Hi IEN,

This month is full of events all over Ireland. Not only is Biodiversity Week offering events across the country from May 16th - 25th, but there are events throughout the month focusing on climate, sustainability, biodiversity and more. There are so many that I'll be sure to keep my introduction short!

This month, among other announcements, we're highlighting two job opportunities with Streamscapes in West Cork, and a funding opportunity that teams local communities up with the Reuse Network to offer free paint to local groups.

Take a look through the events and book now to avoid disappointment. Enjoy!

Beir bua,

Catherine

MAY EVENTS

World Textile Day

with County Carlow Environmental Network

May 3rd

Carlow

Join us in An Gardin Beo on Saturday 3rd of May from 1 to 4pm and get Creative on World Textile Day!

We will have the following:

• Crochet a square patch
• Swap Shop
• Sewing machine demos
• Pop Up Textile Repair Café

Crochet, knitting and upcycling clothes is fun, creative, useful, and probably easier than you think. A small crochet'd square can be the patch that fixes the elbow of that gorgeous, favourite jersey. Upcycling gives creativity a chance to shine.

There will also be a clothes swap shop. Clothing swaps are a great opportunity to have a bit of fun and try out new styles and fashions, whilst keeping clothing in circulation for longer. Simply bring along 1-5 ready to wear items of (the type of thing you might gift to a friend, not broken, unwashed or torn, and no underwear or swimwear please), and swap for up to 5 new items.

Join our friendly Textiles team at the Pop Up Textile Repair Café! We’re here to help you with a variety of simple repairs to keep your favourite clothing and textiles in use for longer.

To find out more details and book a repair click here:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/world-textile-day-tickets-1339438619969

See more info here: ccen.ie/swap-repair-and-create-celebrate-textile-day-in-carlow/

Workshop: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine

May 10th, 9.30am

Dublin

Join Rediscover Fashion's Arran Murphy for a hands-on beginner's workshop designed to help you master your sewing machine with confidence!

In this fun and practical session, you'll learn how to thread your machine, explore its different functions, and perfect your stitch lines—all while working towards an exciting beginner-friendly project.

We encourage you to bring your own sewing machine so you can learn on the one you'll be using at home. However, if you don’t have one, don’t worry—we have machines available for you to practice on!

Book here

CELT Festival of Traditional Crafts Weekend in the Hills

May 10th and 11th

Galway

CELT’s traditional skills festival workshops are held over two days at Slieve Aughty Centre. Come along and choose from over 15 different crafts and skills to choose to do in our courses over two days and go home with new skills, the item(s) you made and new friends! Some of our courses are especially designed for children.

Saturday begins at 9:30am with registration and a short introduction. Courses start at 10am and finish up at about 5pm each day. Lunch is usually at 1pm and is included in your ticket price. Saturday night is spent around the camp fire telling tales and singing, so remember to bring your instrument.

Please check out all the workshops in detail and the booking link on the Celt website at the Weekend in the Hills page.

A Family Festival of Traditional Craft will also take place in July 5th & 6th

How to make impactful contributions to the Strategic Policy Committees s as a PPN Representative

May 12th, 7pm

Online

This evening we are joined by Councillor Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien, who will share his wealth of experience and insight into the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs). Learn tips and tricks on how to shape your input to be impactful during an SPC meeting.

Dermot will speaking from his experience as a councillor serving on Wicklow’s Strategic Policy Committees, and from his experience as a community representative.

SPCs can be daunting when trying to understand how to make the most of your time during these meetings. How do you get your voice heard effectively. How do you ensure your community’s issue is given space at the meeting? What are the dynamics of an SPC meeting and how do you negotiate these?

Dermot has spent a large part of his life serving the local community, being involved in a wide area of youth work and sport, including youth mental health, trauma informed practice, youth participation, community education and training. He was first elected in Wicklow in 2019, re-elected in 2024, and is currently serving as the Cathaoirleach of Bray.

We are delighted to have him join us tonight to share his experience of the SPCs. This session will benefit anyone who is serving on an SPC, whether you are new to the role or have been on an SPC for some time. All are welcome.

Register here

National Biodiversity Week

May 16th - 25th

Nationwide

Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.

2025 will bring the 13th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, Scavenger Hunts for school and at home, and free events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland! Events will be both in person and virtual, so everyone can take part.

Events will be added to our website during April. www.biodiversityweek.ie

Eco-Unesco Online for Biodiversity Week

May 16th - 25th

Online

This Biodiversity Week get online and join ECO-UNESCO for a week of exciting events celebrating biodiversity and the wonders of our natural world! This Biodiversity Week, we're hosting a series of engaging online workshops to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our ecosystems. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just starting to learn about biodiversity, there’s something for everyone. Come together to explore, learn, and take action for a more sustainable future!

