euros.

Celebrate nature, light, and time in this hands-on workshop exploring cyanotype and anthotype printing, two historic, camera-free techniques that use sunlight and plants to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints on paper and fabric.

You’ll learn how to create deep blue cyanotypes using UV-sensitive chemicals, natural materials like leaves and lace, and sunlight. You’ll also explore anthotypes, a gentler, slower method using plant-based emulsions (like turmeric or beetroot juice) to make delicate images with the help of sunshine and patience

All materials are provided, and we’ll pause mid-morning for tea, coffee, and homemade scones.