Ireland’s first ever Bug Festival is taking place in Millstreet Country Park on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of July, responding to a phenomenal surge in interest in bugs and their buzziness from young enthusiasts. The 500-acre park has grown increasingly popular as a fun-filled family destination and the bug hunt has emerged as an out and out favourite amongst children of all ages. The bright young things of generation Y are ditching their hi-tech gadgets, turning their natural curiosity to the underbrush and, with the help of on-site ecologist Lorna O’Mahony, discovering a fascinating world of creepy crawlies, frogs, damselflies, and other inhabitants of the lush undergrowth.
The action will kick off each day at 2pm with an intrepid Bug Hunt; daring young explorers set off into the woodlands equipped with beating trays, sweep nets and pooters, led by resident ecologist Lorna O’Mahony. Boys and girls then get up close and personal with Millstreet’s miniature world of wonder, admire the beautiful bugs and learn fascinating facts about each one. Families can then take up the challenge of an exciting Treasure Hunt, gathering letters and solving the various puzzles. Topping the day off with a visit to the Arts and Crafts Area, budding young ecologists can learn to make their own pit fall trap – a great keepsake from a day full of wilderness adventure!
