A trip to Sonairte Ecological Centre, in the coastal town of Laytown is an educational and enjoyable trip for all the family. Sonairte, an interactive visitor centre, which takes its name from a middle Irish word meaning 'positive strength' is also an acronym for; Sustainable development, Organic growth, Nature conservation, Appropriate use of technology, Intercultural exchange, Reconciliation and Inner peace,Trading fairly and Environmental education, was established by members of the local community and concerned environmentalists and set out to promote awareness and education by establishing an ecological visitor centre. They drew inspiration from the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales (CAT).
The journey by train from Connolly station Dublin took approximately 45 minutes. There is lots to see to keep children distracted on the way; seascapes, sea birds, boats in the harbour, horses, cattle and sheep grazing, a windmill in Balbriggan reminiscent of Holland. When we visited, it was a remarkably beautiful day with clear blue skies, interrupted only with a scattering of white wispy clouds. The cooling breeze was very welcome, just enough to keep us from being uncomfortably warm.
The short walk from the train station to the centre took approximately 15 minutes. The fresh cooling breeze was memorable in itself as the air, clean fresh with tones of sweet hay evoked childhood memories as we walked along the grassy verge. Peace and tranquillity all about us, until the traffic reminded us that we had better be careful as they whizzed by on the narrow road interrupting the otherwise idyllic summer afternoon. The landscape and wildlife provide opportunities for budding photographers, with it's abundant hedgerows, sea birds on the winding River Nanny estuary, and mixed woodland.
On arrival we were met by friendly staff who explained the facilities available, when we paid our dues we headed straight for the nature trail, which took us through orchards of a large variety of apple trees. Volunteer gardeners were busy working, weeding, planting and picking organic produce for sale in the shop and cafe and also sold through the Dublin Food Co-op market on Saturday's and Thursday's in Newmarket Square. (Formally of St Andrews in Pearse Street)
The nature trail
The nature trail covers 5 acres of woodland, wetlands, a rath, a badger trail and magnificent scenery with the ever present sounds of birdsong. Children were happy running around the wide open green spaces and through the willow tunnel. A view of Ninch House West (circa 1760) can be seen along the trail.
The energy courtyard
Ireland's natural resources of wind, sun, wood, waste and water, can be seen in action in the Energy courtyard. Two wind turbines, thermal and photovoltaic solar panels, a hydraulic pump and other demonstrations illustrate how electricity and heat can be generated. Children enjoy making waves with the wave energy machine and discovering how the solar clock works. Adults can try out the gravity strider, exercise bike and check out the solar oven.
Education
The educational programme for children between the ages of 7 to 12 years, raise in children and adults an appreciation of the natural environment and the effect of people on that environment. The programme is divided into three areas, Alternative Energy in the Energy Courtyard, Organic horticulture in the Organic Garden, Earth education on the Nature Trail. Sonairte, carries out regular projects with Volunteers Services International, where groups of young volunteers from all over Europe come to work in the centre.
Mustard Seed Cafe and Eco shop
The organic cafe serves fair trade and organic produce straight from the garden to your plate. Home made soups and bread, delicious salads, stuffed nan bread, buttered corn, quiche, cheese and salad wraps are just a sample of what Declan the chef prepares. Katy a volunteer from Germany who studied biology, served up the delicious food and told us how much she enjoyed working in the centre.
Relax and enjoy the view of the courtyard from the cafe, with it's many shrubs and flowers or eat outdoors on the benches weather permitting. Alternatively, bring a picnic and choose from many benches and seating along the way. Jerry Reilly who looks after the shop, stocks Fair Trade foods, organic produce from the gardens and a wide range of environmentally friendly goods and gifts and promotes the sale of Irish products. Jerry was busy stocking the shelves with new lines of Rainbow beeswax candles, Alegaren cosmetic products and Wicklow Fine Foods. Plants and herbs from the garden are also for sale.
A quote from Sonairte's website says it all, "In today's fast paced life pervaded with every kind of technological solution, it sometimes is easy to forget that we are all biological creatures. It is essential that we take time to relax and unwind in order to keep ourselves healthy and on top form. Much of consumer society is aimed at our more physical needs, often at the expense of our emotional and spiritual needs. At Sonairte, providing a place where we can reflect on life is an integral part of the purpose of the centre. Taking a walk along the woodland trail, or just sitting and marvelling at the beauty and simplicity of the natural world, offers us an opportunity to slow down and catch our breaths." Visit www.sonairte.org to find out what vegetables, herbs, potted herb plants, salad and vegetable plants (and indoor vegetable plants) are available now in the garden.
Getting there: From Dublin take the Drogheda train to Laytown €17 return or Matthews coach €12 return from Parnell Street Dublin. Text the word matthews to: 085 848 1000 for times and info delivered to your mobile.
Upcoming events at Sonairte
Next Farmers Markets on Sundays 6th and 20th from 10.30a.m.- 4.00p.m. Centre closes at 5.00p.m.
Sonairte is also open during the Farmers Markets which take place between 12 noon and 4.00p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of every month and there is usually a special event on the first Sunday of the month ring for details.
Crafty Organic Kids Summer Camp July 2008 Arts & Cookery at Sonairte Every week - Tuesday to Friday 2.30p.m. - 5:30p.m. For more information and booking contact Dr. Carolin Rettig Tel: 041 9827572 Email: info@sonairte.org
Heritage Day Sunday 24th August
Tours and group visits are available all year round Contact: Dr Carolin Rettig Tel: 041 9827572 Email: info@sonairte.org
Volunteers work in Sonairte every day of the week. If you want to join us ring 041 9827572 or email the address above for more details. No experience required.
Supporting Sonairte
Sonairte, a registered charity, and run by volunteers relies on the support of environmentally responsible individuals and businesses to carry out its work and for its continued development. Lend your support to the centre by becoming an Eco-Friend and in return for a small annual subscription you will be entitled to a range of benefits which include; Free unlimited entry to the Centre, Regular Sonairte Newsletters, Discounts on Sonairte Courses, while making an important contribution to the development of Sonairte and its important work in the field of environmental awareness. "Eco-friends" can visit the centre at any time by prior arrangement.
http://sonairte.org http://www.dublinfood.coop The Co-op opens each Thursday (2.00p.m. - 8.00p.m.) and Saturday (9.30a.m. to 4.30p.m.) at the new premises in 12 Newmarket, Dublin 8.
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