Mayo has emerged as a front-runner in the national Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 competition, securing six nominations on the prestigious longlist. This achievement gives the county the joint highest number of nominees in Ireland, alongside Dublin, and shines a spotlight on Mayo’s commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental action.
Ballina proudly representing North Mayo
Among the nominees is Ballina, which has been recognised for its strong community-led initiatives in climate action, biodiversity, and renewable energy. From grassroots volunteer projects to educational programmes and sustainability campaigns, Ballina has shown how local people working together can create a greener and more liveable town for all.
Six Mayo places in the spotlight
The six Mayo nominees are:
• Ballina (Greenest Town) – recognised for its wide array of local green initiatives and strong community engagement.
• Kiltimagh (Greenest Town) – home to a new 6.5-acre biodiversity park and the high-quality River Pollagh.
• Louisburgh (Greenest Village) – a growing environmental hub with a strong focus on sustainability, food production and biodiversity.
• Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Castlebar (Community) – pupils and teachers leading the way in sustainable growing and community education.
• Inishturk Island (Community) – implementing biodiversity and renewable energy action plans to protect its unique island landscape.
• Fahburren Forest, near Croagh Patrick (Community) – an inspiring citizen-led rewilding project, transforming farmland into thriving native woodland.
These six were chosen from over 120 projects nominated across Ireland by members of the public, with 17 entries coming from Mayo alone. In total, just 26 places made the national longlist.
A boost for Mayo tourism
Speaking on behalf of Mayo North Tourism, Manager Mairéad Melody Carr congratulated all those involved across the county, with particular praise for Ballina:
“To see six Mayo places make the longlist – the joint highest of any county – is an incredible achievement and a testament to the vision, pride and commitment of our communities. Ballina’s recognition is especially welcome, as the town continues to showcase how local action on climate, biodiversity and sustainability can have a real impact, not only on community life but also on tourism. Visitors are increasingly seeking out greener destinations, and Mayo is showing it has some of the very best in Ireland.”
Next steps
The shortlist for Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 will be announced at the end of the month, with category winners and the overall winner revealed two weeks later.
We wish everyone involved in each of the brilliant projects in our locality the very best of luck in the adjudication process. Your work is invaluable, and does not go unnoticed.