See the full line up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/biodiversity-week-2025-4212503

Whale Watch Ireland 2025

May 17th, 5 - 7pm

Various locations

On Saturday 17th May, IWDG in association with Inis, invite you to Whale Watch Ireland 2025 between 5:00-7:00 PM. This annual event, now in its 23rd year, comprises free and guided whale watches at local headlands and vantage points, as part of All-Ireland whale watch day. This year’s event will coincide with National Biodiversity Week Ireland which runs between May 16th-25th. These simultaneous land-based watches at around a dozen sites around the Irish coast provide IWDG researchers, whale enthusiasts and Citizen Scientists alike with a unique overview of whale and dolphin activity on the day and you can play an important part.

While there are of course no guarantees of sightings, given reasonable weather you have a good chance of seeing some of the marine species that can be viewed locally. We advise participants to dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day. Please note, there are no boats involved and no bookings necessary. There may be a short, elevated walk from the meeting point to your watch site, so sensible footwear is recommended, and your local watch may not be wheelchair accessible. You should bring binoculars, your sense of humour and refreshments, but please leave your pets at home.

This event is suitable for all ages and is aimed at everyone from the novice wildlife enthusiast to more experienced naturalist, with a keen interest in marine wildlife and biological recording. In the event of unsuitable weather your watch leader may need to cancel your local event at short notice; so, if any doubt, please check in with them using the contact details on www.iwdg.ie/events or this link. 

Biofest: The West Cork Festival of Biodiversity

May 17th, all day

West Cork

BioFest is an independent community festival in West Cork which celebrates biodiversity through workshops and events with the people who are working for its better future. BioFest is delivered through the collaborative efforts and resources of its leading partners the Green Economy Foundation and CECAS and is funded by the IEN and NPWS.

See the full programme of events here

Biodiversity Bike Ride

May 18th, 11am

Wexford

To celebrate the cross-over between Bike Week and Biodiversity Week, join us for our second Biodiversity Bike Ride hosted by Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association (a Local Group of the Irish Cycling Campaign) in collaboration with the Wexford Environmental Network!

Guide: Natasha Ariff is based in North Wexford and is a biodiversity and landscape consultant, with a MSc in Civil Engineering, a Higher Diploma in Environmental Engineering, and an MSc in Biodiversity and Land Use Planning. She is also environmental activist and is passionate about finding solutions to how humans can live in harmony with nature in the urban environments.

We’ll make stops at several key biodiversity sites and explore how we can both appreciate and protect the Nature that surrounds us.

Suitable for all levels of cyclists – grab your bike, your curiosity, and let’s pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future!

More info here. Book your spot on: biobikes.eventbrite.ie

Biodiversity Week Talk: The Importance of Sustainable Lighting Design in Tackling Light Pollution, with Kerem Asfuroglu In-Person

May 20th, 7pm

Wexford

Gorey Library and the Biodiversity Office of Wexford County Council are marking Biodiversity Week 2025 with this talk on The Importance of Socially & Environmentally Sustainable Lighting Design in Tackling Light Pollution with 'Dark Sky Defender' Kerem Asfuroglu.

Join us to learn more about how preserving dark skies can benefit our biodiverse wildlife and how we can help.

If you require assistance attending this event please call Gorey Library on 053 9483820 or email goreylibrary@wexfordcoco.ie

Bioblitz at JFK Arboretum

May 23rd, 3pm

Wexford

‘Calling all young nature detectives!’ JFK Arboretum, is hosting an exciting BioBlitz — a race against time to find and record as many different plants and animals as possible over just one day!

From 3pm on Friday 23rd May to 3pm on Saturday 24th May, families, nature lovers, and curious explorers of all ages are invited to join expert scientists and naturalists for guided walks and hands-on workshops.

You’ll help identify everything from tiny mosses and lichens to wildflowers, butterflies, bees, beetles, birds and mammals! Whether you’re spotting a buzzing bumblebee, listening for birdsong, or getting up close with fascinating fungi, your discoveries will help create a snapshot of John F. Kennedy Arboretum’s amazing biodiversity over just one 24 hour period.

No experience is needed—just bring your sense of adventure! Grab a notebook, a magnifying glass or binoculars if you have one, and come along for a fun-filled day of nature exploration. Our experts are there to help everyone learn together.

The event is free of charge but booking will be on Eventbrite. More details to follow once speakers are confirmed.

FREE event, BOOKING essential. Book link soon available

Weekend Whale Watching Courses 2025

Looking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) www.iwdg.ie, Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO, on a weekend whale-watching course in West Cork during summer 2025.

