Celebrating the Royal Canal

Join Phibsboro tidy town's biodiversity group for a walk along the Royal Canal to celebrate the unique biodiversity hiding in plain sight. 

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During the walk you will be given a biodiversity map with markers showing where different species have been sighted along the canal. This includes a number of red-listed & protected species rarely seen even outside of urban environments. 

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Hopefully with a bit more awareness of what exists we may feel a stronger urge to protect these wonderful creatures who we share our neighbourhood with.

NatureRx is a Bí URBAN re-wilding project celebrating the value of urban biodiversity and highlight its special role as teacher, healer and mentor. This SOW WILD workshop is one of a series of workshops that will take place over the coming weeks introducing the public to a rare area of inner city biodiversity that has established itself over decades along the Royal Canal.

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The workshop will be facilitated by Kaethe Burt-O’Dea of Bí URBAN, Miceal Murray of Taking a Leaf and Stephen Shanahan of Hazelwood Landscapes. We will identify the native plant species growing along the Royal Canal, discuss their history, characteristics and properties, collect seeds and learn how to preserve them for future planting. Through this process we will illustrate nature's exemplar circular (zero waste) economy.

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This event will be a learning journey where all participants will be encouraged to share their knowledge and experience throughout the afternoon. A free SOW WILD project pack linking to will be given to all participants to support your engagement in a year-long project collecting, sowing, and monitoring the native wild plants in your urban community.

How rare is it to find a home for bats in a city like Dublin? Very rare indeed. 

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The Royal Canal is host to a number of bat species including Leislers, Daubentons, Sopranos and Common Pipistrelles, who flourish in this rare dark space, quietly tucked away from all the bright lights and noises of city nearby. 

The ability to experience nature in the city can significantly impact on well-being and creative thinking. CoisCéim’s BENCH dance collection celebrating Dublin Canals are a wonderful testament to this.

A ‘must see!’ These outdoor, lunchtime performances are free and unticketed. Duration is approximately 20 minutes.

BENCH
CURATED BY DAVID BOLGER
IN COLLABORATION WITH WATERWAYS IRELAND
A new collection of dances inspired by Dublin’s canals and surroundings

A bench by water.
A place to rest… a spot on the way to work… a point to meet… a space to dream?

This summer – catch two new vibrant choreographic commissions by distinctive Dublin based dance artists. This new pilot project brings together CoisCéim Dance Theatre and Waterways Ireland to highlight everyday spaces as creative places.

We are delighted to reveal Favour Odusola and Jessie Thompson as our two inaugural commissioned Artists. Free performances will take place on 30 & 31 August and 2 September on the banks of a canals in Dublin city – see below for where and when.

“I am thrilled with this announcement of a new collaboration with Waterways Ireland. I have long been inspired by the Dublin canals, having lived and worked close to both The Grand Canal and The Royal Canal. Their close proximity to the city centre is an enriching environment that has inspired countless artists throughout the waterways rich history. This pilot project will see CoisCéim Dance Theatre commission several talented contemporary dance artists and choreographers to make work inspired by the canals and their connection to the city. It is a real honour for me to curate the works and I look forward to welcoming audiences to experience these treasures. ” – David Bolger, CoisCéim Dance Theatre

Meeting at Cross Guns Bridge, Royal Canal Bank, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

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Come join Miriam Harvey Graham of NOTES ON NATURE for a leisurely stroll along the Royal Canal to meet some of our winged and multi-legged friends, with whom we share this beautiful walkway.

From one of the fiercest predators of the insect world, the dragonfly, to the cute and furry caterpillars of moths and butterflies, get to know these important neighbours of ours and what they get up to in their day to day lives. Each day brings something new, so let's see what wonderful creatures come out to greet us on the 3rd!

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• Notepads and pencils will be provided.

• Bring your phones/cameras. 

Meeting at Cross Guns Bridge, Royal Canal Bank, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

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A workshop on the Royal Canal with Alan Moore of Hedgerows Ireland, a group which is campaigning for better payments and protections for these linear connecting lifelines. The talk will focus on the substantial environmental services hedgerows provide, especially in urban settings, and will include a hedgerow quiz.