Join us for the Un-BUG-lievable Festival, an exciting celebration of creativity, nature, and community, running from 12th October to 21st November. This unique festival offers a variety of hands-on workshops, educational talks, and a collaborative art project that brings the local community together.
Generously funded by the Limerick City Council Festival Grant.
Un-BUG-lievable Biodiversity Festival Launch Day! – 12th October
Celebrate the opening day with a series of special events on Saturday, 12th October:
All events are free, but advance booking is required.
- Bug Hotel Workshop, 11am – 12pm
Get hands-on and learn how to build a bug hotel, perfect for supporting local biodiversity in your garden. To secure your place – Book Now! - Biodiversity Lunchtime Lecture, 1pm
Many heritage objects in Museums and collections are under threat of being eaten insects or digested by mould. One of the many jobs of a Conservator is to slow down this destructive process by preventing insects getting to the objects or making the objects less attractive to the insects. Sven, who is an object conservator, will talk about who he battles with on daily bases and what ways he makes certain insects lives miserable. This can be done by chasing , freezing, confusing and many other innovative ways. The last line of defence is to catch and kill these insects in smart ways to preserve our heritage for future generation. - Unveiling of the Community Garden Sculpture, 3pm
Witness the grand unveiling of the community sculpture, a beautiful collaborative piece that will remain as a legacy of the festival.
Ongoing Festival Events:
- Biodiversity Lunchtime Lectures, 1-2pm, 15th & 24th October, 7th and 14th November
Hear from experts on topics related to biodiversity, art, and community engagement.
All events are free, but advance booking is required. To secure your spot – BOOK NOW!
12th October: Un-BUG-lievable Festival Launch Day, 1 – 2pm
Join Sven Habermann wooden object conservator and co-founder of Conservation | Letterfrack for an insightful talk about museum insects.
15th October: David McBurnie, 1 – 2,pm
Insects in literature a personal view.
24th October: Kate McAney, 1 – 2,pm
Kate McAney has worked with the Vincent Wildlife Trust in Ireland since 1991, focusing on the conservation of the lesser horseshoe bat through roost surveys, protection efforts, and co-authoring the Lesser Horseshoe Bat Species Action Plan. She recently collaborated with the Mulkear River Catchment European Innovation Partnership to help farmers build bat roosts in East Limerick.
7th November, Dr. Elizabeth Gabbott, 1 – 2pm
Elizabeth Gabbett is a Limerick-based zoologist, ecologist and educator who has worked with Maigue Rivers Trust to inform local communities and landowners about water quality and biodiversity. Currently, Liz is working at UL’s School of History and Geography, teaching undergraduates about the physical geography of the world around them. Her lunchtime talk will focus on how insects are vital bio-indicators, i.e. environmental health indicators.
14th November, Áine Flaherty, 1 – 2pm
This talk will focus on the ancient relationship that exists between Ireland’s indigenous wild plants and wild pollinator species. We’ll take a closer look at some of these beautiful plants and pollinators and why flower-rich habitats are the essential solution to the conservation of wild pollinators and wild plants.
Make sure to book now to secure your spot for these free events!
- Bug Out With Clay Creations Workshops, 14th, 21st, 28th September & 5th October
All events are free, but advance booking is required.
Continue to engage with hands-on clay workshops designed for all ages and abilities, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the evolving community artwork. To secure your – Book Now!
- Limerick City Council Biodiversity Public Consultation, 1 - 2pm, 21st November
All events are free, but advance booking is required.
Participate in the Limerick City Council Biodiversity Draft Plan consultation with Sinead McDonnell, LCC’s Biodiversity Officer. Share your thoughts and help shape the future of biodiversity in our city. To secure your spot – Book Now!
Event details
If looking for one of our objects, please click here