Ballon Village has become one of Ireland’s leading examples of how communities can work with nature to create greener, healthier and more biodiverse places to live. This special Carlow Garden Festival evening begins with a guided walk along the Ballon Native Tree Trail, in the company of one of Ireland’s best-loved naturalists and broadcasters, Éanna Ní Lamhna. Visitors will discover twelve native Irish tree species and explore the rich natural, historical and cultural heritage throughout the village. Passing ancient sites, heritage buildings and community green spaces, the walk demonstrates how thoughtful planting with native species supports birds, pollinators and wildlife while creating a more attractive and sustainable village.
Renowned for her engaging and accessible style, Éanna has an extraordinary ability to make the natural world fascinating for everyone, whether you are an experienced gardener, a keen wildlife enthusiast or simply curious about the environment around you. Drawing on her lifetime of knowledge, she will explain how simple changes in our gardens, communities and everyday lives can make a significant contribution to protecting biodiversity.
Combining Ballon’s outstanding environmental achievements with Éanna’s infectious enthusiasm for nature, this promises to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of Ireland’s native trees and wildlife, practical ideas they can implement in their own gardens, and a renewed understanding of how communities working together can create places where both people and nature flourish. It promises to be an uplifting celebration of biodiversity, community spirit and the positive difference every one of us can make.
About 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.
Explore the Village of Ballon
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.
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