The theme, ‘Exploring Our Foundations', encourages communities across Ireland to reconnect with the roots of their environment – from ancient hedgerows to marine habitats – and celebrate the stories embedded in these essential elements of our heritage.
Here in County Kerry, an exciting programme of events celebrates the rich biodiversity of the region, with a special spotlight on the work of Biodiversity Officer Eleanor Turner, whose passion and dedication are helping protect and enhance Ireland’s natural heritage.
Meet Eleanor Turner: Kerry’s Biodiversity Officer
With a background in Marine Biology, Eleanor Turner brings a diverse skillset in scientific research, community outreach, and creative environmental education to her role as Biodiversity Officer with Kerry County Council. Since stepping into the role, Eleanor has championed projects that bridge the gap between science, community, and nature.
Here are some of the key biodiversity initiatives she has supported:
- Kerry Wild Bee Festival – Held annually at Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park, this festival highlights the importance of native pollinators and encourages community-led bee conservation.
- Marine Conservation Collaboration – A partnership with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and Irish Elasmobranch Group supports marine research and public engagement focused on Tralee Bay’s unique biodiversity.
- Local Authority Land Biodiversity Actions – Identifying and implementing biodiversity-positive management practices on public land throughout Kerry.
- Invasive Species Management – Raising awareness and advancing control strategies for invasive species that threaten Kerry’s ecosystems.
New for 2025: Connecting Kerry’s Wildlife – Hedgerows and Trees in the Kingdom
In perfect harmony with this year’s Heritage Week theme, Eleanor has launched a brand new initiative:
Connecting Kerry’s Wildlife: Hedgerows and Trees in the Kingdom.
This project, developed in collaboration with Crainn Chiarraí and funded by Creative Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and The Heritage Council, celebrates one of Kerry’s most undervalued but ecologically vital resources — hedgerows.
Often marking ancient boundaries and winding through our fields and villages, hedgerows are more than green borders. They are living tapestries woven through our cultural and natural history. The project aims to:
- Promote awareness of the biodiversity value of native hedgerows.
- Encourage positive management for existing hedgerows.
- Inspire biodiversity recording and storytelling through creative workshops and walks
Two free events will run during Heritage Week, with more following into September:
Voices of the Hedgerows – A creative writing workshop with author Susan Browne, where participants will respond to Kerry’s trees and hedgerows through poetry, prose, or flash fiction. Book your space HERE.
Wonderful West Kerry: A Day of Creativity – Join international sculptor Ben Dearnley on August 22nd at An Díseart, Dingle, for a hands-on art workshop using sketches, paintings, and recycled sculpture to celebrate the flora and fauna of local hedgerows.
Explore, Engage, and Celebrate, more Heritage Week Highlights to Explore
Whether it’s learning about the essential role of hedgerows, contributing to marine conservation, or taking a bat walk in Killarney National Park, there’s something for everyone during Heritage Week in Kerry.
Heritage Hunt at Ahamore (Abbey Island Graveyard) – August 16, 2025
Set off on a family-friendly heritage hunt at the ruins of Derrynane (Ahamore) Abbey, also known as Abbey Island, situated near Caherdaniel. Wander through this atmospheric graveyard, rich in history and overlooking the sea, and uncover stories of past inhabitants in a setting steeped in Kerry’s ancient legacy.
A Day in the Bog – Listowel – August 16, 2025, 10 am – 4 pm
Hosted by the Kerry Writers’ Museum, this immersive event blends history, film, storytelling, and guided nature walks. Historian Tom Dillon explores the cultural role of bogs in rural livelihoods, followed by a screening of Home Turf—a film celebrating the tradition of turf cutting. The day concludes with a walk across Killocrim Bog, offering a tactile connection to our ecological and social heritage.
View all Kerry events happening for Heritage Week 2025 HERE.
Let’s celebrate our natural heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a vital part of our future. As we explore our foundations, we honour the landscapes, species, and stories that continue to shape us.
