Earth Day

Expressionistic painting of a landscape with purple mountains in the distance and grass and yellow flowers in the foreground.
Nano Reid (1900-1981), West Cork Mountains, 1949. Collection of Antoinette and Patrick Murphy. © The Estate of Nano Reid. Photo © National Gallery of Ireland. Photographer: James Fennell Photography

Earth Day is an annual event which takes place on 22 April to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first held on 22 April 1970, which means that 2023 marks 52 years of this global event.

We've gathered together some posts, activities and podcasts which have a particular focus on the beautiful natural world in which we live, and which, as Earth Day reminds us, we have a responsibility to safeguard.  

A daisy in grass

The Wonder of Weeds

Discover the mysterious and surprising qualities of plants that emerge from crumbling buildings, walls, cracks in pavements and the edges of gardens. Let’s start your adventure!

Detail of Yanny Petters' painting showing green leaves and a red poppy as well as un-coloured leaves and stems outlined

The Plants We Played With.

A look at this recent addition to our collection by botanical portraitist Yanny Petters. Find out more

A painting showing the waterfall at Powerscourt Estate, Co. Wicklow through trees. In the left foreground of the painting, we can see some figures who are dwarfed by the grandeur of the waterfall.

Art & Mindfulness

A guided mindfulness video. Watch the film