Historic Houses Ireland Celebrate National Biodiversity Week

Ireland will be celebrating its flora and fauna in National Biodiversity Week starting on the 19 May.  A wide variety of events aimed at both adults and children will be taking place across the country from a Bat Walk at Tullynally Castle in Westmeath to a Walk and Talk on invasive species in Donegal. The week-long celebration of Ireland’s unique natural heritage is designed to highlight existing biodiversity and the importance of protecting and enhancing our environment both wild and managed.

A number of Ireland’s privately owned Historic Houses are offering a range of interesting events within their own grounds alongside public museums, parks and gardens:

Altidore Castle in Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow – A Guided Walk, Saturday, May 20th at 2.30 pm.
This is aimed at helping children to discover the flora and fauna of the organic estate and its mature native woodland. Appropriate clothing must be worn.
Booking is by email to: e4altidore@gmail.com. NOW FULLY BOOKED

Birr Castle, “Bee Inspired” – The Importance of our Native Irish Honey Bee, Saturday June 24 12-4.00pm
Join John Greenaway and John Thorp of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) at Birr Castle as they delve into the importance of the Native Irish Honey Bee in our environment and how imperative their conservation is.⁠  The two Johns will be based in the pavilion beside Birr’s wildflower meadow from 12.00 to 4.00pm.  Join the conversation on how we, as an island, can help understand and protect our native Irish honey bees.
Event cost included with General Admission. ⁠

Killruddery House, Bray, Co. Wicklow –  A Head Gardener’s Tour of the 17th Century Heritage Gardens, Tuesday, May 23^rd, midday.
To celebrate National Biodiversity Week, Irish botanist and Director of the National Botanic Gardens, Dr. Matthew Jebb will return to Killruddery for an illuminating talk – ‘Biodiversity in the Garden’, sharing his extensive knowledge about Ireland’s trees, plants and natural landscape along the way.As well as describing the wonders of plants, Matthew will share how we can all do our bit to welcome more wildlife into our gardens.
(HHI Members free, Adult Non-Members €8.50, 12-18 year olds and concession non-members €7.50).
The talk and tour will last 1 to 1.5 hours.
For further details: https://killruddery.com/products/headgardenerstourofthegardens

Biodiversity in the Garden Talk by Dr Matthew Jebb, Sunday 28th May, midday.
To celebrate National Biodiversity Week, Irish botanist and Director of the National Botanic Gardens, Dr. Matthew Jebb will return to Killruddery for an illuminating talk – ‘Biodiversity in the Garden’, sharing his extensive knowledge about Ireland’s trees, plants and natural landscape along the way. With Introduction by Lord Meath.
Adult non-member €8.50,   Concession non-member €7.50, Child non-member: €3.00
https://killruddery.com/products/national-biodiversity-week-biodiversity-in-the-garden-with-dr-matthew-jebb

Tullynally Castle and Gardens, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, Friday eve 19th May at Tullynally Castle, 9pm.
The Midlands Bat Group is hosting a Guided Bat walk
Free of charge. Park in the Castle courtyard to meet in the Courtyard beside Tearoom. Please dress warmly as temperatures drop after dark.
https://www.ihh.ie/index.cfm/houses/house/name/Tullynally%20Castle.

For more information about events organised by members of Historic Houses Ireland visit www.ihh.ie