Event Shines a Light on Ireland’s Grasslands

Amid sunny spells and strong turnout, a major national event spotlighting Ireland’s extensive grasslands took place in Birr on Thursday, co-hosted by The Heritage Council and Teagasc.

Bringing together farmers, researchers, biodiversity officers, and policymakers, the event underscored the crucial role these grasslands play in both biodiversity and Ireland’s cultural heritage.

The day featured expert talks, field demonstrations, and the re-launch of The Grasses of Ireland, a key identification guide for land managers and conservationists.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, opened the event by calling for cross-sector collaboration: “Extensive grasslands are living links between nature, people, and place. They support pollinators, birds, and wildflowers — but they also represent generations of rural tradition.”

The venue — the County Arms Hotel and nearby Birr Castle Demesne — provided a real-world backdrop for afternoon fieldwork, including species ID and habitat scoring exercises led by Teagasc advisors.

Professor Frank O’Mara of Teagasc described the event as a “template for future conservation,” highlighting the importance of knowledge-sharing between scientists and land managers. Offaly Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan echoed the sentiment: “The success of events like this proves that national agencies and local communities can work hand-in-hand to protect Ireland’s natural landscapes.”

With Ireland facing both biodiversity loss and climate uncertainty, the gathering was a timely reminder that practical action on the ground — supported by science and community — remains one of the country’s strongest tools for resilience.