Special Events
Native Species Festival
Date
SAT 9 MAY, SUN 10 MAY, MON 11 MAY
Ticket price
General entry price, no extra fee to attend event
Suitable for
All ages
Discover Ireland’s Wildlife Like Never Before
This May, Dublin Zoo comes alive with the return of the Native Species Festival – a vibrant, three-day celebration of Ireland’s incredible wildlife and the people working to protect it.
Set on the Great Lawn at Dublin Zoo, this unique event brings together wildlife experts, conservationists, and scientists from across the country, giving visitors the chance to explore, learn, and connect with nature in fun, meaningful ways.
Whether you’re a family looking for a great day out, a nature lover, or simply curious about Ireland’s wildlife, there’s something here for everyone.
On the day you will get the chance to see some of our native species up close, learn about what makes Ireland’s biodiversity so important, and what you can do to help protect it.
Not only is the festival bigger than ever this year, it’s also located directly beside the newly reopened Rainforest House – our most interactive and innovative habitat to date!
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Event Details
- Dates: May 9th-11th
- Location: The Great Lawn
- Cost: Dublin Zoo general entry price, no extra fee to attend event. Pre-book your Dublin Zoo visit online to save up to 15%. Free of charge for Annual Pass holders
- Day 3 – May 11th has a special focus on schools and education, with high levels of attendance from students expected on this day
Be Part of Ireland’s Wildlife Story
Step into a lively, interactive festival where you can meet the people behind Ireland’s conservation efforts and discover the fascinating stories of native species.
Across the weekend, you can:
- Meet real wildlife experts and hear first-hand stories from those working on the front lines of conservation
- Learn about native Irish animals – from bats and bees to seals and birds
- Discover rescue and rehabilitation work happening across Ireland
- Explore hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages
- Ask questions and get involved in citizen science and conservation efforts
- Enjoy a fun, educational day out with plenty to see and do for the whole family
A Unique Conservation Experience
The Native Species Festival is your chance to discover the wider world of Irish wildlife conservation.
Meet organisations working to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and educate communities – all in one place.
It’s a rare opportunity to see how conservation works in real life and how everyone can play a part.
Meet the Conservation Community
You’ll have the chance to meet a wide range of organisations and experts, including:
- Kildare Wildlife Rescue
- Bat Rehabilitation Ireland
- Irish Wildlife Trust
- Seal Rescue Ireland
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Native Irish Honeybee Society
- Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- Fota Wildlife Park
- Belfast Zoo
- Dublin City Council
…and many more working to protect Ireland’s natural heritage.
Did you know?
Your day at the Zoo helps protect wildlife.
By visiting Dublin Zoo, you’re supporting conservation here at the Zoo, around the world, and across Ireland too – helping protect native animals and the habitats they call home.
Dublin Zoo works closely with a range of organisations across Ireland to help protect our native wildlife (including those featured at the Native Species Festival). This includes partnering with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to strengthen conservation efforts for Irish species.
The Zoo is also home to the Centre for Species Survival: Ireland, part of a global network led by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, which supports real, on-the-ground conservation work. Together, these partnerships help protect Ireland’s biodiversity and ensure native species can thrive for generations to come.
Why Visit?
- Inspire curiosity in kids and adults alike – all ages are welcome at Native Species Festival!
- Learn something new about Ireland’s wildlife at the efforts to protect endangered species, restore habitats and educate communities
Support conservation through awareness and engagement with the conservation organisations taking part in the festival.
A Day to Discover, Learn and Be Inspired
The Native Species Festival is more than just an event – it’s a chance to connect with nature, discover incredible stories, and be inspired by the work happening to protect Ireland’s wildlife.
Join us at Dublin Zoo for our Native Species Festival this May and be part of something truly special.