Ireland's Greenest Places​

At a time when Ireland’s journey to net zero 2040 is more important than ever we know that movement won’t be driven by one single change. Rather, by communities and individuals collectively making practical, visible progress every day.  

Ireland’s Greenest Places 

Returning for a second year, Ireland’s Greenest Places aims to discover people, initiatives, and places that are working for a brighter, more sustainable future in Ireland. This can be anything from small to large scale changes you are making in your community, such a new biodiversity area or a sustainable community centre. 

Why Electric Ireland support 

Support of Ireland’s Greenest Places reflects Electric Ireland’s commitment to lead customers towards a clean energy future. Although most customers understand the importance of net zero, getting there involves new ideas, products and thinking. The backing of this initiative shows small steps at home and in your community can make a lasting difference. 

Last year’s winners 

Ireland’s Greenest Place 2025, the Dingle Peninsula won due to their local led and community based initiatives that strive for a greener way of living. The entry was a collection of groups in Dingle and their different efforts rather than one single initiative. The different groups ranged from networks giving their time to protect nature, prevent coastal erosion and roll out renewable energy in many different settings. From groups showcasing local produce, staging zero-waste festivals, planting trees, sharing seeds, developing pollinator corridors and digging ponds for biodiversity to the LocalLink buses, running EV charger share groups and hosts swapshops. An abundance of initiatives on one peninsula. A worthy winner! 

Ireland’s Greenest Suburb, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, tackled how to take crowded, car congested urban throughways and turn them into ‘living streets’ for active travel.  

Ireland’s Greenest Town, Skerries, Co Dublin showcased its lengthy commitment to sustainably through a pollinator friendly corridor, rainwater collection systems, youth-led beach clean ups and Skerries beach toybox.  

Ireland’s Greenest Village, Inagh Co Clare, a village of fewer than 200 people.  They developed a riverside walk, building a community playground and creating a sensory garden, planted an orchard and nut trees with the hope of opening a nut buttery in the future.  

Finally, Ireland’s Greenest Community, the Dysart River Project in Co Westmeath. A community of swimmers, anglers, farmers and landowners came together to clean up the Dysart and, in doing so, return to health Lough Ennell which had been the repository for the river’s polluted waters. 

2026 competition 

2026 has seen a refresh to categories with a new Net Zero Hero due to be announced.  

Ireland’s Greenest Place - overall winner 

Ireland’s Greenest Community 

Ireland’s Greenest Suburb 

Ireland’s Greenest Town or Village 

Ireland’s Net Zero Hero, this new award will go to someone who stands out for their work in driving a particular project and inspiring others to act.  

Most of the judging panel have returned for the second year. They include former Green Party leader and ex-minister for the environment and climate Eamon Ryan, environmental consultant and former Irish Times environment editor Kevin O’Sullivan, Irish Times senior features writer Rosita Boland, and Lisa Browne, head of marketing at Electric Ireland.

The judges are ready to hear about Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026. If you know an individual or group who are striving to make an improvement in their local community or town, enter them today. All you need is basic information and a short case written in 300 words on why they deserve to be nominated.  

Visit Irishtimes.com to find the entry form.  

By recognising those who are making a real difference, Ireland’s Greenest Places aims to inspire even more people to act and help build a sustainable future.