Wildlife watch for our ‘Citizen Scientists’
Irish people are being encouraged to take part in a nationwide effort to track red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens. Led by researchers in University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the survey aims to map the latest distribution of red and grey squirrels, and the pine marten across the island of Ireland. Dr Colin Lawton of University of Galway’s School of Natural Science says: “We are once again asking our ‘citizen scientists’ to share their sightings, upload photographs and help us understand where these animals are living and how they are faring.” Sightings of all three mammals can be recorded on the online survey forms at biodiversityireland.ie and 2.habitas.org.uk/records
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel species. \iStock
Bealtaine Festival has a ‘Lust for Life’
The Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national festival celebrating the arts and ageing has released its programme for 2026. Kicking off on 1 May the initiative will feature across various arts centres and community venues throughout Ireland to revel in a full month of arts, entertainment and community spirit. The 2026 programme continues the festival’s exploration of its Lust for Life theme, inspired by the iconic anthem by Iggy Pop. At the launch, Dr Tara Byrne, arts programme manager and artistic director of Bealtaine Festival at Age and Opportunity, said: “Bealtaine Festival 2026 is one of our most dynamic festivals yet. Bealtaine Festival continues to challenge the perceptions of ageing while celebrating the extraordinary creative contribution of older artists and communities.” See bealtaine.ie
At the launch of Bealtaine Festival 2026 are Tumble Circus Performers (Tina Segner and Ken Fanning) with Liz McManus and Mike Hanrahan, Bealtaine Ambassadors. \Andres Poveda
If you’ve been meaning to put your work out there, this Cairde Visual open call feels like a good nudge. Artists can submit up to three pieces for the July exhibition in Sligo, with selected work shown across two galleries. Entry costs from €15, depending on how many pieces you send in, and submissions are open until 15 May. It’s a nice way to be part of the festival buzz, whether you’re emerging or more established.
See cairdefestival.com
Don’t fall from a ladder and break your heart, like a good girl by Medbh Gillard. The Canopy Award winner at Cairde Visual 2025.
Players from Connacht Rugby dropped into the paediatric unit at University Hospital Galway last week, bringing a welcome lift to young patients and staff. There were chats, photos and signed jerseys, along with Easter treats handed out along the way. It’s the kind of visit that breaks up long days in hospital, giving children a chance to meet familiar faces in a relaxed setting. A small gesture, but one that clearly meant a lot.
Jake Hughes and Dave Heffernan, Connacht rugby player. \UHG
As April arrives, the National Spring Clean returns for 2026, calling on communities across Ireland to take pride in their local environment. Organised by An Taisce, this month-long campaign is the country’s largest anti-litter initiative, bringing together over half a million volunteers each year. To organise an event, simply register with An Taisce on nationalspringclean.org to receive your clean-up kit.
Registrations for National Spring Clean 2026 are now open. \iStock
The Gate Left Open
by Michael Lavin, Gortmagee, Killaloe, Co Clare
There’s a habit this time of year of leaving the gate open behind you.
Not wide, just enough
to say you’ll be back again soon.
April has you in and out all day.
A look at the field.
A second look,
just to be sure.
A third, because something feels different.
Grass is coming on quicker now,
though you wouldn’t trust it fully yet.
There’s always a memory
of a cold snap not far behind.
Still, you find yourself lingering.
Leaning on the post a while longer,
watching nothing in particular
and everything at once.
The place feels like it’s
shifting underfoot,
quietly, without asking.
And the gate stays as it was, half open,
ready for whatever comes next.
Do you have a piece of poetry inspired by the countryside and farming? Please send in your best work for consideration for the weekly Poetry Corner. We’re looking for short poems that captivate, inspire and reflect the landscapes, traditions, and culture of rural Ireland in the past or the present. About 200 words or so is the ideal length. Please send your poetry to icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
Wildlife watch for our ‘Citizen Scientists’
Irish people are being encouraged to take part in a nationwide effort to track red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens. Led by researchers in University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the survey aims to map the latest distribution of red and grey squirrels, and the pine marten across the island of Ireland. Dr Colin Lawton of University of Galway’s School of Natural Science says: “We are once again asking our ‘citizen scientists’ to share their sightings, upload photographs and help us understand where these animals are living and how they are faring.” Sightings of all three mammals can be recorded on the online survey forms at biodiversityireland.ie and 2.habitas.org.uk/records
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel species. \iStock
Bealtaine Festival has a ‘Lust for Life’
The Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national festival celebrating the arts and ageing has released its programme for 2026. Kicking off on 1 May the initiative will feature across various arts centres and community venues throughout Ireland to revel in a full month of arts, entertainment and community spirit. The 2026 programme continues the festival’s exploration of its Lust for Life theme, inspired by the iconic anthem by Iggy Pop. At the launch, Dr Tara Byrne, arts programme manager and artistic director of Bealtaine Festival at Age and Opportunity, said: “Bealtaine Festival 2026 is one of our most dynamic festivals yet. Bealtaine Festival continues to challenge the perceptions of ageing while celebrating the extraordinary creative contribution of older artists and communities.” See bealtaine.ie
At the launch of Bealtaine Festival 2026 are Tumble Circus Performers (Tina Segner and Ken Fanning) with Liz McManus and Mike Hanrahan, Bealtaine Ambassadors. \Andres Poveda
If you’ve been meaning to put your work out there, this Cairde Visual open call feels like a good nudge. Artists can submit up to three pieces for the July exhibition in Sligo, with selected work shown across two galleries. Entry costs from €15, depending on how many pieces you send in, and submissions are open until 15 May. It’s a nice way to be part of the festival buzz, whether you’re emerging or more established.
See cairdefestival.com
Don’t fall from a ladder and break your heart, like a good girl by Medbh Gillard. The Canopy Award winner at Cairde Visual 2025.
Players from Connacht Rugby dropped into the paediatric unit at University Hospital Galway last week, bringing a welcome lift to young patients and staff. There were chats, photos and signed jerseys, along with Easter treats handed out along the way. It’s the kind of visit that breaks up long days in hospital, giving children a chance to meet familiar faces in a relaxed setting. A small gesture, but one that clearly meant a lot.
Jake Hughes and Dave Heffernan, Connacht rugby player. \UHG
As April arrives, the National Spring Clean returns for 2026, calling on communities across Ireland to take pride in their local environment. Organised by An Taisce, this month-long campaign is the country’s largest anti-litter initiative, bringing together over half a million volunteers each year. To organise an event, simply register with An Taisce on nationalspringclean.org to receive your clean-up kit.
Registrations for National Spring Clean 2026 are now open. \iStock
The Gate Left Open
by Michael Lavin, Gortmagee, Killaloe, Co Clare
There’s a habit this time of year of leaving the gate open behind you.
Not wide, just enough
to say you’ll be back again soon.
April has you in and out all day.
A look at the field.
A second look,
just to be sure.
A third, because something feels different.
Grass is coming on quicker now,
though you wouldn’t trust it fully yet.
There’s always a memory
of a cold snap not far behind.
Still, you find yourself lingering.
Leaning on the post a while longer,
watching nothing in particular
and everything at once.
The place feels like it’s
shifting underfoot,
quietly, without asking.
And the gate stays as it was, half open,
ready for whatever comes next.
Do you have a piece of poetry inspired by the countryside and farming? Please send in your best work for consideration for the weekly Poetry Corner. We’re looking for short poems that captivate, inspire and reflect the landscapes, traditions, and culture of rural Ireland in the past or the present. About 200 words or so is the ideal length. Please send your poetry to icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
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