In taking part, you will also be actively supporting whale and dolphin conservation and research in Ireland. Our 2025 residential weekends are once again based at the CECAS centre, Leap, West Cork www.cecas.ie, and combine a relaxed learning experience at this former retreat, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the 26 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, that can be found in Irish waters.

Suitable from ages of 18 years upwards, our courses cater for all levels of interest, from the complete novice to the wildlife enthusiast who’d like to learn more about Ireland’s cetaceans, how to find and identify them, IWDG’s recording schemes and how you as Citizen Scientists, can contribute to their conservation and the latest research.

Bookings link for May 23-25th Course:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/residential-iwdg-weekend-whale-watching-species-id-course-in-west-cork-tickets-1227003072219?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bookings link for Sept. 12-14th Course:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/residential-iwdg-weekend-whale-watching-species-id-course-in-west-cork-tickets-1227752373399?aff=oddtdtcreator

Enquiries or further details, email padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie , Ph. 00 353 (0)86 3850568

CELT OPEN DAY

MAY 24th as part of National Biodiversity Week 2025

Galway

Join us for a fun day-long celebration of biodiversity and our native woodlands at the Slieve Aughty Center and a showcase of some of our expert traditional craftspeople from our Weekend in the Hills - Festival of Traditional Crafts.

We also have an Open Call for collaborators and participants to engage with us in a new creative story telling project on the day - Writing the Land: The Great Forest of Aughty

Writing the Land is a collaborative community outreach and fundraising project for nature protection and forest restoration organizations and local communities in the Slieve Aughties. Through the development of an anthology and locally based participatory arts project, our artists, poets, community collaborators, and contributors are invited to join us in championing the once Great Forest of Aughty as a living, breathing archive that holds centuries of ancient mythology, ecological and social history. As a site rich in biodiversity, cultural and historical connections, the forest serves as the focal point for exploring the dynamic relationship between a people and their environment. Through this project, we aim to document, interpret, and co-create a shared narrative emphasising its relevance to both the local community and broader native woodland and environmental conversations urgent for our times.

We have established this creative platform to invite participants to co-create with us a project that highlights the creative nexus between the land and inhabitants of Sliabh Aughty in multiple media, written and virtual.

For more info please contact info@celtnet.org

Workshop: How to Clone Your Clothes

May 24th, 10am

Dublin

The most sustainable clothes are the ones we already own!

Do you have a favourite item of clothing that you wish you could buy again, or have in multiple colours? Do you want to step away from fast-changing microtrends and wear clothes you truly love?

In this four-hour workshop, you’ll learn the essential techniques to make that dream a reality!

Get tickets here

GIY x Blasta Books: A Bold New Collaboration – Now Booking

May 24th with more events over the coming months

Waterford

Something delicious is brewing at GROW HQ! GIY has teamed up with the trailblazing Blasta Books to launch a brand-new series that brings together food, flavour, and sustainability in six unmissable live events—now open for booking. The first event is May 24th.

Each event takes on a book club vibe, hosted by some of Ireland’s most exciting and boundary-pushing chefs and food creatives, including:

🍛 Richie Castillo + Alex O’Neill (Masarap)

 ♻️ Conor Spacey (Wasted)

 Orla McAndrew (Larder)

 🌮 Lily Ramirez-Foran (Tacos)

🔥 Facundo Rodulfo and Pam Neumann (Tango)

 🌱 Caitlin Ruth (Funky)

Guests will enjoy intimate evenings filled with conversation, creativity, and of course—incredible food. Each event explores the themes and stories behind a Blasta Book, with tastings of dishes featured in or inspired by the book itself.

📍 Hosted at GROW HQ, Waterford

 📆 Six events over the coming months

 🎟️ Tickets are now live and can be booked here https://shop.giy.ie/collections/blasta-series

Join GIY, GROW HQ, and Blasta Books in celebrating sustainable eating, storytelling, and the power of sharing a good meal.

Book today — these tickets will go fast!

Climate Conversation Series: Rights of Nature with Dr Peter Doran

May 26th, 7.30pm

Louth

Friends of the Earth Dundalk invite you to join a conversation on the Rights of Nature on 26 May 7.30 pm Dundalk Credit Union 4 Clanbrassil Street Dundalk. We are delighted that Dr Peter Doran will introduce us to the concept and we hope to hear from everyone on how we can stand with nature.

Dr Peter Doran describes himself as an academic and activist and has a long history of advocating for nature and fairness. He is a core member of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance hub in Ireland and a member of the steering group for the Environmental Justice Network Ireland (EJNI). 

This event is part of a series of Climate Conversations the Group are hosting thanks to funding from Community Foundation Ireland and Dept of Environment, Climate & Communications

Register here

JUNE EVENTS

Free Repair Café at the Rediscovery Centre

June 14th, 10am - 4pm

Dublin

Got something in need of repair? Bring your broken bikes, furniture or textiles on 14th June and learn to fix them with our experts!

