The Vitalist Circle

What a fantastic weekend at Féile Vegan 2026!

I had such a brilliant time and met some truly inspiring people who are doing amazing work for animals and animal rights, from Back Into Daylight Animal Sanctuary to My Lovely Pig Rescue, and many, many more.

The whole weekend had such a great atmosphere, with fantastic talks, scrumdiddlyumptious vegan food, amazing music and plenty of opportunities to learn about the incredible work being done for animals. It was the perfect mix of education, inspiration and fun.

I was also delighted to be there with a stall for Core College, promoting plant-based medicine through our Herbal Medicine courses. Herbal medicine fits so naturally with the vegan ethos — not only looking at what is better for animals and our environment, but also exploring how plants, nutrition and natural medicine can support our own health and wellbeing.

It was lovely chatting with so many people over the weekend, sharing ideas and meeting others who are passionate about creating a kinder, healthier and more compassionate world.

A huge well done to everyone involved in organising Féile Vegan 2026 and to all the speakers, musicians, stallholders, sanctuaries and wonderful people who made the weekend what it was.

I’ll definitely be back next year. Core College , www.thenettlepatch.ie

What a fantastic week we had at this year’s Vitalist Circle Herbal Medicine Retreat!
We were blessed with such an amazing group of people, with every single person bringing their own little bit of magic to the week and making it what it was.
From swimming in lakes and hiking mountains, to foraging, preparing and sharing beautiful food, learning together, relaxing, laughing, and enjoying all the little moments in between — there are so many memories to take away from the week.
And of course, we finished it all off on our final night with everyone’s entertainment pieces, which brought plenty of laughter and was the perfect way to end such a special week.
It really was a week to remember. A wonderful reminder of what happens when good people come together, step away from the busyness of everyday life, spend time in nature and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Hopefully we’ll see many of the same faces returning to the Vitalist Circle again — you’ll always be part of our little retreat family now.
From all of us on the Vitalist Circle team, thank you so much for coming, for getting involved, for being open to the experience and for bringing your own unique energy to the week.
We can safely say we had just as much fun as you did!
Until next time. 💚💚💚
Nikita PurcellDonna WeirRise and Shine Herbal Healing Rose and Nettle Avril Kennedy Majella Mullaney Kerry Hickey Lucy Glen dinningPauline Hanley Fiona Beresford Yvonne Enright

A great start to this year's retreat with a lovely bunch of participants.
We are been nourished with fresh wheatgrass shots, and juices and delicious nourishing foods.

We're delighted to introduce the newest member of the team for this year's Vitalist Circle Herbal Medicine Retreat...

Welcome, Donna from Rise & Shine Herbal Healing!

Donna is a fellow medical herbalist and my colleague in teaching herbal medicine. We spend our Wednesdays teaching together, and they've affectionately become known as our "Wacky Wednesdays!" There's never a dull moment, with plenty of laughter mixed in with our shared passion for helping others learn and heal.

Donna brings a wealth of knowledge, kindness and enthusiasm, and I know she's going to be a wonderful addition to this year's retreat. Her love of herbal medicine, combined with her warm and down-to-earth nature, will add so much to the experience for everyone attending.

I'm really looking forward to sharing this retreat with her.

Vitalist Circle Herbal Medicine Retreat
6th–11th August 2026
Hollyford, Co. Tipperary

Join us for six days of herbal medicine, living foods, nature walks, foraging, sauna and cold plunge, complementary therapies, yoga, meditation, breathwork, community and deep connection in the beautiful hills of Tipperary.

€850 all-inclusive

It's that time of year again!

The preparations for this year's Vitalist Circle Retreat have officially begun.

Today I planted the first trays of wheatgrass seeds. Every year this marks the beginning of the retreat preparations, and in just a few days they'll be ready to harvest. During the retreat, we'll be enjoying fresh wheatgrass shots together each morning as part of our daily wellness routine.

Wheatgrass is one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods and is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is known to:

• Support the body's natural detoxification processes
• Nourish the liver and immune system
• Provide chlorophyll to support healthy blood and oxygenation
• Supply vitamins A, C, E, K and B vitamins
• Contain important minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium
• Help support digestion and gut health
• Combat oxidative stress with powerful antioxidants
• Promote natural energy and vitality

Our retreat is all about giving your body the opportunity to rest, nourish, heal and reconnect, and fresh wheatgrass is just one small part of that journey.

Vitalist Circle Retreat

📅 6th–11th August 2026
📍 Hollyford, Co. Tipperary

Join us for six days of herbal medicine, nutritious living foods, meditation, yoga, breathwork, sound healing, creativity, nature, ceremony, holistic therapies and connection with like-minded people.

💶 €850 all-inclusive.

We still have a few rooms available, so if you've been thinking about joining us, now is the perfect time to get in touch.

Send me a message at 0874152239 if you'd like more information or to reserve your place. I'd love to welcome you along.

Me and Donna Weir after our wonderful and wacky Wednesday lunch 💚💚💚💚