Medicinal herb workshop and introduction to iridology led by Master Herbalist Sarah Hathaway

We are delighted to host a medicinal herb workshop led by Medical Master Herbalist Sarah Hathaway on Saturday, 7th November 2026. This workshop focuses on strengthening the body’s natural defences through the traditions of medical herbalism and also looks at iridology.

The event includes meditation, herbal tea tastings, practical herbal skills, and community discussion all in a welcoming, nature-based environment.

During the workshop you will be able to experience a selection of herbs in dried, powdered and tincture form, and gain an understanding of how they can benefit the body.

Boosting Immunity with herbs

This Festina Lente hosted workshop is aimed at anyone interested in herbal medicine, natural health, gardening, nutrition, holistic approaches to wellbeing, and supporting the body systems. Whether you are completely new to herbs or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, the session offers a welcoming introduction to traditional herbal approaches, hands-on learning, and practical take-home skills!

Date: 7th November 2026

Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

Location: Festina Lente, Bray

What's included:

Welcome herbal teas!

Guided grounding meditation

Exploration of the master herbalist tradition and teachings on the role of diet and lifestyle in supporting the body systems

Hands-on experience with dried, powdered, and tinctured herbs

A workshop handout with class notes and recipes, and an iridology chart

A closing reflection circle with herbal tea and healthy sweet treats

Please note:

Please wear warm and comfortable clothing.

Please bring along a notebook and pen to take notes, and an empty jam jar (there may be syrups to take home!).

Small paper bags will be provided, so you can take home a sample of the dried herbs.

Please direct all enquiries to events@festinalente.ie.

About Sarah Hathaway

Sarah has been practicing as a Cranio Sacral Therapist for over 15 years, working with adults, children, and horses. Her journey in complementary healing naturally led her to explore herbal medicine, where she now can combine both therapies and support clients in a truly holistic way.

From Corporate Life to Natural Healing

Sarah originally graduated with a B.Sc. in Marketing and Management, so a career in natural therapies may once have seemed an unlikely path. However, after experiencing the pressures of corporate life while balancing home and family, she found Cranio Sacral Therapy to be deeply supportive for her own family. Over time, she gradually moved away from the corporate world and established a full-time practice in this area.

Training and Qualifications

· Qualified Cranio Sacral Therapist with over 15 years’ experience

· Medical Master Herbalist, using Iridology as a diagnostic tool

· Reiki Master

· Practitioner in Bush Flower remedies, having completed workshops with Ian Whyte

Herbal Medicine and Workshops

In September 2021, Sarah began a four-year training program to become a Medical Master Herbalist with the Irish School of Herbal Medicine in Castlecomer. Since completing this training, she has been seeing clients on a one-to-one basis and running nature-based workshops that bring herbalism into the everyday kitchen and medicine cabinet.

Her workshops are designed for small groups of 8–10 people and are practical, educational, and enjoyable. Sarah keeps them seasonal, following what nature offers for health and wellbeing at different time of the year. Weather permitting, workshops are held outdoors and include an immersive element, helping participants leave with a sense of uplift and wellbeing.

Sustainability: All our Festina Lente events are reflective of our sustainability goals for wellbeing, climate action, and respect for life on land, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Description supplied by the event organiser.