Reserve your place here

AUGUST EVENTS

Earth Activism and Social Permaculture Training

with Starhawk and Alfred Decker

August 19th - 22nd

Slieve Aughty Centre, Galway

The Centre for Environmental Living and Training (CELT) in partnership with Cultivate, Cloughjordan, are delighted to offer this unique and inspiring 4 day workshop and bring together earth activists, change makers, rebels and dreamers to share some time in nature, strengthen our connections, and deepen our creative vision.

Facilitated by international guests Starhawk and Alfred Decker, with a local contribution from Davie Philip of the Cultivate Cooperative (Cloughjordan), this special gathering will take you on a journey of transformation, regenerating inner and outer landscapes.

We will explore how an understanding of ecology and the principles of permaculture can infuse our activism, including how to structure groups and organizations that can meet our core human needs, while also sharing key tools for staying calm, grounded and present during moments of chaos and challenge.

To book your place please visit -

https://www.celtnet.org/events/earth-activism-and-social-permaculture-with-starhawk-and-alfred-decker

All Ireland Permaculture Gathering

Sat, 23 - Sunday 24th August 

Slieve Aughty Center, Loughrea, Galway

CELT are delighted to be once again supporting the All Ireland Permaculture gathering returning to the Slieve Aughty Centre in Co. Galway this year -

To book your place visit permaculture.ie

For more information please visit -

https://www.celtnet.org/events/permaculture-gathering-2025

Support the Study of Ireland's Dolphin Populations

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and University College Dublin (UCD) School of Veterinary Medicine are working together to uncover the health of live-stranded dolphins on Ireland’s coast, but we can only do it if we reach our funding goal.

During 2020 - 2024, 350 dolphins, whales and porpoises stranded alive around Ireland, yet we still know little about their health. 147 of these live-strandings involved dolphins in the live stranding hotspots of the Mullet Peninsula and Brandon Bay.

With climate change adding new threats, this research is more important than ever. Please donate and share to help make it happen! Pledge now, every little bit helps.

Read more and back this project here

IWDG Awarded Heritage Council Funding for Marine Biodiversity Coordination and Digital Development

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding through the Heritage Council’s Organisation Support Fund 2025 for our core project “Strategic Coordination and Digital Support for Ireland’s Marine Biodiversity.”

This vital support will enable IWDG to strengthen its internal coordination structures and digital systems, ensuring more efficient delivery of our core programmes focused on species monitoring, data management, and public engagement.

We sincerely thank The Heritage Council for recognising the value of marine biodiversity as part of Ireland’s natural heritage and for supporting IWDG’s continued work to safeguard whales, dolphins, and porpoises through informed, strategic, and accessible action.

Colour to Communities Paint Giveaway 2025

The Paint Reuse Network of Ireland is delighted to announce that our paint giveaway is now open!

Does a community space near you need some TLC?

Our Colour to Community paint giveaway brightens community spaces while reducing waste. We're thrilled to offer this opportunity for community groups and organisations to win free paint.

If you’ve got a community space in mind and a design up your sleeve, simply enter for a chance to win high-quality, water based, reused paint and stop it from going to waste.

More information available here

Communications Officer & Blue Dot Outreach Coordinator

StreamScapes

StreamScapes is Hiring!

We’re excited to announce two new opportunities to join the StreamScapes team, supporting community-led education and conservation efforts focused on Ireland’s aquatic biodiversity!

🔹 Communications Officer

Funded by The Heritage Council, this position will play a key role in shaping and delivering StreamScapes’ communications strategy—developing digital content, managing social media, and engaging with stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and community outreach.

🔹 Blue Dot Outreach Coordinator

Supported by LAWPRO, this grant-funded position will lead community engagement around Ireland’s Blue Dot water bodies—organising outreach activities, educational events, and citizen science initiatives to promote conservation and foster local stewardship.

For more information and to apply, visit streamscapes.ie or contact Maggie McColgan at info@streamscapes.ie

Tender for Research: IEN Offshore Renewable Energy & Marine Biodiversity Capacity Building Project

Review of the legislation underpinning environmental safeguards in the development of ORE in Ireland

The main purpose of this project is to review the environmental legislation underpinning the development of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in Ireland, both at a national and EU level.

We are particularly interested in understanding the place of the environment within the legislative framework; evaluating the robustness of the legislation in safeguarding the environment in the face of the biodiversity and climate crises; and identifying existing and remaining gaps in the legislation.

The new deadline is April 11. The project will run from late April to September 2025 and the tender value is now €25,000.

You can find out more at: https://ien.ie/learn-about-our-work/