Biodiversity Walk and Talk with Éanna Ní Lamnha

Éanna Ní Lamhna is one of Ireland’s most respected and well-known voices on the natural world. A biologist, environmental consultant, author and broadcaster, she is best known for her long-running role as a panellist on RTÉ Radio 1’s Mooney Goes Wild, where her enthusiastic and often humorous style has endeared her to listeners across generations.

Éanna holds a degree in Botany and a Master’s in Ecology from University College Dublin. She has worked extensively in environmental education and policy, and is a former president of the Tree Council of Ireland and a council member of An Taisce. Her particular areas of expertise include Irish wildlife, conservation, ecology, and biodiversity.

She has published numerous books aimed at making nature accessible and engaging for the general public, including Wild Things at School, Talking Wild, and Wild Dublin. Passionate about bringing the wonder of the outdoors to people of all ages, Éanna’s work continues to inspire new generations to care for the natural environment.

Fluent in both Irish and English, Éanna is a frequent contributor to television, radio and print media. She brings a blend of scientific knowledge, practical advice, and a deep love for Ireland’s wild places to all she does.

The Blackstairs and Wicklow mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the pastures and cornfields, the winding country roads and traditional farmsteads around the charming rural village of Ballon. There is a strong archaeological presence in the area which includes a motte and bailey at Castlemore and Castlegrace, ringforts, cashels, standing stones and holy wells. Ballon Hill, 450 feet above sea level provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside while a map board on site supplies information on the archaeological significance of the area.

Main Attractions: Altamont Gardens, The Forge Restaurant, Lace Gallery and Malone’s Fruit Farm, Organic Garden – grounds of Ballon National School,  wild flower corridors on both sides of the village with picnic site at the entrance to the Lecky Graveyard. Failte Ireland Visitor Information Point is located in Old School.