FERN+FIA is an online journal celebrating place, people and the way we live.
Rooted in County Kerry, in the south west of Ireland, FERN+FIA brings together essays, local stories, photography and field notes inspired by the landscape, people and everyday life of this wild, untamed place. It’s a space for discovering the beautiful places, experiences and stories that make somewhere feel special and for creating a sense of place and a little longing for somewhere you know, somewhere you’ve yet to discover, or perhaps a way of life that feels a little slower and more connected.
Through local stories, nature, slow living, sustainability, culture and everyday discoveries, FERN+FIA explores what makes a place worth knowing and a life worth noticing. And the wildness, warmth and character that makes it feel like home.
A growing collection of stories, ideas and inspiration from here and beyond. A space to discover, linger for a while, and notice the things that are easy to miss.
Happy to have you here.
Stacey 🌱
The meaning behind the name.
Ferns: are unique, non flowering plants that grow in wild abundance throughout the country and can be seen all throughout the Killarney National Park. Ferns love the damp Irish weather and come in a fascinating range of sizes, forms, shades and textures.
Fia: is the Irish (Gaelic) name for Deer. These gorgeous creatures have been featured on many an Irish painting and postcard. Growing up as a native of Killarney, Co. Kerry, I was lucky to see them in their natural habit. Red Deer (Fia rua) can be found on Torc, Cores and Mangerton Mountains with other herds in the lowland areas of the Killarney National Park. Amazingly these are the only native wild Red deer that exist in Ireland today.
Kerry a county full of joy, soft muted colours and wild spaces. A county where you can immerse yourself in the busyness of life and the quietness of the outdoors.