Castletown Bioblitz: Celebrating biodiversity at Castletown Estate

As part of Biodiversity Week 2026, the Office of Public Works is inviting visitors to take part in a 24-hour Bioblitz at Castletown House and Parklands on the 22 and 23 of May.

Nature enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages can enjoy a weekend of talks, trails and other fun activities celebrating biodiversity at the estate.

Minister of State with Responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, said: “I am delighted to welcome this series of events at Castletown House and Estate to celebrate Biodiversity week. This is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come together and learn about the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit our heritage sites and is a part of a wide range of events being held across OPW sites for Biodiversity week."

Join OPW expert staff on a walk through the meadow, take part in some river dipping which involves exploring the river habitats, play a game of bird bingo or join Birdwatch Ireland’s Neil Bourke for a dusk chorus walk.

Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery for the OPW, Rosemary Collier said: “The Bioblitz at Castletown House and Estate offers an exciting opportunity to really engage with Biodiversity on the site. Visitors can come and experience the rich diversity of life across the site with talks and walks led by our expert OPW teams and by our partners; Bat Conservation Ireland; BirdWatch Ireland; Moths Ireland and Kildare County Council Biodiversity Office.”

All events are free, however the bat walk requires advance booking through Eventbrite: bat-walk-at-castletown-house-parklands-tickets.

The full programme is available at link.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

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NOTES:

A survey carried out by the OPW found that over half the population (56%) are unsure of how to help improve biodiversity despite the overwhelming majority (90%) wanting to play their part (for further information, please see - OPW Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026). Over the two days at Castletown, there will be a number of free educational events such as talks on trees, a Bat Walk, moth trapping and a variety of other biodiversity related events.

Please see link to OPW Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c132-opw-biodiversity-action-strategy/

Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan published in May 2024 is available at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/93973-irelands-4th-national-biodiversity-action-plan-20232030/