Every May sees the Swift return to Westmeath. The arrival of these remarkable birds is a sign of summer as they come here to nest and breed before returning to Africa in the Autumn.  Swifts live on the wing and journey across continents returning to the same nest site each year.  Swift numbers have been in decline in recent years.  Thanks to a survey of the Swift conducted in Westmeath last year we now know where these birds nest and what we can do to help the species survive. 

On Sat 18th May the Atrium, County Buildings, Mullingar, with support from Creative Ireland, will host an afternoon of song and dance to celebrate the Swift as it returns from wintering in the Congo. Music will be a provided by the Westmeath Choir and local dance schools will perform a series of pieces, specially choreographed to mark the journey made by the Swift.

Mayor of Mullingar Cllr Bill Collentine will officially launch the Westmeath Swift Survey Report, which details the findings of the survey carried out last year by Birdwatch Ireland with the support of local volunteers.

The Arrivals/ Departures project will see Westmeath Libraries, Heritage and Environment sections working with schools. Find out more about opportunities for schools to be involved through competitions, nesting boxes and information booklets and posters.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.