To mark World Wetlands Day 2026, the Biodiversity Office of Westmeath County Council invites the public to a guided walk and talk at Lough Derravaragh.

The event will take place on Sunday, 1st February 2026 at 11.00am, meeting at Lough Derravaragh Caravan Car Park, County Westmeath. The walk and talk will be led by Gordon Wycherley, BirdWatch Ireland Westmeath Branch, who will highlight the birdlife of Lough Derravaragh and the importance of wetlands. It would be great to hear any local stories, memories, or cultural connections people may wish to share about wetlands and the landscape.

Lough Derravaragh is an important site for nature conservation in County Westmeath and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its importance for wintering waterbirds and wetland habitats.

The walk will last approximately one to two hours, depending on weather conditions. Walking distances will be short and not strenuous. Participants are advised to wear appropriate waterproof clothing and suitable footwear, as ground conditions may be wet and uneven. This free event is open to all and provides an opportunity to celebrate wetlands, learn from local expertise, and mark World Wetlands Day in a meaningful way.

Please note: As this event takes place within a Special Protection Area (SPA), any dogs present must be kept on a lead at all times to avoid disturbance to wildlife.

Biodiversity Office, Westmeath County Council
biodiversity@westmeathcoco.ie
087 166 5584

To celebrate World Wetlands Day 2026, the Biodiversity Office of Westmeath County Council invites the public to a guided walk and talk at Milltownpass Bog, County Westmeath.

The event will take place on Saturday, 31st January 2026 at 2.00pm, meeting at the Milltownpass Bog Car Park. The walk and talk will be led by George Smith, a specialist wetlands ecologist, who will highlight the mosses, wetland habitats, and ecological importance of the bog. It would be great to hear any local stories, memories, or cultural connections people may wish to share about bogs and wetland landscapes.

Milltownpass Bog is an important wetland site in County Westmeath and is designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA), recognising its value for peatland habitats, biodiversity, and
landscape heritage. The walk will last approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on weather conditions. Walking distances will be short and not strenuous; however, ground conditions may be wet and uneven. Participants are advised to wear appropriate waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.

This free event is open to all and provides an opportunity to celebrate wetlands, learn from specialist knowledge, and mark World Wetlands Day in a meaningful way. Please note: As this event takes place in a sensitive wetland area, any dogs present must be kept on a lead at all times to avoid disturbance to wildlife.

Biodiversity Office, Westmeath County Council
biodiversity@westmeathcoco.ie
087 166 5584

Join us in celebrating World Wetlands Day 2026 (a day early) at the Shannon Callows!

With expert Brian Caffrey from BirdWatch Ireland will lead us to a number of sites close to Banagher to observe a range of birds that overwinter on the callows.

All are welcome, dress for the weather!

This event comes as part of the #Offaly Naturalists' Field Club Programme, supported by The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and The Heritage Council in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland

Join our guided walk to Knockaunroe Turlough in the Burren National Park at 10.30am on Monday 2nd February to learn more about the Burren’s unique turlough wetlands and the variety of species that live there. The walk will start from the Burren National Park trailhead at Gortlecka Cross near Kilnaboy and will last 1.5 to 2 hours. The walk is about 1.5km in length with some uneven ground and wellies are recommended. This event is free but booking is required as places are limited.  Please contact us at 065 6827693 or burrennationalpark@npws.gov.ie for more information and to book.

Come see the wetland birds of Tramore Back Strand , a  Ramsar Site and Special Protection Area for wintering wildfowl and wetland waders!

Our local expert, Denis Cullen of the Irish Wildlife Trust and Tramore Eco Group will lead a birdwatching talk of this exceptional coastal wetland. Find out what birds visit Tramore Back Strand in winter and why the site is so important for wildlife.

Meet at the Bird Hide at the Tramore Nature Park (Grid 659 623, 601 457).

Spotting scopes, Bird ID Guides and Binoculars will be provided. Bring warm outdoor clothing  as the site is exposed.

Supported by Tramore Eco Group, Irish Wildlife Trust and Waterford City and County Council.

Tramore nature Park location

Lapwings at Tramore Back Strand

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) use World Wetlands Day to launch the annual Hop To It Frog survey.

Every year IPCC needs the help of people all over Ireland to take part in the National Frog Survey Ireland. Please record where frogs, spawn and tadpoles occur in the Hop to It Irish Frog Survey.

On going since 1997, this is Ireland’s longest running frog survey. It asks members of the public to submit their observation of any stage of the frog lifecycle. The information has been databased by the IPCC so that it can be used by researchers and conservationists to help our understanding of the status of frogs in Ireland and to take any steps necessary to ensure their survival.

If you would like help identifying a wildlife observation in your community you can email  bogs@ipcc.ie

Please visit www.ipcc.ie. for further details including The Hop to It Frog Survey form

Join Brendan Gormley for a fascinating journey into the world of bogs and their incredible role in archaeology. Explore the discoveries made in these unique environments, uncover how bogs act as natural preservers of history, and learn about their significance as archaeological records in their own right.