Planting trees on our own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Planting Trees on Our Own Land in Ireland with Emerald Heritage

My husband Doug is annoyingly difficult to buy gifts for. He never ‘wants' anything, doesn't ‘need' anything that he hasn't purchased himself, and, most frustratingly, guesses what a gift is before he opens it.

I hate buying gifts for him!

But last year I found a gift that was perfect! It has long been our goal to own land in Ireland – but it was a ‘someday' goal.

Until I found Emerald Heritage – and we became Squireens in the beautiful Glens of Antrim.

Own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage - Ireland land ownership official papers

Not long after we became Irish land owners, Emerald Heritage announced plans for their first Irish Gathering, a chance for Squireens to tread their Irish land and see the highlights of Antrim in Northern Ireland.

While we couldn't join the entire Irish Gathering, the dates did correspond with our own trip to Northern Ireland and we were lucky to be able to meet the Emerald Heritage group for a day.

The mission of Emerald Heritage is to ensure the “protection and enhancement of the Irish landscape'. Centuries of development have laid waste to Ireland's woodlands; less than 1% remain. The souvenir plots of land sold raise money to purchase more land, plant native trees, and save historic buildings on the property.

Conservation on Our Own Land in Ireland

The first Irish Gathering was small; our family followed the van of Squireens through the Glens of Antrim, exploring as we made our way to our Irish land.

Following Squireens along the Causeway Coastal Route. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
One eye on the van, the other on the beautiful scenery of the Causeway Coastal Route in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

We explored a bit around the Glenariff Waterfalls (I have vowed to return to explore further!) and enjoyed tea at the Laragh Lodge Restaurant.

Glenariff Waterfall, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ireland vacation | Ireland travel tips
Tea and shortbread at Laragh Lodge Restaurant, Glenariff Waterfalls, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ireland vacation | Ireland travel tips
Ireland travel tip: always take advantage of tea breaks!

We made a quick stop at  Steensons Jewelers in Glenarm, the jeweler behind many of the stunning pieces seen on Game of Thrones. Oh, the damage I could have done to our budget here!

Steensons Jewelers Game of Thrones, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ireland vacation | Ireland travel tips

And walked through the Dark Hedges – also known to Game of Thrones fans. (You have no idea how difficult it is to get a photo of the Dark Hedges without a person or car in it!)

The Dark Hedges, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ireland vacation | Ireland travel tips

And then we went to our land.

Well, actually, we happened upon our land, having gotten separated from our caravan. I'm still not quite sure how we found it, other than Irish luck. Note to self: next time have coordinates handy!

With the entire group accounted for, tree planting began!

After choosing our trees, a Mountain Ash and a Common Beech, both native to the area, we got to work digging in the rocky soil.

Planting trees on our own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
Doug with Lyn Nelson, the founder of Emerald Heritage
Planting trees on our own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
The kids weren't a whole lot of help….
Trees planted on our own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
Trees planted on our Irish land!
Lucky coins. Planting trees on our own land in Ireland. Emerald Heritage, Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
Placing coins for good luck!

Though our time with the Emerald Heritage group was short, we loved the joy that surrounded us while we were with them. Everyone so excited to be in Ireland, exploring their heritage, and standing on their own land. Definitely great craic!

Squireens with the Emerald Heritage Group. Own Land in Ireland.
Squireens with the Emerald Heritage Group. Photo courtesy of Emerald Heritage

Want to take part in the next Irish Gathering? Find more information here!

Jody Halsted
Follow Along

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2 Comments

  1. Pingback: Irish Gifts for Christmas (or any other occasion!) - Celtic Culture for Irish Dancers
  2. Thank you for sharing your experience! My husband and I recently visited Ireland, and I wanted to buy him a Christmas gift that would remind him of our time there. I stumbled across a few sites that offer a piece of Irish land, but I couldn’t decide which one to go with. I love the idea of being able to visit again, and plant a tree on our own land, so I’ll probably get it from Emerald Heritage. Looks like your family had a great time!