MEET THE MAKERS
United by a mutual desire to create a retreat center and safe haven, Claire and Tom’s paths converged in a serendipitous encounter outside a U2 concert. Their shared vision for a community-focused refuge quickly took root. At the onset of the COVID pandemic, Claire relocated from Dublin to Tom’s home in Killucan, where the two spent the challenging months nurturing their ideas. Their collaboration culminated in the creation of Red Roots Farm—a lifelong project and homestead dedicated to fostering connection, refuge, and personal growth within a vibrant community.
CLAIRE BRACKEN
Claire Bracken is a multidisciplinary artist whose work seamlessly blends human experience with storytelling. A graduate of NCAD, she draws inspiration from the Wheel of the Year, using its cycles to explore the deep connections between self and others and to celebrate the wild, untamed aspects of nature within us all. Her creations foster nurturing environments where individuals are invited to express their inner sensitivity through dance and expressive movement, embodying the belief that true freedom emerges from creativity and self-expression.
A passionate writer, Claire is devoted to helping others discover their inner light, viewing the challenges of human suffering as stepping stones toward profound self-understanding. Fascinated by the dynamic interplay between shadow and light in the journey of consciousness, she regards art as a sacred, liminal space for exploration, growth, and personal transformation.
TOM LEAVY
Tom Leavy is a visionary horticulturist and landscape designer celebrated for his innovative and sustainable approach to outdoor spaces. A graduate of the National Botanic Garden, he founded Leavy Landscaping, a firm committed to eco-friendly design and construction. His creative prowess is evident in projects such as his own home—a stunning transformation of repurposed shipping containers that has inspired similar builds at Red Roots Farm.
Tom’s work has earned him significant acclaim, including contributions to four medal-winning gardens at the Bloom Show in Phoenix Park. Among these, his acclaimed ‘Willy Wonka edible garden’, sponsored by the Bord Gais Theatre, stands as a testament to his inventive design and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Beyond his professional achievements, Tom is passionate about education and the arts, regularly leading vegetable growing workshops and exploring his creative interests in sculpting and painting.