Age Friendly Ireland has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, with two Galway projects among the nominees including Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Connemara Memory Cafe for Brain Health.
The projects have been recognised for creating meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of older people, contributing to inclusive communities where older people can live well, feel valued, and stay connected.
Now in their tenth year, the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards were created to recognise the outstanding work being done by organisations, community groups, businesses, local authorities and individuals across the country to make Ireland a better place to grow older.
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said, “Ireland is on a journey of designing our communities, services and infrastructure to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with our ageing population. Through the work of Age Friendly Ireland and the Older People’s Councils, older people have a meaningful role in shaping that response.”
“This year’s finalists demonstrate that adopting an Age Friendly culture requires a top-down and bottom-up approach, and our collaborative efforts stem from the voice of older people, at grass roots level, co-designing solutions to everyday issues. However, local innovation must not remain local, and the strongest ideas should be recognised nationally, shared and replicated across the country.”
“These Awards celebrate excellent projects, but they also set a standard. They are a showcase of practical solutions for government departments, public bodies, statutory agencies, businesses, and community and voluntary organisations setting out what Age Friendly leadership looks like and challenge all of us to do more.”
Each shortlisted project was chosen for its outstanding impact, innovation, and potential to inspire lasting change in other communities.
Ahead of crowning the winners this October, all 36 shortlisted projects will now be visited and assessed by a judging panel that includes Mr Pat Dowling, former Chief Executive of Clare County Council (Chairperson);Ms Madeleine Quirke, former Chief Executive and President of Wexford Chambers; Ms Anna Marie Delaney, former Chief Executive of Offaly County Council; Mr John Kerin, former Chief Superintendent, An Garda Síochána; Ms Clare Curley, former Director of Services, Tipperary County Council; and Mr Jimmy Feane, former Director of Services, Limerick County Council.
The Awards consist of ten categories; each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active Living and Leisure; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation, Housing; Intergenerational; and Active and Healthy Ageing.
Previous winners have included eir Ireland for their Age Friendly Care line, An Garda Síochána, Kerry for their Safety Door Hanger Initiative and Brady’s Court, South Dublin County Council for their Infill Age Friendly Housing project.
Ms McGuigan added, “We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Pat Daly, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, for hosting this year’s awards and supporting this national celebration of Age Friendly innovation and leadership.”
The awards ceremony will take place on 8 October at The Strand Hotel, Limerick, hosted by Limerick City and County Council. For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.
