Ross Castle has announced a wildflower-themed Easter hunt taking place in the grounds around the historic site from April 2 to April 6.

The event offers local families an opportunity to learn about Irish wildflowers while taking part in a festive outdoor activity to celebrate the holiday.
The event is free of charge and no pre-booking is required for those wishing to participate. Organisers are encouraging attendees to bring their detective skills, a notebook, and a pencil to help solve the seasonal challenge. Participants must find hidden eggs scattered across the grounds, some of which feature letters printed on the back. These letters form an anagram that, when rearranged, reveals a special flower name.
Those who successfully solve the anagram and bring the answer back to the castle reception will receive a reward in the form of wildflower seed bombs. These small bags contain a mix of 29 native Irish wildflower species, including annuals and perennials such as Cornflower, Poppy, Ox Eye Daisy, and Red Clover.
The initiative aims to highlight the ecological importance of native flora. Native wildflowers provide essential food and habitats for local biodiversity, supporting threatened pollinators like bees and butterflies. Because these species are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, they are highly resilient and require fewer nutrients or pesticides, making them an ideal choice for restoring Irish habitats and improving soil health.
Families are invited to visit the grounds during the five-day period to take part in the hunt, collect their seeds, and contribute to local biodiversity by scattering them at home.

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. opened its doors to the next generation of technical talent this month, hosting over 300 students at its Killarney facility for Engineers Ireland STEPS Engineers Week.

Now in its tenth year of participation, the local manufacturer welcomed 332 Leaving Certificate students from 16 schools across Kerry and Cork to explore the world of heavy engineering.

The visit provided a comprehensive look at the innovation driving the design and manufacture of world-class container cranes.

Students were given a guided tour of the manufacturing floor, where they observed high-tech processes including robotic shot blasting, plasma cutting, and automatic welding systems.

The highlights of the week were found in the Interactive Zone, where students moved beyond theory to practical application.

Demonstrations in CNC programming and Creo design software showcased the digital skills required in modern manufacturing.

Many students were particularly drawn to the apprenticeship information desk, which outlined the various career pathways available within the company.

Technology took centre stage with a HoloLens 3D crane demonstration and the Liebherr crane simulator.

Built using original hardware and controls, the simulator replicates the experience of operating a massive ship-to-shore crane via a Remote Operator Station (ROS).

This gave the teenagers a firsthand look at how augmented reality and remote operation are transforming the industry.

The tour concluded at the research and development facility, where the focus shifted to the future of port logistics. Students witnessed rubber-tyred gantry cranes operating in various modes, including full autonomous control and remote operation.

Company representatives explained how multidisciplinary teams, comprising automation, software, mechanical, and structural engineers, work together to ensure Killarney-built cranes remain at the forefront of global efficiency and safety.