ERINN Innovation were delighted to attend Ireland’s first Climate Carnival, which recently took place in the beautiful grounds of Ballintubbert Gardens and House.
Focusing on Bold, Brave Leadership, this two-day event brought together climate activists, changemakers and thought leaders in Ireland’s climate space, as well as speakers from the international stage.
The event kicked off with a fantastic networking dinner curated by GIY Waterford. During the evening, an insightful post-dinner discussion between Tony Juniper and Anja Murray inspired attendees and musical performances by Lírnan and Zoe Hayter added to the night’s atmosphere.
Highlighting Peatlands and People
On the day, we were stationed at the Peatlands and People tent, showcasing the project’s work with peatland restoration in Ireland. ERINN Innovation leads the Peatlands and People activities under the Just Transition Accelerator and we are also managing the project’s communication activities
In the tent, visitors had the chance to experience a “bog in a box”, which highlighted the wonders of Irish bogs, along with the project’s progress planting Sphagnum moss on Bord na Mona bogs in Ireland’s midlands.
The tent also showcased successful companies who have completed the Accelerate Green Programme – a scaling accelerator for green innovators. Samples and demos from Novelplast, BiaSol, Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, HaPPE Earth and Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd were on display.
Climate House Ireland: A New Home for Ireland’s Climate and Nature Action
At the Climate Carnival, we were keen to engage with participants around Peatlands and People’s social and cultural catalyst. This activity focused on Climate House Ireland.
Situated in Ireland’s midlands, Climate House Ireland will have a transformative impact locally and globally. It will bring together nature, innovation and community in one inspiring place dedicated to tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity and designing more sustainable futures.
Climate House Ireland won’t just be another visitor destination – it will act as an integrated, action-driven hub where everyone has a role to play. Through an immersive, interactive Encounter Experience, a state-of-the-art Futures Hub for businesses and changemakers, and a living Regenerative Park, Climate House will spark reflection, connection, and creative collaboration.
Visitors will find inspiration, hope and agency to take climate action into their own hands. From playful storytelling and hands-on learning to meaningful dialogue and solution-building, this is a place where discovery leads to action.
Ultimately, Climate House Ireland aims to:
- Immerse and inspire visitors with the beauty and importance of nature through playful storytelling and hands-on learning
- Showcase sustainable design and innovation
- Support communities and businesses in climate and nature action
- Build capacity to respond to climate and biodiversity challenges and create lasting economic, ecological and social benefits
A Day Full of Energy and Hope
During the Climate Carnival, we engaged with attendees through a video, positive discussions around the potential of the Climate House and an online forum where opinions could be shared. The focus was on gathering participants’ thoughts and views to help shape what Climate House Ireland should be and do. Illustrator Eimear McNally brought the ideas to life during the event with a beautiful illustration.
Conversations with attendees on the day really highlighted the need for a space that brings people together to innovate and scale their solutions in support of a just and sustainable future. This event provided a moment of hope and connection with passionate like-minded individuals and we left feeling energised and hopeful.
Thank you to Tom Popple (Climate Cocktail Club) and his team for organising such a wonderful event.
Learn more about Climate House Ireland and how you can get involved on the Climate House Ireland website.
