In partnership with TU Dublin and Green Foundation Ireland.

As our natural world continues to come under increasing pressure, join us for an inspiring morning of discussion around the ways we can contribute to pushing back, and ultimately giving back to nature. Wild Thing (Eriu) is a fascinating memoir-with-a-mission of how Randal Plunkett inherited a 1600-acre estate alongside Dunsany Castle, and how he made the decision to let nature run wild in a drive towards a more sustainable future. Catherine Cleary is co-author of The Hare’s Corner (New Island) and founder of Pocket Forests, an initiative that aims to grow pockets of native trees and shrubs in urban spaces, giving communities a sense of ownership and empowerment in tackling the environmental crisis. Join Randal and Catherine in conversation with Dr. Ken Boyle.

This is a free event. Alternatively, by choosing a donation ticket to any amount, you would be contributing towards keeping DBF events accessible for all.

Please note we may be capturing candid imagery at this event for use on our social media and website.

Randal Plunkett is the 21st Baron of Dunsany Castle in Co. Meath. Born in New York, and brought up in New York, London and Switzerland, as well as in his native Ireland, he returned to Dunsany Castle aged 23. Upon inheriting the title Baron Dunsany, together with the castle and estate, he has spent the last decade working to re-wild a large portion of the 1,600-acre estate, while dedicating the remainder to sustainable plant-based agriculture.

Catherine Cleary is the co-founder of Pocket Forests, and is a freelance journalist. She lives in Co. Roscommon.

To hear first about our future events sign up to our newsletter here.

This event is part of Sustainability Here and Now, a day of Dublin Book Festival events in partnership with TU Dublin and Green Foundation Ireland.

TU Dublin is deeply committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) strategy. TU Dublin also raises awareness through public engagement, including a new partnership with Green Foundation Ireland and Dublin Book Festival to host five SDG-aligned events. This event is aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).