Festina Lente

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Festina Lente

Welcome to Festina Lente. Join us on our journey to raise vital funds to continue and advance our key work. Registered Charity No. CHY 20061425
(2)

A unique charity and education facility focused on developing equestrian and horticultural learning. Festina Lente was founded 35 years ago. Back then, it was a tiny operation but in the period since its inception, we have become an essential Learning Centre where people can thrive and grow regardless of their circumstances. A unique blend of horses, horticulture, and community brings us together

as we strive to create new opportunities in learning for those with intellectual and physical challenges and offer excellence in education and training for those who choose to follow a career path in any of the above sectors. The Festina Lente Foundation is now at a fascinating juncture. Having outgrown our current facilities in Bray and with our lease due to end shortly, we have located a permanent new home only a 10-minute drive from our current location. The successful relocation to new premises will not only mean the continuation of our existing services to 450 people each week, but also the further development of education and learning programmes to an additional 200 people weekly. But we urgently need to secure funding to complete the purchase by Spring 2022 and then begin an ambitious two-year building project to develop a National Education Centre. Having experienced such a huge growth in demand for all of our programmes, this new facility will reduce our waiting lists and provide much needed care and training for those who need it. Festina Lente Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a unique range of equestrian and horticultural learning, training and employment opportunities that focuses on social inclusion, choice and personal development. Statement of Purpose
Festina Lente provides a range of innovative equestrian, horticultural and community based learning opportunities designed to enhance employment opportunities for those in our programmes. All of our activities conform either to the standards for Adult Day Services and prevocational training as set out by the Health Services Executive, Social Enterprises as set out by the Department of Social Protection, Vocational Training as set out by the Department of Education and Skills and Equestrian Center management as set out by and Association of Irish Riding Establishment and activities relating to all other relevant and statutory requirements.

10/02/2025

🌿☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun at Festina Lente! ☘️🌿

Join us for a magical family event at Festina Lente this St. Patrick’s Day! A day packed with nature, creativity, and fun, all set in our beautiful gardens with plenty of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained.

🎠 Activities include:
🐴 Pony Ride – Meet our friendly ponies for a special ride! ( 1 per child)
🎨 Face Painting – Transform into your favorite Irish character!
🌿 Eco St. Patrick’s Badge – Create a sustainable badge to celebrate the day!
🍀 Shamrock Decorating – Get crafty with shamrocks!
🌼 Wild Seed Bombs – Help nature bloom by making wildflower seed bombs!
🐦 Bird Feeders – Support local wildlife with handmade bird feeders!
🌱 Microgreen Sowing – Plant and take home your own greens!
🌈 Rainbow Catchers – Capture the magic of rainbows!
🍀 Shamrock Nature Wands – Craft a lucky wand from nature’s treasures!
🐍 Flying Snake Mobiles – Celebrate the legend of St. Patrick with a flying snake!
🌿 Green Scavenge Hunt – A fun and educational adventure in nature!

📍 Location: Festina Lente, Bray, Co. Wicklow
💰 Cost: €30 per child (Parents go FREE!)
☕ Extras: Plenty of refreshments available from our Garden Shop!

Come along for a fun-filled day of adventure, creativity, and St. Patrick’s magic!

We are a charity and all your support is greatly appreciated!

🎟️ Booking is essential https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/st-patricks-day-fun-tickets-1244744015859

Join Festina Lente & the ponies for a magical family St Patricks Day! Pony rides, shamrock activites, arts & crafts, facepainting & more...

10/02/2025

New STOCK in Garden Shop....🌱🌿🪴

Pic 1 : New range of Organic vegetable and herb seeds available in the Garden shop...

Pic 2 : Micro Green corner stocking a range of seeds from Afalfa,Radish,Wheargrass,Fenugreek,Mizuna & Green Peas. Fast & easy to grow.

05/02/2025

Belfield - New home update....🏡🐎🌿🚧👷‍♂️

This morning Darren, Claire & Jill went to Belfield to start looking at where the allotments will be going. Careful planning has been done on this and the garden staff are going to start work on the areas they will develop...So far the avenue has been completed and they are now working levelling the site... we are really looking forward to our new home! The horses are used to Belfield as this is where they go on holidays to already 🐎🙏

27/01/2025

TAG YOUR TEACHERS ⤵️
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🌟 School Tours 2025 at Festina Lente! 🌟

Calling all schools! 🌿📚 This year, we’re offering an unforgettable experience in the stunning surrounds of the Victorian Walled Garden at Festina Lente. Starting at the end of May, our school tours combine fun, learning, and a connection with nature.

