President Connolly launches National Tree Week

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, has officially launched National Tree Week 2026 with a ceremonial tree planting at Newbridge House and Farm, Co Dublin. She was joined by Coillte CEO Imelda Hurley, Tree Council of Ireland President Cormac Downey, and former TCI President Éanna Ní Lamhna.

Running from 8–15 March, this year’s National Tree Week marks the Tree Council of Ireland’s 40th anniversary and is supported by Coillte. Under the theme “Growing a Greener Future Together,” the programme features free local forest walks, tree-planting events, Irish-language activities, and expert talks on topics such as forest protection and the heritage of native woodlands. Forty oak trees were planted to mark the occasion.

Coillte is donating 100,000 trees to schools and community groups nationwide this year, bringing the total number of trees donated through the partnership to more than one million.

President Connolly described National Tree Week as a celebration of the “beauty, importance, and impact of trees” and praised the community groups hosting events nationwide.

In advance of the week, Coillte ran its third annual Schools Photography Competition, inviting primary pupils to submit photos of their favourite trees or outdoor nature spaces. The winning classes, from schools in Longford, Donegal, Mayo and Tipperary, will visit Beyond the Trees Avondale at Avondale Forest Park, Co Wicklow.

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