County Clare Launches European Volunteering Capital 2027 Programme

County Clare has formally launched its European Volunteering Capital Programme, gathering hundreds of community representatives, volunteers, and public officials to mark the start of a multi-faceted regional initiative.

The formal launch event took place at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis, drawing more than 450 attendees from across the region, according to reporting by Irish American News. Volunteers, community groups, voluntary organisations, and public representatives convened ahead of the year-long programme of events, festivals, recognition projects, and storytelling initiatives.

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The European Volunteering Capital title was awarded to Clare by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) following a joint application submitted by Clare County Council and the Clare Volunteer Centre. The proceedings were hosted by Clare FM presenter Alan Morrissey and featured musical performances from Harmony Bro, the Ennis Brass Band, and Music Generation Clare, alongside a showcase featuring more than 40 community and voluntary organisations.

Clare County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Killeen highlighted the significance of the accolade during the launch event. This is a proud moment for Clare. This prestigious title recognises the contribution made by volunteers in communities in County Clare every day. I encourage the people of Clare to get involved in the events and make 2027 a year that celebrates both volunteering and our volunteers, he stated, as reported by Irish American News.

Clare County Council Chief Executive Gordon Daly emphasised the long-term vision behind the designation, noting that local authorities are working closely with the Clare Volunteer Centre to ensure the legacy of the European title extends well beyond the operational window.

As part of the initial rollout, officials announced a Volunteer Ambassador Programme. Four local volunteers will be selected to travel to Gdańsk, Poland, for a structured knowledge exchange focusing on community development, volunteering practices, and the sustainable legacy of holding a European Volunteering Capital title. Gdańsk previously held the designation.

The study visit is supported through an Erasmus+ funded project. The competition is open to active local volunteers aged 18 and over, with applicants asked to submit responses detailing their volunteering experiences and learning objectives.

Submissions for the ambassador competition are open in written, video, audio, and visual formats. Further information, eligibility criteria, and digital application portals are hosted on the official programme website, clare2027.ie.

County Clare joins a distinguished lineage of previous European Volunteering Capitals that includes Barcelona, Berlin, Gdańsk, and Sligo, which became the first Irish county to hold the title.

What happens next includes the close of the Volunteer Ambassador Programme application window, followed by the formal selection of the four representatives in December ahead of the study trip to Poland early next year.