County Clare has been officially awarded the title of European Volunteering Capital 2027, following the announcement made on 1 December 2025 in Barcelona, where a Clare delegation accepted the award on behalf of the people of the county.
The recognition marks an important moment for Clare and reflects the work that has taken place over the past year to prepare a strong, community-focused application. A multi-agency working group brought together Clare Volunteer Centre, Clare County Council, the Department of Rural, Community and the Gaeltacht, Clare PPN, Clare Sports Partnership, EmployAbility Clare, Volunteer Ireland, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Ennis Municipal District, Clare Youth Service, the Clare Traveller Community Development Project, Clare Local Development Company and LCETB. Their combined efforts helped shape Clare’s long-term vision for volunteering, supported by consultations and focus groups involving volunteers and organisations across the county.
Speaking at the ceremony in Barcelona, Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre, highlighted the significance of this achievement for the county:
“Volunteering is more than service; it is the essence of community, and its impact is not just local. The positive ripple of volunteering spreads far beyond individual actions, shaping a more compassionate and connected society.”
For Clare, the title represents both recognition and a commitment. Over the next two years, the focus will remain on strengthening the foundations already laid — supporting volunteers, encouraging new people to get involved, and continuing to highlight the impact of community action at local and national levels. The organisations involved in the application will continue to work together as Clare prepares to host a year of activities in 2027 that celebrate and promote volunteering in all its forms.
Clare Volunteer Centre expressed pride in leading this work and gratitude to all partners whose collaboration made this achievement possible. The Centre looks forward to welcoming more members of the community into the volunteering network and to showcasing Clare’s spirit of generosity and inclusion as the county steps into its role as European Volunteering Capital 2027.
