Night of Echolocation and Eerie Encounters at St. Anne’s Park Bat Walk

by Aug 28, 2024Dublin, Europe, Ireland

Night of Echolocation and Eerie Encounters at St. Anne’s Park Bat Walk

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 28, 2024

Raheny Ireland Tree of Life winged creatures

Late on a summer August night, as the amber hues of sunset faded into the inky blackness of night and a Blue Moon, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure through the lush expanses of St. Anne’s Park in Raheny, just north of Dublin. The occasion? A guided bat walk that promised an intimate glimpse into the lives of Ireland’s nocturnal residents—and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

As the evening settled into a soft, dusky twilight, the sky hung heavy with clouds, casting a muted, silvery glow over St. Anne’s Park—perfect conditions for a bat walk in the quiet, enveloping darkness. Our journey began at the iconic Tree of Life, a carved masterpiece standing tall at the corner of Watermill and James Larkin Road. Raheny’s Tree of Life is a breathtaking wooden sculpture created from the trunk of an old tree, weaving together the rich tapestry of Ireland’s natural world, much like the iconic Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Raheny Ireland Tree of Life

Rising majestically from the earth, its intricately carved trunk and branches are adorned with a stunning array of creatures from land, sea, and sky. An octopus and squid wrap their tentacles around the base, while sea turtles and seals appear to glide along its surface or hide in crevices. Higher up, an otter seems to frolic below a wise owl perched in the hollow of one section of the trunk. A dolphin arches gracefully, almost as if leaping from the waves, while a heron stands watchful, poised to take flight. This living sculpture is not just a tree but a celebration of the interconnectedness of life, embodying the spirit and diversity of the natural world that thrives in and around Raheny—a perfect representation of this year’s Heritage Week theme.

Irish Wildlife Trust administrator

Under the guidance of the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT), our group of 35 nature enthusiasts huddled together as dusk descended, armed with bat detectors and a sense of excitement. The event, part of Heritage Week 2024, aimed not just to educate but to inspire a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures and their crucial role in our ecosystem.

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Gail Clifford

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