Ivywood is set on 40 acres of magical woodland in Co. Clare, Ireland. Herbalists Marina and Ross relocated their young family of three children and their medicinal plant collection to this very special piece of land in 2018. It had always been their dream to build a home within mature woodland. When they discovered Ivywood, they immediately knew it was the place to create a healing space for their clinical practice, teaching, and herb nursery.
The apothecary building was crafted entirely by hand from timber, stone, lime and reclaimed materials. Ross and Marina used stone found on the land and timber they felled themselves in the woodland.
During their first year at Ivywood they slowly explored its hidden corners, discovering ancient woodland pathways—some untouched for generations. Even now, a six-acre section of woodland remains unexplored. They chose to settle into the land gently before beginning construction of the roundhouse, built entirely from materials on the property. Creating a space with their own hands, using timber they personally felled, was a central part of their vision. You can learn more about the roundhouse build here.
Walking into Ivywood brings an immediate sense of connection and serenity. The woodland feels alive—flowing from mature Beech, Rowan and Oak by the river, into the ancient Hazel grove with its winding fairy paths leading to Hawthorn and Willow. Further in lie the younger stands of Sycamore, Holly, Ash and Larch. At certain times of year, you wade through waist-high ferns.
Ivywood is sanctuary to deer, foxes, badgers, red squirrels, pine martens, giant hares, bats and even an otter. A small lake teeming with fish attracts a friendly heron, while the surrounding trees shelter buzzards, sparrow hawks and peregrine falcons. The dawn chorus of smaller birds fills the woodland each morning.
Ancient pockets of Ivywood remain untouched, shielded by bramble and gorse where wildlife travels along hidden passageways. These preserved, moss-covered habitats are part of what is known as Ireland’s Celtic Rainforest. Over time Ross and Marina have discovered an abundance of wild medicinal plants here, including Bugle, Violas, Honeysuckle, Purple Loosestrife and Rosebay Willowherb.
Many mature herbs were moved here from their previous garden and farm in Co. Sligo, and have settled beautifully. A new teaching garden and source garden now grow around the roundhouse building. Several rare and endangered woodland medicinal plants have also been introduced and are thriving. In time, Ross and Marina hope to make more of these plants available through their herb nursery.
New walking paths are being created along the river and through open sections of the woodland—allowing clinic patients and event attendees to enjoy the peace of Ivywood. Ross and Marina continue to develop the land with the intention of welcoming others to experience its magic, and to share their deep knowledge of herbal medicine.
To learn more about herbal medicine from Ross and Marina, visit the videos page, articles page, or explore upcoming workshops on the events shop page.
