Lifestyle Ireland: Readers Asked to Name the Greenest Place in the Country
There is something unmistakably Irish about taking pride in a place that looks after itself well — tidy verges, thriving community gardens, cleaner rivers, and neighbours who quietly get on with the work. That spirit sits at the heart of the latest lifestyle Ireland conversation, as readers are once again being invited to help identify the greenest place in the country.
The Irish Times has reopened its Ireland’s Greenest Places competition for 2026, asking the public to nominate the communities, suburbs, towns and villages that are setting the standard for local environmental action. After Dingle took the overall honour last year, attention has now turned to who might follow next.
Lifestyle Ireland spotlight on communities making a difference
This year’s competition returns with a simple but meaningful aim: to celebrate the places where climate awareness, civic pride and practical local action come together. Awards will be presented across several categories, including Ireland’s Greenest Community, Greenest Suburb, and Greenest Town or Village, along with one overall winner.
There is an added twist in 2026. Last year’s category winners — including Dingle, Dún Laoghaire, Inagh, Skerries and the Dysart river project — are not eligible to take the top honour again this year. That opens the door for fresh contenders from right across the country.
For anyone following ireland lifestyle news, the appeal of this story goes beyond a competition. It reflects a broader shift in irish lifestyle thinking, where sustainability is becoming part of daily life rather than a separate issue. From cleaner public spaces to biodiversity projects and community-led energy efforts, people are increasingly linking local environment with ireland wellbeing, healthy living ireland and a more balanced lifestyle.
The organisers are also expanding the awards with a new Net Zero Hero category. This recognises an individual whose climate action has made a visible difference. In practical terms, that could mean someone leading local sustainability projects, encouraging ireland organic living, improving shared spaces, or simply inspiring others to act.
It is a useful reminder that environmental progress often begins with one person, one residents’ group or one small idea followed through properly.
Why this matters for wellness Ireland and modern Irish life
At first glance, a competition about green places might sound like a purely environmental story. In truth, it touches several parts of modern life. Better local spaces support walking, outdoor activity and community connection. They can contribute to wellness Ireland goals, support ireland mindfulness in everyday routines, and encourage the sort of healthy habits people increasingly want from where they live.
In that sense, greener places are not just nicer to look at. They shape how we feel. A well-kept park, a restored riverbank or a community planting scheme can strengthen ireland mental health, encourage ireland outdoor wellness and give people a renewed sense of belonging.
The judging panel for 2026 reflects the seriousness of the awards. Returning judges include former Green Party leader and ex-minister Eamon Ryan, environmental consultant Kevin O’Sullivan, Irish Times writer Rosita Boland and ESB’s Lisa Browne. New to the panel this year are biologist and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna, along with sustainability consultant Shannen Healy, known to many online as @_greengal.
Entries will be assessed individually before a longlist is drawn up. Judges will then visit shortlisted places in person, which means nominations need to be specific and thoughtful rather than vague praise.
What makes a strong nomination?
- Clear examples of community-led environmental action
- Visible improvements to local biodiversity or public space
- Evidence of long-term effort, not just one-off projects
- A strong sense of local participation and shared pride
FAQ
What is Ireland’s Greenest Places competition?
It is an annual public-driven awards initiative celebrating the greenest communities, suburbs, towns, villages and environmental projects across Ireland.
What is new in the 2026 awards?
The main addition is the Net Zero Hero category, created to recognise an individual making a real impact through climate action.
Can previous winners win again this year?
No. Last year’s category winners are exempt from taking the title again in 2026, giving new entrants a stronger chance.
When is the deadline for entries?
The closing date mentioned for entries is Saturday, August 1st, so nominations need to be submitted promptly.
The real value of this lifestyle Ireland story is not only in who wins, but in what it encourages people to notice. Across the country, ordinary communities are showing that environmental care is not abstract or grandiose — it is local, practical and often quietly brilliant. In a noisy news cycle, that is worth paying attention to. If there is a place near you doing the work well, now is the time to speak up.