🎠 What’s in store for your students?
🐴 Pony Adventures: Learn how to care for our friendly ponies and even help feed them!
🌱 Planting Seeds: Hands-on gardening fun as we plant seeds and discover how things grow.
🔎 Scavenger Hunts: Explore nature, solve riddles, and uncover hidden treasures!
🌳 Outdoor Activities: Connect with the great outdoors through creative and interactive games in our beautiful gardens.

📅 Choose from a selection of 4 activities to tailor your day.

🚌 Perfect for school groups of all sizes, this is a day your students will cherish forever!

🌟 Book now to secure your spot! 🌟
📍 Location: Festina Lente, Victorian Walled Garden
📧 Contact [email protected]

Let’s make learning magical in 2025. 🌈💚

21/01/2025

Congratulations to luke who is celebrating 20 years in his job at Bank of Ireland a reliable,hard working and very popular employee! Well done Luke 👏

13/01/2025

🌱🦄✨️Children's fun outdoors birthday parties!🌈❤️💫

🌸Come and join us in the gardens for fun, nature based birthday parties in the safe surrounds of Festina Lente Gardens*... Plenty of fun activities to choose from...

💫Outdoor birthday parties!

At Festina Lente, we are currently offering Outdoor Birthday Parties, with a Nature Theme ! 🌱🌞

The children can enjoy the outdoor space, exploring, having fun and can take part in a workshop of your choice. We do not provide the food but you are welcome to bring along food, and to decorate the chalet to your taste! We offer Nature based workshops for children .

The party is 2 hours timeslot, with full use of our wooden chalet ( for the food)The first hour is the activity which is ran by staff, and the second hour is supervised by parents only- and the the food can be brought in.

We have heating up facilities but not cooking facilities! We recommend having a local pizza business deliver, as it takes the stress out of it for the parents!

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/birthday-party-festina-lente-tickets-324792431907?fbclid=PAY2xjawHyA5lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpjb5ym7mdP_lLbmaP7_HRtoKPUlw07cmOtOLSKsJ67Q-gUFzavVjTKUZmQ_aem_cDRZWbDgQaadqj_-0asLLA

13/01/2025

Check out Jill & Tara on the Out and About Podcast talking about Festina Lente !!! Thank you to Newstalk FM 🔊⚡️

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-about-festina-lente/id250490423?i=1000683574023

13/01/2025

Northern Lights Over Bray – Painting Workshop with Rosie Keane
📅 Saturday, January 26th
🕒 2:00 PM (2.5-hour workshop including a tea break)
📍 Festina Lente Gardens

Join this calm and relaxing painting workshop inspired by the beauty of the aurora over Bray.

No experience necessary – perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

All equipment provided, so just bring yourself!

Suitable for adults aged 18+ or 16+ accompanied by an adult.

🌟 Enjoy a creative escape in a serene environment with guidance from artist Rosie Keane.

Book your spot today and let your creativity flow!

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/aurora-over-bray-new-year-painting-workshop-tickets-1088790143629?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/01/2025

Prince 🤴 helping Caroline out with her Equestrian Training Programme class today !!! What a great help he is... even if it's just to look CUTE 😍

09/01/2025

🐎The Evolving Role of Horses for Human Health Synposium

🐎 On Monday 10th March 2025, in collaboration with Horse Sport Ireland, the inaugural symposium, The Evolving Role of Horses For Human Health, will take place at the Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Co Limerick.

🐎The first-of-a-kind all-Ireland symposium will feature a number of interactive demonstrations with equine-assisted practitioners from across the island of Ireland. A selection of speakers will also present on some of the equine-assisted practices and training currently available across the country.

🐎 This one-day event promises to be inspiring, for both equine-assisted professionals, service users, and also for the wider equestrian sector, allowing for friendly networking and professional exchange for all involved.

💰Cost €20.00 & light lunch included

🔗 click below

Join us to explore how horses are becoming increasingly important in promoting human health and well-being at our upcoming event!

08/01/2025

🌟 School Tours 2025 at Festina Lente! 🌟

Calling all schools! 🌿📚 This year, we’re offering an unforgettable experience in the stunning surrounds of the Victorian Walled Garden at Festina Lente. Starting at the end of May, our school tours combine fun, learning, and a connection with nature.

