upcoming Events

National Biodiversity Week

15th – 24th May

Join the National Reptile Zoo in celebrating Biodiversity Week with two exciting activities designed to engage nature enthusiasts of all ages! Whether you prefer exploring the great outdoors or discovering wildlife within the zoo, there’s something for everyone.

Citizen Science Survey Along the Nore Valley River Walk
We are continuing our ongoing citizen science study of natural biodiversity along the scenic Nore Valley River Walk in Kilkenny. This important survey monitors key plant and animal species that serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health.

Members of the public are invited to participate by collecting a datasheet, completing the survey at their own pace during Biodiversity Week, and submitting their findings to us. 

Download the survey below:

BIODIVERSITY WEEK NRZ

Wildlife Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo
For those looking for an interactive indoor adventure, visit the zoo and take part in our thrilling wildlife scavenger hunt! Images of Ireland’s native herpetofauna will be hidden throughout the zoo in habitats that mimic their natural environments. Participants will receive a scavenger list with information and clues to help them find all the species while learning about their ecological roles.

Participation in the scavenger hunt is included with zoo admission.

Summer Camp

13 – 17th July / 11am-3pm

***SOLD OUT 27 – 31 July / 11am – 3pm **** SOLD OUT

We’re excited to bring your child on a deep-dive into the world of zookeeping, ecology, science and art. Summer camps are some of the most precious and memorable times we have as a child so we look forward to providing an enjoyable and educational experience for them.

Details are as follows:

Dates:

Monday, July 13th to Friday, July 17th

Monday, July 27th to Friday, July 31st

Ages: 9–13

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Cost: €150 per child

Get up close with some of our animals while learning from our zookeepers and team.

Activities include:

•   Understanding reptile and amphibian behavior
•   Exploring what animals teach us about habitats and ecology
•   Animal health and wellbeing
•   Creative science communication
•   Species identification
•   Feeding and enrichment design
•   Designing a project and learning the art of asking scientific questions

We will provide:

• All activity materials 
• Water refill station

Please bring:

•   Packed lunch
•   Water bottle
•   Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing
•   Hat
•   Sunscreen
•   Spare set of clothes

Complete this form and we will be in touch with a payment link to secure your child’s/children’s place. 

Email info@nrz.ie if you have any questions or call 056 776 1783 (10am – 6pm).

Zoo Zen

September – November 2025

Wellness is coming to The National Reptile Zoo!

Zoo Zen is an innovative new series of wellness-focused events taking place at the zoo ever second Wednesday in September through to November 2025 from 6-8pm. 

Join a guided Pilates session with instructor Michelle Meagher, followed by a relaxing sauna, an invigorating cold plunge and enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the zoo.

It’s a unique mix of fitness, relaxation, and wildlife for a refreshing midweek experience.

Book your tickets here. 

Supported by Kilkenny County Council’s Night Time Economy Initiative 

Invertebreakfast

Every Tuesday 11am & 12pm in October 2025

Creepy-crawly or culinary delight? Invertebreakfast is your chance to explore the surprising world of insect-based foods right here at The National Reptile Zoo. From boosting personal health to easing the strain on our planet, insects may just be the future of sustainable eating.

Join us for a breakfast event that blends discovery with deliciousness, challenges perceptions, and offers a taste of the unexpected. Whether you’re curious, eco-conscious, or simply adventurous, this is your chance to see—and taste—food in a whole new way.

Special Offer: Tickets are half price—but numbers are limited!
When: Tuesday mornings, from 7th to 28th October only.

Tickets available at reception and do not need to be booked in advance.

Supported by Kilkenny County Council’s Home of Halloween Initiative 

Cosmic Creatures – Space Week 2025

When: October 4th – 10th 2025, throughout the day

Tickets: Included with general admission, booking not required. 

Life in space depends on carefully designed life support systems, but humans aren’t the only ones who need help surviving outside their natural environment. At the National Reptile Zoo, animals from all over the world—like snakes, alligators, and African tortoises—live comfortably in Kilkenny thanks to special habitats that recreate their native conditions.

By exploring how these animals survive in environments that would otherwise be impossible, we can learn valuable lessons about building systems to support human life in space.

During Space Week, join us for a closer look at our animals and discover:

How they adapt to harsh conditions in nature

The technologies we use to care for them at the zoo

What African tortoises living in Ireland can teach us about surviving among the stars

Then apply what you’ve learnt: inspired by the efforts we take to maintain ideal environments for our animals, design your own space habitat and explain how it would help humans (or something else) survive far from Earth!

Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival 

This August 2025, The National Reptile Zoo presents a two-part celebration of art, nature, and wild imagination through “NRZ Nature Gallery” and an evening of art at the zoo – “Drawn to Scales”!

NRZ Nature Gallery is an in-house exhibition of artwork inspired by wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems — both local and global.

Curated within the Zoo’s conservatory and media room, the exhibition showcases creative interpretations of nature; from textures and forms to the hidden lives of animals and the spaces they inhabit. Featuring works by wildlife photographer Tasneem Khan alongside an open call for submissions from local photographers responding to the same theme.

The gallery invites visitors to see beyond the exotic and unknown — and into the intricacies of wild beauty and conservation. This exhibition runs from August 7th to 17th.

Complementing the exhibition is a special art experience evening on Tuesday, August 12th (6:00–9:00 PM), where participants join a private, guided session at the Zoo after hours. Through one-on-one introductions to three reptiles in their habitats, attendees will explore animal behaviour and environmental parameters.

You will have the time, space and assistance to draw, sketch, paint, sculpt, and write – make artworks inspired by these living subjects — capturing the detail, colour, wonder and visual stories of the natural world.

Together, these events offer a deep and creative dive into the wild — connecting ecology, expression, and education in an unforgettable setting.

TICKETS