Is prior gardening experience needed?

No previous experience is required—this course is designed for all skill levels.

Is the garden accessible for people with mobility impairments?

Unfortunately, the garden is not wheelchair accessible due to natural terrain.

What meals are included?

A vegetarian lunch made from the garden’s produce and tea/coffee with treats are provided.

What should I bring to the course?

Wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, a hat or cap, and sturdy shoes.

How large are the groups?

Groups are limited to up to eight people for personalized instruction.

Can children participate?

The listing does not specify an age limit, so it’s best to confirm with the operator directly.

Master No-Dig Gardening: Grow Sustainable Food in Durrow, Ireland

In the heart of County Laois, Ireland, the historic village of Durrow offers more than pastoral charm—it hosts a transformative hands-on experience in sustainable gardening at Dunmore Country School. This six-hour, small-group course invites participants of all skill levels to learn No-dig gardening, a low-impact, efficient method that revitalizes soil health without the back-breaking labor of traditional digging. This approach, rooted in eco-conscious techniques like mulching, coppicing, and pollarding, is designed to minimize weeding and conserve soil moisture—offering a practical path to productive, sustainable food cultivation in an accessible, vibrant kitchen garden setting.

Dunmore Country School provides an intimate environment, with up to eight participants per session, allowing for personal instruction and community connection. The garden is alive with seasonal vegetables and herbs, many used to create the vegetarian lunches served during the course, connecting you directly to the fruits of your labor.

What makes this course particularly stand out is its accessibility and respect for tradition with a modern twist. No-dig gardening breaks away from the conventional digging-heavy methods, reducing physical strain and time needed for weeding, while sustaining biodiversity underground. The use of coppicing and pollarding—ancient woodland management techniques—further bolsters sustainability and soil vitality.

Located just outside Durrow, a quaint town known for its medieval roots and community spirit, this experience is not only a practical skill-building workshop but also a cultural immersion into rural Irish life. Participants are encouraged to dress for the elements and enjoy light refreshments during breaks, making the day both enjoyable and nourishing.

For travelers seeking an immersive, hands-on eco-adventure that combines history, horticulture, and mindfulness, this course is a rare opportunity. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about self-sufficient food production, learning hands-on in this peaceful corner of Ireland facilitates a deeper connection to the land and a new set of skills that last a lifetime.

Beyond the garden, Durrow’s rolling landscapes and local community invite further exploration, making this a perfect stop for those integrating outdoor exploration with meaningful, skill-enhancing experiences. Grow your own food sustainably in a way that respects the environment and your time—right here in County Laois.

About Dunmore Country School

Dunmore Country School is a practical gardening and beekeeping school in Durrow, County Laois. The school runs hands‑on courses and visits in a working kitchen garden led by Tanguy, who shares practical and sustainable techniques for growing food and caring for pollinators. Programmes include Kitchen Garden Visit, Natural Beekeeping Course, Autumn course, Pruning course, Grow sustainably your own food (no‑dig methods), and an Online Month to month stroll in the garden.

Courses focus on sustainable, low‑intervention methods such as no‑dig gardening, mulching, coppicing and pollarding, and traditional pruning and training of fruit trees and bushes. The Natural Beekeeping Course specifically uses the Warré hive and emphasizes minimal intervention for native Irish honey bees. Sessions combine demonstration, direct participation, and seasonal advice suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Dunmore Country School's kitchen garden provides a practical setting for learning soil care, plant selection, and ongoing garden maintenance. The Autumn course prepares gardens for cooler months with hands‑on tasks and planning, while pruning workshops cover apples, grapes, roses and tomatoes. Monthly online strolls extend learning beyond the garden with seasonal tips, biodiversity notes and simple recipes using garden produce.

Featured on The Adventure Collective, Dunmore Country School offers clear, experience‑based instruction in sustainable food growing and pollinator stewardship. Booking and session details are available through the school’s listings; the courses remain focused on practical skills, ecological gardening methods and direct experience in a functioning kitchen garden. Sessions are suitable for individuals, small groups and community educators. Dates and prices are listed on the course pages.