🎠 What’s in store for your students?
🐴 Pony Adventures: Learn how to care for our friendly ponies and even help feed them!
🌱 Planting Seeds: Hands-on gardening fun as we plant seeds and discover how things grow.
🔎 Scavenger Hunts: Explore nature, solve riddles, and uncover hidden treasures!
🌳 Connect with the great outdoors through creative and interactive games in our beautiful gardens.

📅 Choose from a selection of varied activities to tailor your day.

🚌 Perfect for school groups of all sizes, this is a day your students will cherish forever! You bring home what you make!

🌟 Book now to secure your spot! 🌟
📍 Location: Festina Lente, Victorian Walled Garden
📧 Contact [email protected] for more information.

Let’s make learning magical in 2025. 🌈💚

07/01/2025

SAINT BRIGID’S DAY - LÁ FHÉILE BRÍDE- IMBOLC

🌱New beginnings – Setting revitalizing goals and taking time in Nature

🙏Join us at Festina Lente on Sat Feb 01, for an enchanting morning of creativity and celebration. Embrace the spirit of new beginnings as we honor St Brigid and Imbolc, marking the arrival of spring. The rich history and symbolism behind ancient traditions continue to shape our lives today.

🌱To mark the beginning of Spring: take time to ground, set intentions and create new beginnings with a holistic workshop that will help you add zest and spring into a new chapter of life and renewal.

With plenty of activities, tasks and time to relax!
Bookings can be made here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/new-beginnings-creative-workshop-st-brigid-imbolc-celebration-2025-tickets-1049561957067?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/01/2025

🌟 School Tours 2025 at Festina Lente! 🌟

Calling all schools! 🌿📚 This year, we’re offering an unforgettable experience in the stunning surrounds of the Victorian Walled Garden at Festina Lente. Starting at the end of May, our school tours combine fun, learning, and a connection with nature.

🎠 What’s in store for your students?
🐴 Pony Adventures: Learn how to care for our friendly ponies and even help feed them!
🌱 Planting Seeds: Hands-on gardening fun as we plant seeds and discover how things grow.
🔎 Scavenger Hunts: Explore nature, solve riddles, and uncover hidden treasures!
🌳 Connect with the great outdoors through creative and interactive games in our beautiful gardens.

📅 Choose from a selection of activities to tailor your day.

🚌 Perfect for school groups of all sizes, this is a day your students will cherish forever! You bring home what you make!

🌟 Book now to secure your spot! 🌟
📍 Location: Festina Lente, Victorian Walled Garden
📧 Contact [email protected] for more information.

Let’s make learning magical in 2025. 🌈💚

07/01/2025

Commencing on Sun Feb 23 2025 at 2:00 pm in the beautiful Victorian Walled gardens of Festina Lente.

This enriching and practical culinary growing experience will run monthly throughout the year, introducing the first-time grower to producing seasonal veg throughout the growing season. This practical/theoretical experience will last for an hour followed by the opportunity to explore as a group - cuisine and tastings of a dishg relating to the the vegetable in seasonal focus.

Please click link for more info or to book.... https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/soil-to-plate-programme-2025-a-complete-growing-culinary-experience-tickets-1069579122949?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/01/2025

We thought we would kick off the new year with some funny photos of Pegasus... such a character , pegasus loves to pull all the faces and lives a good leg scratch off his chain at his bed! Pegasus keeps us entertained all day long with the antics besides being a truly brilliant pony with children, we love pegasus dearly ❤️

06/01/2025

🌱 The Victorian Kitchen Gardening Programme 2025 🌱

Discover the art of traditional kitchen gardening in the stunning Festina Lente Gardens!

Starting: Sunday, 2nd February 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Join us in this hands-on journey where you'll:
🌿 Receive personal one-to-one guidance tailored to your growing space
🌿 Learn practical techniques through expert demonstrations
🌿 Gain invaluable tips to bring Victorian charm to your modern garden
🌿 Take home informative handouts to continue your learning
🌿 Enjoy refreshments in the tranquil and inspiring setting of our beautiful gardens

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, our passionate horticulturists are here to help you grow your skills and your garden!

Spaces are limited—book your spot today!

