Busy month of events taking place in North Mayo National Park

A busy spell of events are taking place in North Mayo this month as Wild Nephin National Park is set to welcome visitors with various free events taking place. 

Wild child kids club starts Tuesday July 8 with the club on every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4. Booking is essential while to book, contact ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie with your name, a contact number, child’s name and age. Suitable clothing is advised for all weather.

On Tuesday July 8, the club will take a closer look at the amazing plants. Thursday July 10, all will turn their attention to the birds and plants that have turned their homes into hedgerows. On Tuesday July 15, the club will find out about light pollution and how it affects our natural world. Thursday July 17 will see all explore a hidden world of amazing creatures that live around us. 

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Tuesday July 22, the kids will learn all about trees, from a tiny seed to a giant woodland. Thursday July 24 will see a journey into the dark muddy water of a pond as kids will pond dip and discover the amazing creatures that live in the pond. On Tuesday July 29, all will learn how to collect wild flower seeds while creating a personal flower meadow. 

On the last afternoon of the club on July 31,  Amy Bridget Flanagan from the Newport Astronomy club will demonstrate how to build a moon garden while bringing colour and fragrance to your gardens this summer,while supporting our native nocturnal pollinators and giving a boost to our biodiversity

Free guided walks will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting from reception at 2pm. Every Saturday and Sunday a leisurely walk will explore how we have created and managed different habitats at Ballycroy Visitor centre, from native woodlands to wild meadows and so much more. These will also start from reception at 2pm.

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Hikes will also take place in July from Leterkeen Trailhead Car Park. On Sunday July 13, a hike will take place to explore Nephin Beg (627m). Booking is essential. To book, please email ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie with your name, and contact number. On Saturday July 26, a 13km trek along the Western Way will take place while learning about the exciting projects to restore native habitats along the old forest road. Booking is essential. To book, please email ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie with your name, and contact number.

A free shuttle bus service operates Tuesday to Saturday between Bangor and Westport, with stop-off points at Newport, Letterkeen, Mulranny, Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, and the Ballycroy Visitor Centre, until August 30.