Coillte invites primary schools nationwide to take part in the 2026 National Tree Week photography competition.
- Schools are invited to capture a photo of their favourite tree or outdoor nature space for a chance to win a class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale, Co. Wicklow
- The Schools Photography Competition is now open with entries accepted until 12noon Tuesday 24th February 2026
- National Tree Week will take place from Sunday 8th to Sunday 15th March 2026
- The theme of this year’s National Tree Week is Growing a Greener Future Together
Wednesday 21 January 2026: In celebration of National Tree Week, Coillte has launched its third National Schools Photography Competition, inviting primary schools nationwide to submit a photo of their favourite tree or outdoor nature space. Four winning entries, one from each province, will each win an unforgettable class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale, Co. Wicklow.
The competition comes ahead of National Tree Week 2026, which takes place from 8th – 15th March, celebrating the important role Ireland’s trees, forests, and woodlands play in building a greener, more sustainable future.
Last year’s competition attracted hundreds of entries from across the country. The four winning entries were selected from St Laurence O’Toole’s, Roundwood National School, Co. Wicklow; Union Hall Mixed NS, Co. Cork; Scoil Naomh Breandán, Annaghdown, Co. Galway; and Scoil Mhuire, Glenties, Co. Donegal, with classes taking part from junior infants to sixth class.
Designed to encourage students to connect with nature and reflect on the importance of trees, the Coillte Schools Photography Competition is open for entries until 12noon on Tuesday 24th February 2026. Schools are invited to submit a photograph, along with a short explanation as to why the tree or outdoor space captured is meaningful to them via Coillte.ie/NationalTreeWeek.
National Tree Week, an initiative of The Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, will feature a wide variety of free events across Ireland designed to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages to the importance and benefits of trees and forests. This year’s theme is “Growing a Greener Future Together”.
Commenting on the photography competition, Pat Neville, Communications Manager at Coillte said: “The Coillte Schools Photography Competition has proven really popular among schools right across the country in recent years. Initiatives like this are designed to encourage a deeper appreciation of trees and the natural world and to reflect on the benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood, and people. We’re excited to see the competition entries this year and encourage all schools to participate.”
Further detail on Coillte’s schools’ photography competition
The competition is open to all primary schools in the Republic of Ireland.
To enter the competition, follow steps below:
- Step 1: Schools can submit a photo of their favourite tree or outdoor nature space
- Step 2: Enter a brief description of why you like this tree and the reason for your submission
- Step 3: Parents/Teachers upload the images along with contact information here
A total of four winners will be selected from all entries received. Each winner will be awarded a class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale at Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow - a unique opportunity for school students to engage with nature and learn about the importance of trees.
The closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday 24th February 2026.
