Limerick City and County Council is delighted to unveil the latest addition to the Limerick Wildlife Walls initiative. A striking new mural at Watergate Flats celebrating four of Ireland’s most iconic summer visitors: the Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin. Created by Draw Out’s artist in residence, Louise Keely, the mural highlights these remarkable birds, known for their aerial acrobatics and long-distance migrations, while encouraging greater awareness of the species that share our towns and cities.
This project was delivered through a collaboration between Limerick City and County Council’s Housing Construction and Maintenance Department, the Biodiversity Office, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and creative partners Draw Out.
The mural not only enhances the visual appeal of the Watergate Flats area but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting urban biodiversity. Swifts, swallows and martins depend on buildings for nesting, yet their populations are under increasing pressure due to habitat loss and changes in building practices.
Speaking about the project, Limerick City and County Council's Biodiversity Officer, Sinead Mc Donnell, said:
“The Wildlife Walls project brings art and biodiversity together in a way that connects people with nature in their everyday lives. This mural celebrates species that many of us see every summer but may not fully recognise or understand. By highlighting them in this way, we hope to foster appreciation and encourage their protection.”
The Limerick Wildlife Walls initiative continues to grow, transforming public spaces and raising awareness of local wildlife and biodiversity conservation.
Limerick City and County Council would like to thank BirdWatch Ireland for the photographs which inspired the artwork.
Members of the public are encouraged to look out for these distinctive birds across Limerick during the summer months. This project reflects Limerick City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting biodiversity, in line with national actions under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
About Wildlife Walls
Wildlife Walls is a public art initiative led by Limerick City and County Council in collaboration with urban art organisation Draw Out and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Authority Biodiversity Fund. The project transforms city walls into large-scale murals celebrating Limerick’s native wildlife, with a particular focus on lesser-known or under-threat species. By bringing these species into the urban environment, Wildlife Walls aims to raise awareness of biodiversity, highlight the importance of healthy ecosystems, and create a vibrant, accessible “wildlife trail” throughout the city that encourages people to look more closely at the natural world around them.
Take the Wildlife Walls murals trail in Limerick:
Lesser Horseshoe Bat – Island Road
A depiction of one of Ireland’s rarest mammals, highlighting its dependence on traditional buildings, caves and wooded habitats.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly – Island Road
A vivid representation of this distinctive green butterfly, associated with healthy bogs and scrubland habitats.
Dragonflies – Grove Island
A series of dragonflies in motion among grasses and wildflowers, reflecting the importance of wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.
Fox – Athlunkard Street / Island Road junction
A large-scale urban fox symbolising the presence of wildlife within the city and the adaptability of native species.
Siskin – Thomas Street
A detailed mural of the native finch, drawing attention to birdlife in urban environments and the importance of trees and green spaces.
Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin – Watergate Flats
The latest large-scale mural depicting four of Ireland’s iconic summer visitors. The artwork highlights their long-distance migrations and aerial behaviour while raising awareness of the challenges they face, particularly the loss of nesting sites in urban areas due to changing building practices.
Watch this space! More Wildlife Walls are coming soon!