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17 Oct 2025
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17 Oct 2025
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OFFALY will come alive this weekend as National Heritage Week 2025 begins, running from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August.
This year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations”, shines a spotlight on the landscapes, species, and ecosystems that shape our identity and connect us to generations past.
From the wild expanse of Clara Bog to the tranquil trails of Derryounce Lakes and the vibrant wetland in the heart of Tullamore, visitors will have the chance to join guided walks, family workshops, and hands-on nature experiences led by expert guides and passionate local custodians.
Ricky Whelan, Offaly Biodiversity Officer, adds: “It’s a wonderful time of year to explore nature locally, to take a few hours out of our busy schedules to slow down and experience the incredible biodiversity we have here in Offaly, Heritage Week offers something for everyone, young and old alike.”
Clara Bog — one of Europe’s best-preserved raised bogs — will be at the heart of the celebrations. The award-winning Visitor Centre will host Nature Arts & Crafts drop-in sessions from 16–21 August, offering creative activities for families, including dragonfly model-making, colouring, and wetland-themed crafts. On Tuesday evening, 19 August, a Guided Tree Identification Walk in nearby Doory Wood will introduce participants to native species, their ecology, and their role in the wider landscape.
READ NEXT: Over €1m awarded to several tourism projects in Offaly
Elsewhere in the county, guided walks will explore Offaly’s rich diversity of habitats:
Forelacka–Camcor Nature Reserve (Sat 16 Aug) – a woodland trail led by the Native Woodland Trust.
Tullamore Town Park & Wetlands (Tue 19 Aug) – an accessible morning nature walk with Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan.
Derryounce Lakes, Portarlington (Sun 24 Aug) – a leisurely stroll highlighting wildflowers, birdlife, and insects.
All events are free to attend, with many suitable for all ages. Some activities, such as the Doory Wood Tree-ID walk, require booking in advance.
Full details of Offaly’s Heritage Week programme, including booking information for selected events, are available at www.heritageweek.ie and www.offaly.ie.
READ NEXT: HERITAGE WEEK: Huge array of events all across Offaly for Heritage Week
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