Six Counties, Six Events – One #HeritageWeek2025 to Remember!
This year for National Heritage Week, Vincent Wildlife Trust’s Kate McAney set out on a special mission — to raise awareness of Ireland’s lesser horseshoe bat.
During Heritage Week 2025 VWT Ireland's Mammal Programme Manager — Kate McAney —travelled to the only six counties in Ireland where this rare species is found — and was joined by 140 people along the way!
At every stop, the bats put on a show. Most people were able to see and hear lesser horseshoe bats for the first time, along with other bat species, including pipistrelles, Daubenton’s, and even Leisler’s bats. From woodland trails to river and lake edges, the week gave us a magical glimpse into the hidden world of bats.
A big thank you to NPWS staff and rangers, local Biodiversity Officers, The Heritage Council, our colleagues from VWT, and everyone who came out to take part. We couldn’t have asked for better company to celebrate lesser horseshoe bats during Heritage Week!
If you couldn’t make it to one of the walks, don’t worry — we’ve put together a short video to introduce you to the fascinating world of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat!
We’re deeply grateful to our funders, the Heritage Council and the Irish Environmental Network, whose support makes our work possible.