Founder and director

Gareth Conlon

Regenerating people and wider nature through permaculture, development education, and community-led action.
Gareth

Gareth has worked in development education for over 10 years, discovering a deep passion for permaculture and exploring how it intersects with education, community and spirituality.

Background

Gareth Conlon is the Founding Director of Slí na Chroí, a not-for-profit education centre based in Aughnacliffe, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. Together with partner Jenny Jefferies, he established the centre with a vision of restoring and re-engaging both nature and communities across Ireland. Prior to founding Slí na Chroí, Gareth spent over a decade working in development education across a range of organisations including Comhlámh, Development Perspectives, and ECO-UNESCO. He holds a Master's degree in International Development from Kimmage Development Studies Centre and gained significant field experience in Africa.

Approach & philosophy

It was during his years in development education that Gareth discovered permaculture ; a discovery that would reshape the direction of his work. He became deeply interested in how permaculture design principles, development education, and contemplative spiritual practices can come together to create meaningful, systemic change. At Slí na Chroí, this translates into a holistic approach to generative agriculture. He brings an ecosystem restoration, peer-to-peer learning, and community wellbeing. The aim is always practical ; turning principles into real, measurable change on the land and within communities.

Recognition

Gareth was selected for the prestigious 2023 Impact Programme and Ideas Academy by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland in recognition of Slí na Chroí's growing impact in supporting the agro-ecological local food movement across the island of Ireland. He is also a TEDx speaker, delivering a talk at TEDxDrogheda on the theme of interconnectedness and land regeneration.
At a glance
Based in
Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
Role
Founder and director
Education
MA International Development, Kimmage DSC
specialisms
Permaculture, regenerative agriculture, development education
previous roles
Comhlámh, Development Perspectives, ECO-UNESCO
Get in touch

Areas of focus

Permaculture
Applying permaculture design principles to create resilient, productive landscapes that work with nature rather than against it.
Development education
Empowering communities through peer-to-peer learning, connecting local food sovereignty to broader global justice issues.
Contemplative practice
Exploring where spirituality meets land stewardship ; cultivating inner awareness as the foundation for outer regeneration.

Upcoming events

See latest events
03 Oct 2026
11
:
00

Gathering for Seeds & Seeds Saving

Join us and Conor O'Kane for our yearly adventure into seeds and seed saving! A gathering for seeds. This year we are inviting people to come together to celebrate seeds and deepen their connection with seeds, and share reverence for these tiny packets of potential and wisdom! There will be a balance of the practicalities […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
27 Sep 2026
10
:
00

Introduction to Small- Scale Dairy Farming & Processing

What does it take to produce truly local, nourishing food — from healthy animals and healthy soil to a delicious piece of cheese? Join us at Síolta Chroí for a fascinating one-day introduction to small-scale regenerative dairy farming, cheese-making and food production, led by Gypsy from Leitrim Hill Creamery. Gypsy and her family run a […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
04 Feb 2027
06
:
00

An Introduction to Regenerative agriculture /Agroecology - Tyrone

What if farming could work better for farmers and the land? Our hope is simple: That farmers can make a fair living from farming, while leaving their farms in a better condition for the next generation than when they inherited them. Síolta Chroí are delighted to invite farmers from Tyrone and the surrounding areas to […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
Our current partners:
sse logoairtricity community fund logodpercmaynoothsaoltamore trees now logoetbsocial
Our current partners:
sse logoairtricity community fund logodpercmaynoothsaoltamore trees now logoetbsocial
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