About Us

 

HerbFeast & The Community of Irish Herbalists

What is HerbFeast?

HerbFeast is an annual gathering celebrating herbal medicine, community, and shared knowledge. Organised by the Community of Irish Herbalists (CIH), it brings together herbal practitioners, students, and herb enthusiasts for talks, workshops, herb walks, and social events in a welcoming environment.

Who Runs HerbFeast?

HerbFeast is organised by the Community of Irish Herbalists (CIH), a non-incorporated association (club). The CIH exists solely to facilitate this event and maintain its independence from any external professional body or organisation.

To foster widespread involvement from the herbalist community, HerbFeast is organised by rotating volunteer teams every couple of year (when possible). This approach ensures diverse perspectives and shared ownership, enriching the festival’s offerings and strengthening community bonds.

This is why we rely on your involvment !

HerbFeast thrives because of the dedication and passion of the herbalist community. Every few years, we try to encourage a new team of volunteers steps up to organise this cosy, grassroots gathering, ensuring fresh perspectives, diverse contributions, and the continued independence of the event. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist, a student, or simply passionate about plants, your involvement helps keep HerbFeast alive and thriving.

Get involved - Contact Us !

The current committee members are:

  •  President: Vilma Matuleviciute
  • Secretary: Luke Ó hErodáin
  • Treasurer: John Maher

 

How is CIH Organised?

The Community of Irish Herbalists is governed by articles of association (constitution), ensuring transparency and a clear structure for HerbFeast and its related activities.

Key principles include:

  • CIH is an independent, community-led organisation.
  • Membership is open to herbal practitioners, students, and herb enthusiasts – no qualifications are required to join.
  • A steering committee is formed each year to plan and organise HerbFeast.
  • HerbFeast remains independent and cannot be claimed or owned by any external organisation.
  • All funds raised are used solely for organising the event and related activities.

The CIH operates under a formal constitution, outlining its mission, governance, and responsibilities. This ensures clarity in how decisions are made and how the event is managed.

Download our Articles of Association Here

Membership & Participation

Membership in the CIH is open to those who wish to join and contribute to the running of HerbFeast and related activities. Whether you are a professional herbalist, a student, or simply passionate about herbal medicine, you are welcome to get involved.

You just need to get in touch with us so that we can make you a member.

Get in touch

Mission Statement

Community of Irish Herbalists (CIH) Mission Statement

  1. The Community of Irish Herbalists (CIH) is an independent ad hoc group whose task is to promote herbal medicine through the annual event known as HerbFeast.
  2. The CIH is neither owned by nor is it a subsidiary of any professional herbal body or professional CAM organisation or any other external organisation; nor can it be in the future.
  3. The steering committee of the CIH is open to herbal practitioners, students of herbal medicine and those who are passionate about herbs – no qualification is necessary to be part of the steering committee.
  4. The steering committee shall be appointed annually and it’s task shall be to organise the following year’s HerbFeast, as well as the following AGM and appointment of the new steering committee, and any other meetings that may be necessary from time to time in the organisation of HerbFeast and related activities.
  5. The steering committee shall consist of 2 key organisational figures who will be responsible for overseeing and administration of each annual event; and any others members as they see fit.
  6. HerbFeast can be held at different venues annually so no particular place can claim ‘ownership’ of the event. However, if agreed upon HerbFeast can be held at the same venue many times.
  7. The CIH is the owner of the HerbFeast name, logos and website – no individual or group outside of the CIH has any influence, or can lay claim or ownership to any aspect of HerbFeast.
  8. The CIH steering committee is responsible for all financial transactions, bank accounts and annual statement of accounts which must be delivered at the AGM every year.
  9. The CIH steering committee, members and associates shall behave in a manner befitting a professional organisation and shall not bring disrepute on HerbFeast, or upon any individual or any organisation and shall do business according to best practice with the intention of promoting excellence.
  10. Venues or parties interested in hosting HerbFeast event must apply in writing to the CIH at least one year in advance, and put forward at least one candidate for the steering committee.
  11. The CIH shall be composed of those involved in the organisation or who attend meetings in relation to HerbFeast – decisions will be based on consensus or otherwise put to the vote of members present at meetings.
  12. The CIH shall be responsible for providing information, upkeep of websites, and advertising of the Herbfeast Event.