Discover the remarkable story of Ellen Hutchins, Ireland’s first female botanist

Ellen Hutchins (1785–1815) is one of the most significant figures during the formative years of Irish science. She was born in Ballylickey in West Cork in 1785, she was a truly groundbreaking figure who made enormous contributions to science despite being stricken with illness throughout her short life. This self-guided tour will take you from the wind-swept islands and shores of beautiful Bantry Bay, through wild woodlands at Glengarriff and on to the spectacular mountains that run along the Cork and Kerry border. As we travel, you will hear the story of a talented and determined young woman, whose short life was marred by illness and family difficulties, making her achievements in the natural sciences all the more impressive. Despite her ill health, and the societal constraints placed upon young unmarried women at that time, Ellen’s passion for her subject, her gift for illustration and her diligent ingenuity have guaranteed Ellen an eminent position in the annals of Irish botany.

This audioguide contains excerpts from letters exchanged between Ellen and Dawson Turner, an eminent botanist and great friend and mentor of Ellen. This correspondence gives a wonderful insight into Ellen’s character and world view. Along the trail we will also explore West Cork locations like Glengarriff Woods, Hungry Hill and the Healy Pass, Whiddy Island and Bantry’s Blue Hill.

This Audio Guide is an Abarta Heritage Production

To find the locations referred to in the audio guide, follow the Ellen Hutchins Trail Map, a copy of which can be downloaded here. This Audio Guide is an Abarta Heritage Production in conjunction with the Ellen Hutchins Festival. The story is wonderfully brought to life by Sarah-Jane Scott and Gerry O’Brien. This project was grant-aided by the Heritage Council and the Fisheries Local Action Group South. We would like to thank Madeline Hutchins, Clare Heardman and Angela O’Donovan for all their insights, help and contributions to this guide. For further details and information about Ellen’s life and work, please visit www.ellenhutchins.com.