Sanctuary in Nature & Heritage : trip to Causey Farm & Girley Bog Saturday 12th Nov 2021 

On Saturday 12th November, 2021, we had a terrific trip to visit Causey Farm and Girley Bog, both in Country Meath. The trip was organised by Paddy Woodworth, Muhammad Achour and Lorcán Scott from the Heritage Council, and on the day SiN&H volunteer Kate Kavanagh guided the group with the welcome assistance of volunteers Aine O’Connor and Celia Willoughby. In addition, we had lots of help from Donika, Elvida, Hussam, Ghaith, Julia and indeed all of the adult guests helped out by being extra vigilant with the little ones, and even the bigger little ones were taking care of the littler little ones. And of course, the trip would not have been possible without the invaluable organisation and financial support from the Heritage Council, facilitated throughout by its Wildlife Officer, Lorcán Scott. There were 14 adults, 9 children, 6 volunteers plus Lorcán and Kate Flood – so a total of 29 participated. Everybody was very aware and respectful of best practice with regarding Covid requirements to social distance and wear masks. 

The day started in Raheny, where Kate K picked up Donika, and then drove to Swords to meet the bus which had picked up our guests from Mosney Direct Provision Centre. 

Our ever amiable driver Brian, from Kierans Bus Hire, took us to our first stop – Causey Farm – where we met Lorcán, Kate Flood from Girley Bog Meitheal and three more volunteers, David Quin and his son Rossa, and their friend Vivek Raman, a radiology consultant who soon found common ground with two medical colleagues among our guests. We had very welcome hot coffee and tea, with wonderful home made scones and jam, in the converted barn which set up the atmosphere for the day, with a choice of soft drinks for the little ones. 

Dermot, one of the farm guides took us around and told stories about history and tradition of the farm, while we got to see the animals up close. A particular favourite was an spectacularly large pig, who was well used to visitors and seemed to enjoy the attention. We also got to see some special dairy cows, and a really popular experience was everyone getting to hold some cuddly rabbits, who didn’t seem to mind at all. We also got to see and feed some grass to some llamas and alpacas. Everyone really enjoyed it and a big thanks to Dermot the guide to made everything fun and jovial. 

From the farm, we piled into a tractor trailer for an exciting and bumpy ride to Girley Bog. The children just loved this experience. We all piled out and Kate Flood gave a very informative and entertaining talk on the bog ecosystem , and how they are preserving and restoring it. It was really interesting to learn how a different parts of a bog can become habitat for diverse and flourishing plants – in turn attracting bees and butterflies which then attract birds and animals. . The little ones had a great time exploring the trees … and puddles.

From Girley Bog we took the tractor train back to the farm – by now the little ones were confident enough to be held and stand on the inner wheel and see through the slats – it was very exciting for them.

At the farm was another surprise treat as our return timed with some horses being brought through the yard … and the little ones ran over to see them close up. After that, it was back on the bus and Brian drove us to Navan where, thanks to Lorcán and the Heritage Council, we were booked into Crave, a restaurant that opened specially to receive us. Everyone was in high spirits and hungry after the lively visit. And what a feast lunch was. Huge thanks to the Heritage Council for this very generous gesture – and to the restaurant for the welcome they gave us and for the fantastic menu – everyone enjoyed it immensely.

Paddy Woodworth Muhammad Achour Lorcan Scott The Heritage Council Causey Farm Girley Bog Meitheal Girley Bog Kate Flood Kate Kavanagh Kieran’s Buses Page