A new educational booklet celebrating the rich biodiversity of Errigal has been officially launched on Saturday, offering local schoolchildren an engaging guide to the flora and fauna of this iconic Donegal landscape.
Developed through a unique partnership between Glenveagh National Park’s Education Centre and Cairde na hEaragaile, the booklet aims to spark curiosity and environmental awareness in young learners.
John Andy Bonar (Chairperson Cairde na hEaragaile), Ursula MacPherson (Cairde na hEaragaile), Alarnagh Barrett McGinley (Illustrator and Glenveagh National Park), Neil Roarty (Forbairt Dhún Lúiche), Dermot Gallagher (Forbairt Dhún Lúiche), Dr Emmett Johnson (manager Glenveagh National Park). Front LtoR; Josephine Kelly (Project Officer, Cairde na hEaragaile), Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna and Sínead O’Donnell (Forbairt Dhún Lúiche). Photos: Tommy Curran
The project was supported by the Peatlands Community Engagement Fund and includes an online learning hub — www.errigalmountain.com/foghlaim — which provides teachers with additional resources to support classroom learning and field-based exploration.
The booklet is available in both English and Irish, thanks to the support of Meitheal Plean Teanga an Iar Thuaiscirt, who translated the text and funded the Irish-language edition. This bilingual approach ensures accessibility for schools across the Gaeltacht and beyond.
Martina Neller and Bríd Friel browsing through the book.
Speaking at the launch event, held at the foot of Errigal, John Andy Bonar, Chairperson of Cairde na hEaragaile and M.C, praised the collaborative effort behind the publication.
He expressed deep gratitude to Glenveagh National Park’s Education Centre and Clare Bromley for leading the educational content and offered special thanks to Alarnagh Barrett McGinley, whose beautiful illustrations bring the natural wonders of Errigal vividly to life.
Dr. Emmet Johnson, Glenveagh’s Park Manager, highlighted the park’s commitment to community outreach, stating: “This booklet is part of our wider effort to build strong, lasting relationships with our neighbours in Dunlewey and the surrounding area. Through education and shared appreciation of nature, we hope to foster a deeper connection between the park and local communities.”
Pictured at the launch: Laura Nic Giolla Bhríde, Michelle Nic Giolla Bhríde and Louise O’ Donnell Uí Aodhagáin.
Renowned biologist and broadcaster Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna officially launched the booklet. In her address, she emphasised the importance of conserving the local bog habitats and the vital biodiversity they support: “Our bogs are treasure troves of life – unique, ancient ecosystems that deserve our care and understanding.
This booklet is a wonderful way to start that conversation with our youngest citizens.” She also stressed that it is the responsibility of adults to protect these natural landscapes now, so that future generations of children will also have the chance to enjoy and learn from them.
Martin McCafferty and Aodán Ó Cearbhaill.
The booklet and accompanying online resources are now available to schools and educators, offering a valuable tool for learning about biodiversity, conservation, and the natural heritage of Errigal. Schools interested in receiving copies of the booklet can contact Josephine Kelly on 086 8234449 or j.kelly@anearagail.ie
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