Environment
Lough Gur Biodiversity Festival to celebrate nature and wildlife from May 25 – 31
Lough Gur Biodiversity Festival to celebrate nature and wildlife from May 25 – 31
Lough Gur Biodiversity Festival set for a week-long celebration of the nature, wildlife, rivers, lakes and landscapes of Lough Gur from May 25 to 31
The Maigue Rivers Trust and Lough Gur Heritage Centre announce the Lough Gur Biodiversity Festival, a week-long celebration of the nature, wildlife, rivers, lakes and landscapes of Lough Gur, taking place from 25th to 31st May 2026.
The festival will bring together local communities, families, anglers, farmers, schools, nature enthusiasts and visitors for a varied programme of talks, walks, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Events will explore the rich biodiversity of Lough Gur and the wider catchment, while encouraging practical action to protect local rivers, lakes, wetlands and wildlife.
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The festival is being hosted by Maigue Rivers Trust and Lough Gur Heritage Centre, with support from local partners and contributors.
The Maigue Rivers Trust is especially pleased to confirm that funding from the Local Authority Waters Programme, LAWPRO, is supporting a number of festival events, allowing them to be offered free of charge, while also subsidising the kayaking activities to make them more affordable for participants.
The programme opens on Monday, May 25, with Lakes in Ireland- Mirrors of Change, an evening talk by Catherine Dalton of Mary Immaculate College. On Tuesday, May 26, Padraig Fitzgerald of Teagasc will give a Farming for Water talk, highlighting the important role of land management in protecting water quality. Wildlife events continue during the week with a Bat Walk led by Albert Nolan on Wednesday, May 27, followed by a packed Thursday programme including adult kayaking, parent and child kayaking, and a Wading Birds talk.
Friday’s programme includes an Angling Demonstration with Mike Quinlivan and a Rivers & Lakes talk with nature writer and ecologist Richard Nairn. The weekend will place a strong focus on family-friendly activities.
A Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 11 am – 4 pm, featuring pond dipping, an art workshop, storytelling and a blooming algae workshop. On Sunday, May 31, a second Family Fun Day will run from 11am – 4pm, with pond dipping, an art competition, workshops and a fly-tying demonstration. The festival will close with an Angling Walk at 5pm, delivered by StreamScapes.
Christine Reidy, Project Officer with Maigue Rivers Trust, said, “Lough Gur is one of Limerick’s most treasured landscapes, with an extraordinary mix of natural, cultural and community heritage. This festival is about celebrating that biodiversity, but also helping people understand how they can protect it.
“We are very grateful to LAWPRO for funding support, which allows a number of events to be offered free of charge and helps make the kayaking activities more affordable for people.” The festival is designed to appeal to all ages and levels of knowledge, from experienced anglers and farmers to families, young people, community volunteers and anyone curious about local nature. Several events are free, while some activities, including kayaking and selected talks or walks, require advance booking and may sell out.
For tickets and further information, visit the Maigue River Trust website.
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