The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the return of the Biodiversity Festival and Honey Show on Saturday, 6 September 2025, at Phoenix Park in Dublin. The event offers a rich programme of free tours, lectures, and activities, including forest bathing, mythological tree tours, pond dipping, and the Honey Show, catering to nature enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that combines education, conservation, and family-friendly fun.
Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD highlighted the importance of the festival, noting that it marks the ninth year of the event and underscores Phoenix Park’s role in promoting biodiversity in Dublin City. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the diverse plant and animal species in the park and to engage in workshops and tours focused on environmental conservation and protection. Notable sessions include talks by Kate Chandler from the National Biodiversity Data Centre on invasive species and a presentation by OPW ecologist Criostóir Mac Cuirc on enhancing biodiversity in local communities.
The festival also features guided tours of the beautifully restored Victorian Walled Garden, where visitors can admire colourful herbaceous borders, dahlias, and espaliered fruit trees. Family-oriented activities include face painting, allowing children to transform into butterflies or frogs for the day, enhancing the festival’s interactive and inclusive atmosphere.
The OPW, which organizes the festival, provides accommodation for government services and manages much of the State’s property portfolio. It oversees 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens, and buildings. Additionally, the OPW serves as the Government’s principal engineering agency, supporting flood risk management, estate portfolio management, and providing engineering services to other government departments.