📍 Location: Festina Lente Gardens
📆 Mark your calendar and let’s grow together!
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-victorian-kitchen-garden-programme-2025-tickets-1069469735769

02/01/2025

We currently have 1 space left for the 2025 Equine Assisted Learning Facilitators programme in Festina Lente. Please go to the link in Bio!!

https://www.festinalente.ie/equestrian-learning-centre/equine-assissted-learning/?fbclid=PAY2xjawHjYfRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABppX8jP1HhMa7_fYZGoIexUMl8C6lUHrcKKW0R5d-VU9Cp6PBtLePfMQYtA_aem_uDAhWo1epfQGYYslG1_aag

Address

Old Connaught Avenue
Bray
CO.WICKLOWA98F702

Website

https://www.festinalente.ie/

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We are OPEN 🎄 with the most beautiful trees!!! Netting service, free car parking. Garden Shop, Christmas cheer, happy people and of course the gorgeous gardens...what more could you want on a Saturday morning ? Coffee? We have that too 🎅☕️

Please be careful of animals tonight 🎃🖤 Halloween is a very scary time for them, the constant bangs, fireworks and strange decorations can cause alot of upset... Keep your small animals inside, dogs , cats somewhere safe as they are prone to running once they hear a bang...and also there's alot of horses in fields so be careful 🖤🎃

The video you have all been waiting for.... Mark & his beatbox skillz 🎶🕺⚡️ Mark is part of our QQI Euestrian Training Programme in Festina Lente and we absolutely live the entertainment he brings to the yard ...Mark you're a legend !!! Keep up the beatboxing.... what do you all think??? 👇

🌿 Discover a Day of Self-Care at Festina Lente!🌿 Date: September 29th Time:10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Join us for a rejuvenating day of self-care in the tranquil surroundings of Festina Lente. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature with a series of enriching activities designed to relax your mind, body, and soul. What's in store for you: - Woodland Mindfulness: Connect with nature through guided meditation in the serene woodlands. - Wildland Foraging: Learn to forage for wild edibles and discover the hidden treasures of the natural world. - Horses and Aromatherapy: Experience the calming presence of horses combined with soothing aromatherapy. - Walled Garden Tour: Take a peaceful stroll through our enchanting walled garden, a sanctuary of blooms and tranquility. - Botanical Sketching: Unleash your creativity with a guided sketching session, capturing the beauty of nature. - Flower Reading: Explore the ancient art of flower reading and learn what blooms have to say about you... And so much more! Treat yourself to a day of holistic wellness and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive, nature-inspired environment. Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today!** Purchase now on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-day-of-self-care-in-nature-tickets-992597986297?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Let Festina Lente be your retreat into relaxation and renewal. --- Ready to unwind and reconnect with nature? Book your ticket today and prepare for a day of discovery and self-care! See you there! 🌸

🐎 MEET 3 OF THE EQUESTRIAN VAULTERS: & JELLY 🐎 We had a little chat with Layla, Juliet, Jelly & Dan who are 3 of the Equestrian Vaulting Team who will take to Ring 2 on Friday at 11.35am... They would love your support, please comment below ❤️🐎 You can watch the amazing performances on Friday 11.35am @ ring 2 , Saturday 1.35pm @ ring 2 and Sunday 4pm @ ring 1.... ❤️🐎 You will be hearing from ALL the vaulters over the coming days... ( they don't know this yet ) 😜🤣 Goodluck to everyone ❤️ comment below to support

Rosa & Tess are 2 of the helpers who will be at the horse show with us.. there are alot of people who offer their time to make the kids zone a really fun special place. The helpers in festina lente are really important and they make events like this so much easier. All of our helpers are fantastic with children and Ponies and can't do enough to help out. We really appreciate them all. Everyone will be featured at some stage between now and Sunday and they deserve the recognition as behind the scenes they do amazing work.. come visit us at the kidszone at the @rdsdublin Horse Show #helpers #helping #working #team #squad #Festinalente #equestrianlife #equestrian

Swallows often prefer to nest in sheltered, enclosed spaces. Common nesting sites include tree hollows, building crevices, eaves, and even nest boxes provided by humans. House Swallows, in particular, are notorious for nesting in urban areas, utilizing any small cavity or ledge they can find. Just spotted in one of our stables ♥️😍

Caltra & Pegasus are off on a well deserved holiday to Belfield House 🏠 🐎❤️🌞

Incredible stuff

Carriage Driving at Cooley Farm☆-- wow!!

Really impressive carriage driving at Cooley Farm today! The endless possibilities of Carraige Driving! ✨️❤️

Festina Lente

10/02/2025

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02/01/2025

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