We are delighted to have as our media partner for National Tree Week
Mooney Goes Wild
Nature Nights Live Returns with Derek Mooney
Monday, March 9th - Friday, March 13th
Every night, from 10 pm - 11 pm
This year, we are teaming up with the Tree Council of Ireland to celebrate National Tree Week. Each night, we will share updates from events happening around the country and highlight the trees we often overlook, placing a special focus on Ireland's native trees, all of which support insects, birds and mammals, store carbon and play an essential role in keeping our ecosystems healthy.
Plus an expert panel will be in studio to answer YOUR nature questions!
President Catherine Connolly
Launches National Tree Week 2026
Sunday 8th March to Sunday 15th March 2026
The Tree Council of Ireland was deeply honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly to officially launch National Tree Week 2026 at Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate, Co. Dublin.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Tree Council of Ireland, this year’s launch was a particularly special occasion. President Connolly performed a ceremonial tree planting to mark the beginning of the week-long celebration of Ireland’s trees, woodlands, and the communities that care for them.
The event brought together representatives from our sponsors, Coillte; local authorities; environmental organisations; community groups; schools; and partners from across the country, reflecting the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of National Tree Week.
In her address, President Connolly highlighted the importance of trees for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of communities. Her presence at the launch underscored the vital role that trees play in shaping a greener future for Ireland.
The Tree Council of Ireland is especially grateful for the continued partnership of Coillte, whose support helps make National Tree Week possible each year, enabling communities nationwide to plant, learn about, and celebrate Ireland’s trees.
As we celebrate 40 years of National Tree Week, the theme “Growing a Greener Future Together” reflects the collective effort of communities, organisations, and individuals across the country who continue to plant, protect, and cherish Ireland’s trees.
Winners of the Annual Photography Competition
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:
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Fourth Class, Melview National School, Co. Longford
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Fifth Class, Scoil Mhuire B&C Stranorlar, Co. Donegal
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Fifth Class, Carrowholly National School, Co. Mayo
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Junior Infants, Kilcash National School, Co. Tipperary
Growing a Greener Future Together
The theme of National Tree Week 2026, Growing a Greener Future Together, reflects the power of partnership and community action in shaping a healthier, more sustainable Ireland.
At the heart of this collaboration is the longstanding partnership between the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte, working together to support tree planting, biodiversity and environmental awareness nationwide.
Through this partnership, trees are made available to communities, schools, local authorities and voluntary groups across the country, enabling thousands of planting initiatives during National Tree Week. While national organisations provide the support and resources, it is the enthusiasm and commitment of local communities that truly bring this initiative to life.
From neighbourhood planting days to school projects and county-wide initiatives, communities across Ireland play a vital role in creating greener spaces, enhancing biodiversity and fostering a lasting connection with nature. By working together, we are not only planting trees but also cultivating a shared sense of stewardship for our environment.
Together, through partnership and community spirit, we are growing a greener future for generations to come.
If you’re planning a National Tree Week community event and would like to receive trees for planting, please contact your Local Authority for more details.
Impact
Measuring Success Through Our Achievements
100,000
TREES DONATED ANNUALLY
Every year 100,000 trees are donated to communities in Ireland in partnership with Coillte
1M
TREES PLANTED
Since its inception in 1985, during National Tree Week, Coillte and the Tree Council of Ireland have been responsible for planting over one million native trees in Ireland.
2,500
TONNES OF CARBON
Fully matured, 1 million native trees can absorb 2,500 tonnes of carbon per year offsetting the emissions of more than 550 cars.
Largest Tree
Celebration Event
IN IRELAND
A unique opportunity for communities to come together and recognise the importance of Ireland's trees.
Trees
By Declan Whitney
Come follow me please to my circle of trees
In the midst of the forest of wise
Where I llsten with care to the words In the air
To the whispers, the tales and the sighs
And the things that I learn and will act on in turn
Help me cope as my life is evolving
So I focus my mind on the thoughts that I find
And the problems I'm closer to solving
Whatever you face Just come to this place
And talk to the trees as if dreaming
And soon you will find a much calmer mind
And a life which is more full of meaning
For there's nothing so bad or so shameful or sad
That the trees will find new or alarming
So talk to them long about all you think wrong
And you'll find them both fair and disarming
A tree's very being is upright and far seeing
Its learning long lived and mature
Its knowledge is rounded; its wisdom well grounded
Its philosophies bound to endure
So trees do not Judge, criticise or begrudge
Their embrace will support and imbue
Whatever you're feeling; the woods are for healing
And the trees are there waiting for you.
