National Biodiversity Week 2025
Historic Houses of Ireland is delighted to participate in National Biodiversity Week 2025.
Five of our houses have planned exciting events to celebrate not just National Biodiversity Week 2025 but also International Day for Biodiversity 2025, which has as its theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”.
Programme of Events by date and time:
SATURDAY, 17TH MAY:
Killruddery House, Bray, County Wicklow - two events
Walk and Talk with Killruddery Head Chef and Market Gardener - 11.00 am and 2.00 pm
Join Killruddery Head Chef Niall O’Sullivan and Market Gardener Pat Keady in a Walk and Talk. Niall will take you on a foraging walk around the estate, demonstrating the wonderful diversity of edible plants available around us. Pat will take you through the vegetable gardens explaining how we work with the soil to support soil + plant health, creating health-giving food, using only natural methods there by supporting biodiversity.
Booking is essential as places limited.
Killruddery Members – free
Non-members: 10.50 euro
Concession non-members: 9.50 euro
For further information and bookings: https://killruddery.com/products/a-walk-and-talk-with-head-chef-niall-osullivan-and-market-gardener-pat-keady-copy
Encounters in the Wilderness with Artist Peter Sheehan - 10 am and 4 pm
Artist Peter Sheehan will combine heritage, craft and nature to create a land art encounter in The Wilderness, Killruddery.
Why not join him to help complete a sculptural encounter using foraged materials from the gardens connecting us to the history and biodiversitythat has been nurtured by generations of the Brabazon family and headgardeners at Killruddery, tracing back to the establishment of thegardens in the 1700s.
Garden entry applies.
Booking: https://killruddery.com/products/vincent-sheridan-exhibition-murmurations-copy
SUNDAY, 18TH MAY:
Killruddery House, Bray, Co. Wicklow - two events:
Walk and Talk through Killruddery Woodlands and Farm with Owner - 12.00 pm
Join Anthony Ardee for a guided walk and talk through the woodlands and working farm of Killruddery estate. Anthony will explore the estate's approach to managing, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, while balancing the demands of food and timber production and providing recreational space for the wider community. Expect thoughtful discussion and deep insight into the complexities of stewarding a living landscape. The next generation owner of Killruddery, Anthonyis a passionate farmer and dedicated steward to the 800 acres of landscapes and gardens at Killruddery. He serves on the boards of both Historic Houses of Ireland and Wildlife Estates Ireland. His life has been shaped by people, nature, farming and the rhythms of the land.
Killruddery Members: free
Adult non-members: 10.50 euro
Concession non-member: 9.50 euro
For further details and bookings: https://killruddery.com/products/a-walk-and-talk-anthony-ardee
Encounters in the Wilderness with Artist Peter Sheehan - 10 am and 4 pm
Artist Peter Sheehan will combine heritage, craft and nature to create a land art encounter in The Wilderness, Killruddery.
Why not join him to help complete a sculptural encounter using foraged materials from the gardens connecting us to the history and biodiversity that has been nurtured by generations of the Brabazon family and headgardeners at Killruddery, tracing back to the establishment of thegardens in the 1700s.
Garden entry applies.
Booking: https://killruddery.com/products/vincent-sheridan-exhibition-murmurations-copy
FRIDAY, 23RD MAY - FREE EVENT
Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery, Stradbally, Co. Laois
Biodiversity Walk including Opening Two Moth Traps, 8.30 am
Biodiversity walk at Ballykilcavan Farm, looking at some of the natural and installed features on the farm that conserve and promote biodiversity. Owner David is one of the farmers taking part in the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s moth survey in 2025, and will have a moth trap to open to see what species are present (all moths will be released unharmed). The walk will also take in the wildflower areas, wild grass areas, red squirrel feeders and pollinator habitats, and David will talk about land management and barn owl boxes.
Meet at 8:30 am at the visitor centre at Ballykilcavan, continuing until 10am. The event is fully outdoors, so please dress appropriately.
To book email: biodiversity@laoiscoco.ie
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH - FREE EVENT
Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
A Walk on the Wild Side – Biodiversity Week Nature Walk at Russborough, 11.00 am
This guided nature walk that invites you to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the miniature world beneath your feet. Set against the backdrop of Russborough’s parkland and woodlands, this immersive walk explores the rich and often overlooked world of insects – from buzzing pollinators to camouflaged critters hiding in the undergrowth.
Led by local entomologist Brian Murray and run in collaboration with the Native Woodland Trust, this event is more than just a stroll – it’s a hands-on exploration of insect life and their role in maintaining the balance of our natural ecosystems. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and a lifelong passion for insects, making him the ideal guide for anyone curious about the tiny but mighty creatures we share our landscape with.
Participants will have the chance to use magnifying glasses and collecting pots to examine a range of insects up close. Expect to uncover hidden worlds in unexpected places – from fluttering wings in sunlit clearings to beetles beneath the bark. The walk may veer off the main paths to allow a better look at natural habitats, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
Meeting point is at the Obelisk gate pillar opposite the car park entrance barrier. Parking is available on site at Russborough (€4, card only).
Whether you’re a budding biologist, a family looking for a meaningful day outdoors, or simply someone who wants to learn more about the wonders of the natural world, this event offers a rare opportunity to see biodiversity in action.
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. To secure your spot, email events@russborough.ie
SATURDAY, MAY 24th
Altidore Castle, Killpeddar, Co. Wicklow
Biodiversity Walk at Altidore Castle, 11.00 am
This two-hour walk through both Altidore’s long established and newly planted native woodland contains very steep hills and clothing appropriate to weather must be worn. Altidore has been an organic farm since the 1990s and is hive of biodiversity, recently receiving a European Award for its pond renovation project.
Booking ahead essential, please email e4altidore@gmail.com.
Tickets: 10.00 euro
SUNDAY, MAY 25TH - FREE EVENT
Lough Sillan House, Shercock, Co. Cavan
Guided Biodiversity Walk on the Shores of Lough Sillan
Join us for a special guided biodiversity walk along the lake path and ancient woodland at Lough Sillan House, Shercock, County Cavan. This free event honours both Ireland’s National Biodiversity Week and the International Day for Biodiversity 2025, themed “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”. As we stroll along the lakeside path, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of this diverse and historically rich landscape, guided by passionate experts: Heather Bothwell (Heritage Ireland) will reveal the secrets of the ancient woodland, from the native flora underfoot to evidence of long-standing natural habitats. Elizabeth McKenna, (Birdwatch Ireland Cavan Branch) – will help us tune in to the songs of some of the approximately forty bird species who call the gardens and lake home. Dr Sabina Brennan (event host) will share personal insights gleaned from sharing her home with a resident heronry, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of grey herons. After the walk, enjoy light refreshments in the cottage courtyard of Lough Sillan House.
This event is free but booking is essential: www.eventbrite.com/e/in-harmony-with-nature-guided-walk-at-lough-sillan-house-tickets-1362120792959?aff=oddtdtcreator
