Project Description

The initial idea for this project was born in early 2022 when Trea Heapes and Carsten Krieger started planning what would become the inaugural Wild Loop Head Nature Weekend which took place on 18th & 19th June 2022. This weekend of guided nature walks, events and talks proved successful and validated developing the Nature Weekend into a yearly festival.

The 2023 festival is envisaged to be planned and implemented by a dedicated team and take place over a weekend in July 2023 on various locations around the Loop Head Peninsula and link into the Loop Head Climate Resilience Project.

To create national interest in the festival partnerships with NGOs like Birdwatch Ireland, Irish Wildlife Trust and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group could be considered.

Components of the festival could be:

• Dolphin Watch Tours with Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt

• Land-based whale- and dolphin-watching

• Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Courses

• Guided Nature Walks

• Guided Farm Walks

• Talks and presentations on natural history and climate change topics by local, national and international presenters

• Screenings of nature & wildlife films at Kilkee Cultúrlann Sweeney Library

• Art & Photography Exhibition

• Wildlife filming & photography workshops

• Nature Art workshops

Project Justification & Objectives

The Loop Head Peninsula is in the lucky position to have largely intact and thriving ecosystems with a wide variety of exciting wildlife. The Wild Loop Head Nature and Climate Festival would be an opportunity to attract national and international visitors and subsequently create business opportunities. In addition, the event would inform and educate visitors and residents alike about Loop Head’s natural history, habitats, flora and fauna and so create awareness and respect for the natural environment. 

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Tourism

• Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt and other event hosts

• Tourism providers, e.g. accommodations, restaurants, etc.

• Loop Head Communities

• Loop Head Together

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!