Eoghan Daltun, who created a rainforest in the Beara Peninsula and recently featured in RTÉ documentary series, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: The Story of a West Cork Rainforest on the edges of the Beara Peninsula, has been named Cork Person of the Month for September.
A sculptor by trade, Eoghan made West Cork his home in 2009 after purchasing a 73-acre farm near Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula. Here, he embarked on a transformative rewilding project, allowing nature to regenerate naturally. His efforts have created a flourishing rainforest featuring native trees and thriving biodiversity.
Eoghan’s work achieved acclaim following the publication of his bestselling book, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding. His story was brought to television screens nationwide in a recent two-part RTÉ documentary series of the same name. Filmed in West Cork and supported by University College Cork, the series explores how he created a native rainforest on the West Cork coast. His latest and third book, Setting the Land Free, is a bold and visionary call to restore Ireland’s wild places and was published this month.
Beyond his conservation work in Eyeries, Eoghan is an advocate for environmentalism, woodland restoration, and High Nature Value farming. His tireless commitment has made his Beara project an ecological inspiration and a powerful example of the value of nature restoration.
Speaking as he received his award, Eoghan said: “Living on the Beara Peninsula and supporting the creation of this rainforest has been an amazing experience. West Cork is an extraordinary place with an incredible natural heritage, and I’m proud to play a part in enhancing its biodiversity. Having this recognised through a Cork Person of the Month award is a real honour.”
Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan congratulated Eoghan: “Eoghan had an extraordinary vision of creating a West Cork rainforest. He deserves great praise not only for making this dream a reality, but also for inspiring others to take an interest in biodiversity, nature restoration, and ecology. He also deserves credit for his work as a sculpture conservator, having restored many of our Cork monuments and statues over the years.
Eoghan’s name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the Annual Gala Awards Lunch on January 29th, 2027 at the Metropole Hotel.