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Find fun and wonder outdoors for National Biodiversity Week 2024

Nature in bloom in the grounds of the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo

Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland as we celebrate National Biodiversity Week at the Museum from 17 to 26 May 2024. 

The National Museum of Ireland has a full and engaging programme of online and in-person events, activities and exhibitions to enjoy across our four Museum sites in Dublin and Co. Mayo.  

Our key highlight events include a day of adventure and learning about wild Irish bees on the grounds of Turlough Park in Castlebar, Co. Mayo; a film screening that offers a glimpse into the green cities of tomorrow; and an opportunity to meet the dedicated members of the Kildare Wildlife Rescue at the Wonder Cabinet in the Dead Zoo

All events are free. Booking may be required for some events. Find out more below. 


FILM: Green City Life

Saturday, 18 May, 2pm - 5pm, Adults and children 10+
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7


Green City Life is an environmental feature film that offers a vision of what the green city of tomorrow could be. This film screening is hosted in collaboration with Bloomin' Crumlin and Connecting Cabra. Booking required. FIND OUT MORE


WORLD BEE DAY ONLINE TALK: St Gobnait and The Murmur of Bees

Monday, 20 May, Adults and children aged 14+
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park House, Castlebar, Mayo 

Celebrate World Bee Day on Monday, 20 May with a series of online talks exploring the ways in which bees influence the world around us - from natural history and the environment to folklore and artworks. FIND OUT MORE


DROP-IN ACTIVITY: Meet Kildare Wildlife Rescue

Saturday, 25 May, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 3.30pm, Families, Age 7+
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dubin 2


Drop into The Wonder Cabinet this Biodiversity Week and meet the education team and other volunteers from Kildare Wildlife Rescue - a wildlife rehabilitation facility. From baby birds to fox cubs, learn about some of the wild animals that the volunteers have rescued, rehabilitated and returned to the wild. This is a chance to ask all of your curious wildlife questions and discover what you can do to help our native wildlife! FIND OUT MORE


BIODIVERSITY DAY: All About Bees

Sunday, 26 May, 1pm - 4pm.  All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo 

Come along to a special open day of discovery and fun as we find out all about Ireland’s wild bees. Learn about gardening for wild bees, join a pollinator walk or engage in some bee-inspired crafts. This is a free event, in association with the temporary exhibition The Murmur of Bees. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. FIND OUT MORE


EXHIBITION: The Murmur of Bees

During Museum opening hours
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo 


Did you know there are more than 100 different bee species in Ireland, but only one that makes honey? Or that bees were so important throughout Irish history, they even have their own patron saint? Join us in celebrating the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us. FIND OUT MORE


TRAIL: Woodland Explorers

During Museum opening hours
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo 


The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Pick up a free activity booklet at Museum Reception and enjoy some nature inspired challenges to become a 'woodland explorer'. FIND OUT MORE


Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland

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