Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, Launches National Tree Week 2026 with Ceremonial Tree Planting
An initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, with a calendar of free events scheduled across local communities to celebrate the importance and benefits of trees and local forests
· Running from Sunday 8th– Sunday 15th March, this year’s National Tree Week theme is ‘Growing a Greener Future Together’
· Coillte is proud to have donated over 1 million trees in support of National Tree Week since this partnership began, with 100,000 trees donated this year alone
· Winners of the annual Coillte Schools Photography Competition announced celebrating the passion young people have for trees in their local community
· To find out more about what’s happening in your local area visit www.nationaltreeweek.ie
Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, took part in a ceremonial tree planting at Newbridge House and Farm, Co. Dublin, alongside Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte; Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland; and former President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Éanna Ní Lamhna, to officially launch National Tree Week 2026.
Running from Sunday 8th-Sunday 15th March, today marks the beginning of a week-long programme of nationwide tree-planting events and activities. Led by the Tree Council of Ireland celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and proudly supported by Coillte, National Tree Week is Ireland’s largest annual tree celebration, designed to inspire, educate and connect people of all ages with the importance and benefits of trees and forests.
‘Growing a Greener Future Together’ is the theme of this year’s National Tree Week, bringing communities across Ireland together to celebrate the many benefits trees and forests deliver for climate, nature, wood and people. With over 1 million trees donated since the beginning of the partnership, Coillte is once again providing 100,000 trees to schools and community groups across Ireland, supporting tree-planting initiatives that enhance local biodiversity and contribute to the growth of Ireland’s forest network.
National Tree Week Events and Activities include:
- Local Forest Walks and Tree Planting Initiatives: A variety of free activities and guided walks led by community groups across Ireland, offering people the chance to explore nearby forests and take part in tree planting initiatives.
- Irish Language Events: A selection of activities and guided tree trails delivered as Gaeilge, coinciding with Seachtain na Gaeilge and supporting greater access to nature through the Irish language.
- Workshops and Talks from Industry Experts: A programme of workshops and talks from industry experts, covering topics from protecting Ireland’s forests to the stories and heritage behind our native woodlands.
Speaking at the launch Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly said: “Is mór an onóir dom Seachtain Náisiúnta na gCrann a sheoladh i mbliana. National Tree Week is a wonderful celebration of the beauty, importance, and impact of trees in our daily lives. I commend the Tree Council of Ireland, Coillte, and all the community groups hosting local events nationwide, which lift spirits and bring people together. This week reminds us to enjoy and celebrate our trees, forests, woodlands, and the communities that nurture them, and to reflect on the important role nature plays in our shared future.”
Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte, went on to say: “We are honoured to launch National Tree Week alongside Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, celebrating the many ways trees and forests deliver for climate, nature, wood, and people. This year, Coillte is donating 100,000 trees to the Tree Council of Ireland to support community planting initiatives nationwide, with over 1 million trees donated since the beginning of our partnership. National Tree Week not only raises awareness of the importance of trees, but it also brings communities together in celebration, and we are proud to continue supporting that mission this year.”
Commenting on this year’s theme, Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, said:
“This year marks the Tree Council’s 40th anniversary, and it was a tremendous honour to welcome Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly to help us mark the occasion with the planting of 40 timeless oak trees as a powerful symbol of strength and the legacy we hope to leave for future generations.
“This year’s theme, ‘Growing a Greener Future Together,’ highlights how every tree planted strengthens our forests and brings communities closer to nature. From schools to local groups, National Tree Week is about coming together, connecting with the outdoors, and leaving a lasting legacy for our forests. I encourage everyone across the country to join in and celebrate in their communities this week.”
In advance of National Tree Week 2026, Coillte launched its third annual Schools Photography Competition, inviting primary schools to submit a photo of their favourite tree or outdoor nature space. The competition encouraged students to connect with nature and reflect on the importance of trees, inspiring classes across the country to get creative while celebrating their local trees and forests.
The winning classes will enjoy a trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale, featuring the spectacular Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower at Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. This year’s competition winners are:
- Melview National School, Co. Longford
- Scoil Mhuire B&C Stranorlar, Co. Donegal
- Carrowholly National School, Co. Mayo
- Kilcash National School, Co. Tipperary
Community groups planning events in their local area can register their event with the Tree Council at www.nationaltreeweek.ie. To find out more about what’s happening in your local area visit www.nationaltreeweek.ie
