Irish Grasslands Project: Gale's Hill, Kilkenny

This event is part of the Irish Grasslands Project funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to enhance botanical skills and raise awareness of grasslands across Ireland.

Led by: James Owens

Description: Gale’s Hill, located near Gathabawn in County Kilkenny, is known for it’s rare, semi-natural limestone, orchid-rich grassland. The site is actively managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and uses winter conservation grazing with Dexter cattle to maintain the unique grassland ecosystem. It was established as a Nature Reserve in 2024.

Bring: Packed lunch, comfortable walking shoes or boots. Hand lens and id guides if you have them (but they are not necessary.)

Meeting point: As there is limited parking at the site, we will car pool from Gathabawn village, details will be provided.

Contingency plan (in case of bad weather): In the event of bad weather, we will postpone and rearrange to another date. Please keep a close eye on your email or provide a phone number to the host to avoid disappointment.

Expected terrain: Easy going with some rocky and marshy areas.

Safety and booking terms: Please read this guidance for participants at BSBI events carefully, before booking.