The coastal village of Ardmore in Waterford has been crowned the overall winner of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026.
The judges say the village, which has become an environmental hub for the local area, is a worthy winner because everyone who lives there is actively helping the community to care for nature and build resilience.
One of the judges, well-known biologist, author and radio presenter Éanna Ní Lamhna said the number of initiatives and activities the people of Ardmore are involved in is hugely impressive.
“Community led climate action projects work because they are driven by locals. They understand what works best for their unique habitats, and they don’t wait for others to do it for them. They get stuck in and as a result everyone is a winner.”
“We have a perfect example of that in Ardmore. The environment, the local area itself and the community are all benefitting because people are pulling together.”
“An active Tidy Towns group had restored a stream that runs behind the main street and the walk alongside it is an amenity enjoyed by all. The GAA grounds have developed a large area as a bee, moth and butterfly garden and planted hundreds of native tree around the perimeter. Goats owned and managed by the village keep the furze at bay on the celebrated Ardmore Cliff walk and around the school’s playing pitch.”
“Several local farmers have planted fields with wild bird cover and manage them organically as part of a wider coastal environment protection group. Local businesses have attained a reduction in their commercial rates by successfully taking part in Waterford County council’s initiative to reduce their carbon footprint.”
“There is a great uptake in the use of solar panels, on the roof of the GAA building, the community hall, both primary schools as well as many private homes as well. A solar Meitheal planned for the Autumn will encourage further uptake.”
“Ardmore shows so well that when an environmentally aware community acts together huge strides can be made in building climate resilience and increasing sustainability. “
‘Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026’, an initiative by The Irish Times in association with Electric Ireland, began in late May when members of the public were invited to nominate a special place, project or person who they believe contributes to a genuinely greener environment.
Each of the 90 or so entries were judged on specific criteria including their beneficial environmental impact, level of ongoing collective engagement by the community and evidence of behavioural change by people. Over the last couple of weeks a long list and short list was compiled with the winners being announced today. (Friday Oct 2nd)
Category Winners
The only other village to make it through to the final, Cloughjordan Community Development Association in Co. Tipperary, which is the driving force behind Ireland’s only eco-village, was named Ireland’s Greenest Village.
Rosewood Estate in Ballincollig in Cork won Ireland’s Greenest Suburb while ‘Treasure the Tolka’ in Dublin was named Ireland’s Greenest Community.
Former UN diplomat and University of Galway lecturer Jacinta Barrins won the new category, Ireland’s Net Zero Hero, for designing and delivering a course on climate change for people over 55.
The panel of six judges consisted of Eamon Ryan, former leader of the Green Party, former Irish Times Environment and Science Editor Kevin O’Sullivan, Lisa Browne from Electric Ireland, sustainability consultant Shannen Fenton, Irish Times Senior Features Writer Rosita Boland and Éanna Ní Lamhna.
Celebrating the Difference Communities Make
Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing and Customer Insights, ESB, said the initiative showcased the remarkable impact communities can have when people come together with a shared purpose to create a greener Ireland and clean energy future.
“It was a real privilege to be part of the judging panel again this year and to see the work of so many passionate people making a positive difference in their communities. The energy, commitment and creativity on display was genuinely inspiring. “
“Congratulations to Ardmore in Co. Waterford and all the winners, and to everyone who took part. Electric Ireland is proud to support an initiative that celebrates the power of local communities to create a more sustainable future for us all.”
For more information about ‘Ireland’s Greenest Places’ go to www.irishtimes.com/greenestplaces
Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026
Overall Winner
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ireland’s Greenest Suburb (2)
Winner: Rosewood Estate. Ballincollig, Co. Cork.
Nominee: Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin
Ireland’s Greenest Town or Village (2)
Winner: Cloughjordan Community Development Association, Co. Tipperary
Nominee: Ardmore (Overall Winner)
Ireland’s Greenest Community (4)
Winner: Treasure the Tolka, Dublin
Nominees: Enniscorthy Community Allotments, Co Wexford
Siopa Glas, Ballon, Co Carlow and The Circular Square, Co Tipperary
Ireland’s Net Zero Hero
Winner: Jacinta Barrins, Galway
Nominees: Caroline McCabe, Co Wicklow, J. Owen Lewis, Dublin
