About
Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2025. Click here to see the full programme.
Immerse yourself in the myths, landscapes, and traditions of the Ards Peninsula with this hands-on workshop. Set against the stunning backdrop of Strangford Lough, explore the herbal wisdom of the Celts and Vikings through storytelling and interactive crafting. Sample traditional oxymel elixirs, soothing balms, and create bath salts using local ingredients, while learning about sustainable practices and ancient traditions. Enjoy locally roasted coffee, herbal teas, and delicious local traybakes from Fjord Bakery. This unique experience blends history, culture, and nature, offering a deep connection to the land and its legends. A must for the culturally curious visitor!
Refreshments served at the start of the experience
Participants will take home bath salts that they’ve made.
In summary
• Authentic Cultural and Heritage Experience – Immerse yourself in the rich Celtic and Norse history of the Ards Peninsula through myths, folklore, and traditional herbal remedies, deeply connected to the local landscape.
• Hands-On Immersive Activities – Engage in interactive workshops where you’ll sample herbal oxymels, soothing balms, and create bath salts using local ingredients, offering a unique, take-home experience.
• Breathtaking Natural Setting – Set against the stunning backdrop of Strangford Lough, this workshop blends storytelling with an outdoor experience, allowing participants to connect with the land, history, and sustainable living practices.
Things to note
No experience necessary
Materials are provided and included in the costs
Wear suitable clothing for the weather.
Carers are welcome, however tickets must be purchased if they wish to participate.
Minimum age is 14yrs and must have a paying adult accompanying them.
Dietary requirements
Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements.
This must be done 72 hours before the experience.
Sharon Machala, Macha Workshops will be providing food items with allergen awareness data from Nina Wilson at Fjord Bakery
All allergen and dietary requirements must be emailed to Sharon Machala at the time of booking:
machaworkshops@gmail.com
Tickets close one week before experience
Getting there
By car: From Belfast/Newtownards follow the A20 towards Portaferry. As you are coming into Kircubbin along Main Street it is just past the Coan Coffee Shop on the right. There is a car-park on site.
By public transport: From Belfast/Newtownards Ulsterbus Service no 10 there is a bus stop at The Green. See Translink for timetables.
Accessibility
This experience is accessible however please note that there are a few steps to navigate and if anyone has an accessibility concerns they are strongly advised to contact Sharon BEFORE booking: machaworkshops@gmail.com
Carers
Carers are welcome, however tickets must be purchased if they wish to participate.
Where practicable providers within the Experience AND Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. With such a diverse range of activities, operated by a number of providers, it is necessary for this to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, and they will be able to address your enquiry.
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions apply
Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres..
All details subject to change.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | £35.00 per ticket |
Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres, by phone or in person.
