News

Details: 22 September 2023

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.

Details: 14 September 2023

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.

Details: 14 September 2023

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!'.

Details: 19 July 2023

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.

Details: 31 May 2023

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.

Details: 31 May 2023

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.

Details: 31 May 2023

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.

Details: 14 December 2022

In December, the Biosphere welcomed the new Biosphere Officer for the Kerry Biosphere Reserve. Brendan Kirwan has replaced Eleanor Turner and will continue the good work that Eleanor developed in the reserve. Prior to undertaking the role of Biosphere Officer, Brendan worked as an ecologist for ten years. Brendan will work with local communities, landowners, and businesses within the Biosphere reserve to create and promote action-based biodiversity projects in the reserve. Brendan’s work will focus on creating and promoting actions that support the aims of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Details: 10 June 2022

Join us for an evening of Storytelling, puppetry, music and more at Cronin's Yard, Glencar to celebrate the summer solstice and our natural heritage.
Hosted by the Kerry Biosphere Reserve and Skellig Scéal Up.