Sundew Festival puts sustainability at its heart
This year’s Sundew Festival in Daingaen is placing sustainability and biodiversity at the heart of its programme, inviting the community to reconnect with nature through a series of engaging, family-friendly events.
Running from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, the festival takes its name from the native sundew plant — a small but fascinating insect-eating species found in Irish boglands. Known for its delicate appearance and remarkable resilience, the sundew reflects the festival’s ethos: celebrating the beauty of our natural environment while encouraging its protection for future generations.
Across the weekend, a range of events will showcase the biodiversity that surrounds us and the importance of caring for it.
Festivities begin on Friday with the “Find the Sundew” walk, offering families a chance to explore local habitats and learn about this unique plant in its natural setting. It’s a gentle introduction to the wonders that exist right on our doorstep.
On Saturday, the programme continues with a guided Swift Walk with Ricky Whelan, Offaly County Council Biodiversity officer, where participants will discover more about these remarkable migratory birds and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Also on Saturday, the festival’s barge transforms into an intimate learning space for a special “Biodiversity Through Microbes” event, shining a light on the unseen world that underpins all life.
Creativity and nature combine throughout the weekend in a series of art workshops inspired by the canal and the sundew itself. These sessions are designed to encourage both children and adults to observe the natural world more closely and express what they see in imaginative ways.
The festival will culminate on Sunday with the return of the much-loved Festival Parade — reimagined this year with sustainability in mind. In keeping with the festival’s environmental ethos, the parade will be entirely fuel and mechanical free, relying instead on creativity, colour, and community spirit to deliver a spectacle for all ages.
Local clubs, businesses, and community groups are coming together in large numbers to take part, making this year’s parade a powerful display of collaboration and shared purpose. Expect a vibrant and imaginative procession that proves great celebration doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment.
With its mix of education, creativity and fun, the Sundew Festival offers something for everyone — while gently reminding us all of the importance of preserving our natural world.
The Sundew Festival will run from Friday June 12th to Sunday June 14th, bringing a weekend of sustainability-focused and family-friendly events to the community.
To find out more about the full programme of events, follow the Daingean Sundew Festival on Facebook and pre book tickets here https://willwego.com/organiser/daingean-sundew-festival