ELLEN HUTCHINS FESTIVAL COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

Ellen Hutchins Festival Company Limited By Guarantee celebrates the legacy of Ireland's first female botanist, Ellen Hutchins (1785-1815), and the rich biodiversity of Bantry Bay in West Cork. Through a blend of heritage-week festivals, seasonal events and living-history exhibitions, the organisation brings Ellen's pioneering work in botanical science and art to life for visitors of all ages.

The company offers a suite of self-guided resources-including audio guides featuring extracts from Ellen's letters, moss-hunt kits, tree-trail maps and creative workshops-designed to explore flowering plants, seaweeds, lichens, mosses and liverworts around Bantry Bay. A dedicated children's programme, Cruinniú na nÓg, provides hands-on activities that inspire young naturalists. In addition, a curated shop supplies botanical guides, art packs, limited-edition prints, hand lenses and a biography of Ellen Hutchins for those wishing to deepen their knowledge.

By combining research, education and community-focused events, Ellen Hutchins Festival Company nurtures a deeper appreciation of Ireland's botanical heritage while honouring the remarkable contributions of a pioneering woman scientist.