Madra Crainn Forest School

What is Forest School for Youth?

Forest School is a participant-led approach to learning that deepens our connection with the natural world. For young people, that means learning about responsibility, acquiring useful skills, and the space to get to know themselves away from screens and structured environments.

Our Guiding values - the 3 R’s

Respect for each other - Listening, co-operating, playing and learning together through friendship.

Respect for ourselves - Being the best version of ourselves and understanding our own limits. Listening to our bodies.

Respect for the environment - Caring for the woodland, leaving no trace, and exploring how we can support nature.

Close-up of a cluster of green fern fiddleheads growing among ivy leaves on the forest floor.

What young people do at Madra Crainn

Person holding a small snail on a brown leaf in an outdoor setting with fallen leaves.
  • Build practical bushcraft skills, such as fire lighting, tool use, shelter building, and foraging

  • Take on real responsibility within the group, from leading tasks to looking out for each other

  • Develop independence and problem-solving through hands-on challenges

  • Connect with peers away from school and screens, in a setting that rewards effort over image

Who iS IT for?

Madra Crainn is our forest school programme for young people aged 11–17, based at Lees Road Park, Ennis, Co. Clare. We're building it out in two stages: 11–14 year olds, which is running now, and 14–17 year olds, which we'll be opening as the programme grows.

Sessions run in blocks throughout the year. Check our booking page for current dates and availability, or get in touch if you'd like to be told when new sessions open.

Are you a secondary school, youth group, or Transition Year coordinator looking to bring a group along? Visit our Schools & Groups page to find out how we work with schools.