Sonairte Eco-Centre, Laytown - 6th April 2025.
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South Dublin Members, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: Shane Kerr)
On the approach to the coastal village of Laytown in County Meath there is a small piece of heaven awaiting by the side of the road namely the Sonairte Ecological Centre, which was the destination for this month’s branch outing and first-time visit. The name Sonairte derives from the middle Irish word meaning 'positive strength' and is a feeling you experience immediately on arrival.
Sonairte was established as a charity in 1988 by members of the local community and concerned environmentalists to promote ecological awareness and education and today many devoted volunteers maintain the organic ethos in everything they do. It includes a café and shop which sells produce from its organic vegetable and fruit garden.
Field of Dandelions, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: Bill Rea)
The Centre hosts exhibitions, courses and social events and prides itself on being interactive particularly with children and there is even a Yoga room. Perhaps most uniquely of all is the Bee Museum, which is a nod to the history of the location where there was once a farm in the 18th century that kept bees in skeps (straw bee hives) and stored these during the winter in boles (stone alcoves) and some of these remain for visitors to see today. There is a nature trail with meadow and woodland untainted by herbicides or pesticides and consequently it abounds in biodiversity. Its beautiful old stone walls also give the place a rustic charm.
About 24 individuals initially met in the courtyard at 10:00 but the number swelled to 32 by the time the group began to walk through from the walled garden and onto the track leading down to the River Nanny. The weather was fabulous and there were lots of smiles along the way not least from the engaging Sonairte staff who had greeted us who included Lucy Deutekom and Michael Kealy, one of the gardeners.
Ballygarth Castle, 6th April 2025 (picture: Shane Kerr)
The nature trail was an easy walk with little climbing required and along the embankment path were to be seen the early scattered blooms of Bluebell, Violet, Wood Anemone and Primroses and nearby there was a blazing yellow field of Dandelions which is an uncommon site nowadays and incredibly good for pollinators. The first birds to catch our attention were Barn Swallows and House Martins, which would have recently arrived after their 6000-mile migration from South Africa.
From the woods could be heard Chiffchaffs calling and later the group was rewarded with a clear view of one in full voice from the top of a hazel tree. Also singing in the distance were the other two common migrant warblers that herald summer which were of course the Blackcap and Willow Warbler. The 'tee-cher' calls of Great Tits and the explosive bursts from Wrens are also reminders that winter had passed.
Male Chaffinch, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: James Nelson)
Joining the action was a Long-Tailed Tit which flew by. These gorgeous little birds build their amazingly elaborate domed nests out of mosses, lichens and cobwebs and are distributed in various forms across Europe and Asia and definitely a bird for beginners to get acquainted with. Newcomers to birdwatching are often frustrated because they think that all bird songs sound alike however with a little focus it is amazing how quickly many bird species are readily distinguishable and then never to be forgotten. We were told that Irish Hares and Otters are sometimes seen around the centre, but none were evident during our brief stay.
Some beginners may not be aware that birdsong recognition can be achieved using the hugely popular 'Merlin' app which incredibly allows your smartphone to 'recognise' the birdsong you are hearing and will tell you the species! Children love this app, and it is free to download from CornellLab Merlin.
Buzzard, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: James Nelson)
Walking further along, the group reached the banks of the meandering River Nanny where the panoramic view over to Ballygarth Castle on the opposite embankment was magnificent and there was even an elevated bird hide available. Along the river there were several Shelduck, Redshank, a solitary Curlew, and the occasional Little Egret. The scene was one of serenity and tranquility.
Two Common Buzzards circled overhead and as they moved closer illuminated in the sunshine there was a superb opportunity to see the full detail of their distinctive underwing and head feathering. For some present, it was an exciting first encounter with this once rare Irish raptor although a few people looked a little anxious when told that Buzzards can be aggressive towards humans during the breeding season if they trespass close to their nests and that there have been instances of physical injury being caused by the birds.
Chiffchaff, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: Gustavo Zoladz)
County Meath is steeped in history from ancient times and Ballygarth Castle which was viewed across the river from Sonairte is no exception. Records of the castle date back to 1372. In medieval times the castle and its estate belonged to the Norman Netterville family until the lands were granted to the Pepper family after the Cromwellian confiscation following the Irish rebellion in 1641 and on the eve of Oliver Cromwell’s infamous massacre at Drogheda in 1649, his Parliamentarian army camped on the lawns of the castle.
The castle was confirmed as the property of the Peppers after the restoration the monarchy by King Charles II in 1660, However later the Ballygarth estate was again confiscated as a consequence of the Pepper family supporting the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 but this was temporary as the family regained ownership which according to legend was achieved by a cunning ploy played on the English Officer who had been sent to legally take control of the estate.
Dunnock, Sonairte, 6th April 2025 (picture: Bill Rea)
The Englishman was led astray and confused to his location even having eventually arriving at Ballygarth Castle felt lost and in his frustration gave up his quest and told his host at the castle that he would trade the title deeds of Ballygarth for the fine white horse he admired in the stable. The deal was agreed and ever after a white horse was kept at Ballygarth in gratitude. The castle was associated with the Pepper family until the death of Eileen Wintle-Pepper in 1979 who was an eccentric with a fondness for keeping Siamese cats! Sonairte although situated a little beyond the usual catchment area for South Dublin branch outings proved to be a very worthwhile excursion.
Some More Pictures
Birds
Some more pictures of birds seen taken on the day by Bill Rea, Shane Kerr, Gustavo Zoladz and James Nelson.
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Sonairte Scenery and South Dublin Members
Some more pictures of South Dublin members taken on the day by Bill Rea and Shane Kerr.
Click on the picture and then use the left and right arrows to scroll through them.
The outing concluded back at the courtyard at 12:00. The event was led by Gustavo Zoladz and the author. Several of the group then retired to the café where the most sublime cheese and carrot cakes were on offer! Finally, our thanks are extended to the inspiring staff at Sonairte for making us welcome and of course to the many first timers who joined us.