Events

Date: December 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Riverside Hotel, Sligo
Our Sligo branch invite you to join them for a Christmas Social Event in the Riverside Hotel, Sligo There will be raffles, talks and refreshments are provided. For further details contact the branch Thelma Hunter (Sec) – 086 795 3349 sligobirdwatch@gmail.com Michael Bell (Chair) – 085 175 1000 nature.learn1@gmail.com

Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Ashford Community & Heritage Centre A67 DH34
Join our Wicklow branch for an evening with our own Dick Coombes to discuss all things Cape Clear. Admission is free, a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of room hire would be appreciated For public transport options see https://www.transportforireland.ie/plan-a-journey/ Branch contact details Clodagh Duffy or Joe Lennon at birdwatchwicklow@gmail.com ********** There will be a book sale of both new and second hand books available at this talk, all at bargain prices. Cash and Card accepted and all profits go to conservation projects **********

Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Aras an Mhuilinn, Mount Street Mullingar
Join our Westmeath branch for an evening with author Conor O'Brien to discuss his book "The Living and the Dead; Tales of loss and rebirth from Irish Nature" Contact; Instagram @birdwatch_westmeath birdwatchwestmeath@gmail.com – Gordon Wycherley (Chair) Grace Kelly (Secretary)

Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Cabinteely House Carpark
Join our South Dublin branch for an outing to Cabinteely Park with an option to head to Kilbogget Park afterwards Branch contact Mary Daly (Sec) 086 1586330 secretary@southdublinbirds.com **** Bad Weather Protocol: If a Met Eireann Orange or Red warning is in force at the location where and when a branch outing is due to take place then members should assume that the outing is cancelled ****

Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Meet at Dromkeen Cross south carpark
Join our West Cork branch for a visit to the Grearagh, Macroom The Gearagh is a submerged glacial woodland and nature reserve two kilometers southwest of Macroom, County Cork. The area has been the focus of significant heritage and conservation efforts. It hosts a large diversity of birds and wildfowl and attracts both summer and winter migrants. Examples include mallards, wigeon, Greylag geese, grey herons and coots. For further details contact; Fiona O’Neill – 086 813 0650 – secretary@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie Nicholas Mitchell – 087 121 5256 – treasurer@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie

Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Meet at Woodenbridge on the River Erkina
Join our Laois branch for an I-WeBS count. For Contact: Find us on Facebook Des Finnamore (sec) 086 229 1637, birdwatchlaois@gmail.com John Maher (chair) 086 601 3483

Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Meet at Lissadell
Our Sligo branch invite you to join them for an outing to the Goose Fields Lissadell and Raghley. In Summer an ordinary improved pasture grazed by cattle and sheep, managed by NPWS. In Winter essential grazing site for a large flock of Barnacle Geese the winter freshwater pond also attracts other waterfowl and waders, and a cereal patch at the east end attracts wintering finches and buntings. For further details contact the branch Thelma Hunter (Sec) – 086 795 3349 sligobirdwatch@gmail.com Michael Bell (Chair) – 085 175 1000 nature.learn1@gmail.com

Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Meet on middle of the causeway on Causeway Road, North Bull Island. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hT5sQsdyqJvs498U8
On Wednesday, October 16th, the BirdWatch Ireland Tolka Branch invites you on an outing to Bull Island Causeway. Meeting at 10 AM on the Causeway. For further details or to be added to the mailing list contact; Rosena McShane (chair) Marie Sinnott (secretary) or Jim Dixon (treasurer) at dublinbirding@gmail.com

Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Meet at the bird board oppisite Lake Store on the road to Ruan
Our Clare branch invite you to join them for an outing to Ballyallia. Ballyalia Lake is close to the village of Barefield and just outside Ennis in County Clare. A scenic looped trail surrounds the lake, making it ideal for family strolls, birdwatching, and picnics. The area is home to swans, ducks, and other wildlife, offering a tranquil escape close to town. With easy access and a relaxed atmosphere, Ballyalia Lake is a great place for a quiet outing or a gentle walk in nature. For Contact: Tom Lynch – 065 682 2145 tnaclynch@gmail.com Austin Cooney – 065 682 4804