The Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve together with Kerry County Council were delighted to launch their new ‘Bats of the Kerry Biosphere’ colouring book in the Garden Room at Killarney House on Saturday afternoon. The colouring book is awash with detailed images of Ireland’s bats and the habitats that support them. The imagery in the colouring book was created by local artist and author Katie O’Donoghue. The colouring books will be made available to schools and libraries around the County with thanks to Biodiversity Officer with Kerry County Council, Eleanor Turner.

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Engaging art to save a Species – Working together to help Irelands Bats

The Lesser Horseshoe bat is one of nine bat species found in Ireland. Unfortunately, it is one of our most endangered. It is now found in only 6 counties in Ireland along the western’s seaboard.

According to the Species Action pan for the Lesser Horseshoe bat developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service: Habitat fragmentation and loss of roost sites are the two biggest factors resulting in the reduction of numbers and range of our Lesser Horseshoe Bats.

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is photophobic, it doesn’t like bright lights, and its preferred feeding habitat is broadleaf woodland making Killarney National Park and excellent habitat for this species in danger.

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We are delighted to team up with the Killarney National Park Education team to deliver a guided bat walk in Killarney. Meeting at Deenagh Lodge at 8:30pm on Saturday 24th August, we will explore the woodlands of Killarney National Park in search of our many bat species. We will learn about the habitats that support Irish bat species, potential impacts that affect them, and the ecology of our bats. This event is free, and supported by Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council Arts. 

Booking is essential and can be done so on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kerry-biosphere-bat-walk-tickets-990822094557

Please bring a head torch, wear sturdy footwear, and a hi-viz vest if you have one. 

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We have decided to extend the deadline for our 'People of the Kerry Biosphere' initiative. The closing date for entries is now Monday 16th October at 17:00. We are delighted with the interest in the project from the primary schools in the county, the competition is open to all ages and entries from adults are encouraged also. For more information on the format of the competiton please contact the Kerry Biosphere Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 087 152 7746.

We are in the final few weeks of this competition. Participants are invited to create a creative writing piece (max 500 words) or create an illustration that encapsulates what the Biosphere means to them. The closing date for entries is Friday 6th October 2023.

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We have hosted some terrific outings in the Kerry Biosphere and beyond with the outlay of our Autumnal Series. The Series was made possible through fuding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Kerry County Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. We had a marvellous visit to Gortbrack Organic Farm, Tralee with host Ian McGrigor. Ian led us through his farm with great enthusiasm and wit, with attendees in awe of the workings of the farm and it's produce. The outing also highlighted the biodiversity value of farming in sympathy with nature. Particular highlights at the farm included pond dipping, foraging, and 'ditch sitting!'.

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The Kerry UNESCO Biosphere is delighted to have local artist and author Katie O'Donoghue deliver workshops to support participants with their entries to the People of the Kerry Biosphere competition. The first workshop wil take place during Heritage Week 2023 on Friday 18th of August in Killarney Library. The free workshop will take place at 11am in the library, places will be limited and ticketing information will be available soon. The date for the second workshop, also in Killarney Library, has not yet been finalised.

The Kerry Biosphere are thrilled to have recieved funding from Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council to progress with our 'People of the Kerry Biosphere' initiative. The project aims to highlight the diversity of life in the reserve, and to showcase the creativity of the people that live, work, and enjoy the Biosphere. 

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The Kerry and Dublin Bay Biosphere reserves have teamed up to deliver a webinar series to showcase the biodiversity value of either biosphere reserve. The webinar series will comprise four sessions of one hour duration each. We are delighted to be joined by experienced educators to discuss Ireland's birds, bats, pollinators, and sustainability in schools. The webinars are free and are aimed at primary school children. Each webinar session will be recorded and posted on our YouTube pages.

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The Kerry Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan, was delighted to launch the Kerry Biosphere Reserve booklet in Killarney Library, on Friday the 14^th of April. Brendan was joined by Matthew Farrell (Municipal District Officer, Killarney Municipal District), Damien Ginty (Senior Planner, Kerry County Council), Mary Sheehan (DCO, Killarney National Park), Patricia Deane (Project Manager, ACRES Kerry and West Cork), and Ger McEnery (Development Officer, Reeks Mountain Access Forum). The Biosphere Officer would like to thank Killarney Library, in particualr Eamon Browne, for hositing the event and the previous Biosphere Officer Eleanor Turner for her work in preparing the booklet.

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