The second of two reports on the IBIOLI members visit to Birr Castle Demesne, Co. Offaly, on July 16th 2016. After our morning coffee in the Courtyard Cafe, we were welcomed by our very entertaining and informative guide, Damian Harte.  At Birr, there is an extensive science centre with exhibitions covering the Parson’s family’s achievements in astronomy, engineering, philosophy, photography, and botany.

The first of two reports on the IBIOLI's excursion to Birr Castle Gardens and the Birr Telescope, on July 16th 2016. This was my first event organised by the committee of the Institute of Biology – what an enjoyable day! Invigorated by the wonderful offerings at the Birr Castle Cafe we set off on our tour of the beautiful gardens and en-route came upon the magnificent six foot diameter telescope nestling there.

As part of the IBIOLI Activity Series, 2016, the IBIOLI invites its members, families, friends, and general public to come and enjoy a family-friendly, and morning-guided tour** of Birr Castle award winning gardens and grounds, including the Great Telescope, and an afternoon visit to Lough Boora Discovery Park.

The IBIOLI, as as part of the 2016 Activity Series, invites its members, families, friends and the general public to attend this free lecture, given by Dr. Robert O'Connor, Head of Research, Irish Cancer Society, titled "The Cancer Epidemic: Food, Pharma, and Our Future". Ireland, like all countries globally, is seeing an increase in the numbers of cancers.  There is much fear about the cause of these increases with many looking to our diet and environment as explanations.