Celebrating Cultural Heritage this weekend in Westmeath

Ireland, and particularly the Midlands, has a very strong connection to the wetland habitat. Given our designation as the lake county, Westmeath can hold a greater claim than most to that particular habitat.

This weekend our local authority is emphasising this with two events that kick off the global recognition of the importance of that particular environment.

World Wetlands Day takes place every year on February 2. It's a chance to recognise the vital role that wetlands play in supporting Ireland’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities. Ireland’s wetlands are among our most distinctive natural features, and they continue to provide essential services for people and nature.

To mark World Wetlands Day 2026, the Biodiversity Officer of Westmeath County Council is inviting the public to take part in two guided wetland walks celebrating the theme “Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”

The first is this Saturday, January 31, at 2.00pm and takes place in Milltownpass Bog, with the meet point arranged for the Milltownpass Bog Car Park.

This guided walk will be led by George Smith, a specialist wetlands ecologist, and will be focusing on peatland habitats, mosses, and the ecological importance of this Natural Heritage Area (NHA).

The walk will take around one to one and a half hours. Participants are advised that the ground may be wet and uneven, so wear suitable clothing and footwear.

On the following day, Sunday, February 1, the starting time is 11.00am. This is a trail around Lough Derravaragh, with the meeting point arranged for Lough Derravaragh Caravan Car Park, Donore. This guided walk is led by Gordon Wycherley of BirdWatch Ireland, Westmeath Branch. It will highlight wintering waterbirds and wetland habitats at this Special Protection Area (SPA). The duration of this walk is approximately between one and two hours. Participants are welcome to share local stories or cultural connections to wetlands.

Please wear suitable waterproof clothing and footwear. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

Further information is available from the Biodiversity Officer, Planning Department, Westmeath County Council biodiversity@westmeathcoco.ie