Skerries Crowned Ireland’s Greenest Town – A Model for Coastal Sustainability

Skerries, Irelands Greenest Town

Tucked along the scenic north Dublin coastline, Skerries has always been admired for its beaches, windmills, and seaside charm. But this year, this beloved town achieved something even more special — it was officially crowned Ireland’s Greenest Town in The Irish Times / Electric Ireland Greenest Places Awards.

It was with great pride in this beautiful and environmentally conscious town, and with immense admiration for all of the volunteers involved, that Skerries Mills hosted the award celebration this week.

This recognition celebrates more than beautiful surroundings. It honours a community that has embraced sustainability in everything from pollinator corridors and solar energy to local orchards and beach clean-ups. Skerries shows what can happen when people, passion, and the planet work in harmony.

What Makes Skerries Ireland’s Greenest Town

The judges praised Skerries for its community-driven environmental action, its creativity, and the way sustainability is woven into everyday life. From biodiversity and waste reduction to renewable energy and education, Skerries stands out as a town that leads by example.

It isn’t one big project that earned this award — it’s the combination of many small, well-planned initiatives powered by volunteers who truly care.

Key Green Initiatives in Skerries

Walk through Skerries and you’ll quickly see the results of years of thoughtful effort. Biodiversity-friendly planters, bee gardens, bike stands, water refill points, rainwater collection systems, and the Skerries Eco Town Wall showcase a town designed with sustainability in mind.

One of the standout projects is the pollinator-friendly corridor, stretching from Skerries Mills to Ardgillan Castle demesne, with another green route running from the Mills through the allotments to the South Strand. This continuous strip of pollinator habitats helps butterflies, bees, and other vital species thrive while linking Skerries’ natural and historic landmarks.

The Tidy Towns volunteers have also filled public spaces with vibrant, wildlife-friendly flowerbeds, ensuring even the smallest green corners support biodiversity.

Another local highlight is the Kelly’s Bay Open Orchard, home to more than 150 fruit trees planted across 14 mini-orchards. It’s a living example of community collaboration — producing local fruit, creating educational opportunities, and strengthening neighbourhood ties.

Judges also praised the town’s solar panels on community buildings, youth-led beach clean-ups, and its creative Skerries Beach Toybox — a large communal box filled with reusable beach toys like buckets and spades. Families can borrow and return them freely, reducing plastic waste and promoting a culture of sharing. The idea was described as “a simple but brilliant green enterprise that deserves to be on every Blue Flag beach in Ireland.”

Community Collaboration: The Power Behind the Progress

Behind every project in Skerries is a passionate network of volunteers and community groups working together with purpose and pride. These include Sustainable Skerries, the Skerries Community Association, Skerries Cycling Initiative, Skerries Tidy Towns, the Skerries Community Garden, Skerries Autism Friendly Town, and the Skerries Sustainable Energy Community Initiative and Skerries Men’s Shed.

The award is highly deserved by these dedicated organisations and the many individuals who give their time to make the town greener and more inclusive. Their cooperation has turned sustainability into a shared value — not just an environmental goal.

Each initiative contributes something unique: from cycling promotion and biodiversity enhancement to energy conservation, inclusion, and education. Together, they form the backbone of Skerries’ success as Ireland’s Greenest Town.

Nature, Heritage, and Sustainable Tourism

While Skerries’ environmental credentials shine, it remains a stunning destination for visitors. At Skerries Mills Heritage Centre we offer a glimpse of the town’s history through its restored windmills and working watermill, and are developing some exciting schools projects around biodiversity. Skerries North Beach, South

Strand, and the Red Island coastal walk are ideal for fresh-air escapes, while Shenick Island and Ardgillan Demesne provide peaceful spots for nature lovers and walkers alike.

What makes these experiences even better is knowing they’re maintained with care for the environment. Whether you’re sampling local produce, exploring an art trail, or cycling along the coast, Skerries proves that tourism and sustainability can thrive side by side.

Lessons Other Towns Can Learn from Skerries

Skerries offers valuable inspiration for communities across Ireland:

• Start small, think big: Simple ideas like refill stations or community gardens can grow into town-wide change.
• Empower volunteers: Local ownership fuels lasting impact.
• Celebrate local heritage: Linking sustainability to local culture helps projects connect emotionally with residents.
• Collaborate widely: Success comes when businesses, residents, schools, and community groups work together.
• Stay visible: Share progress, educate others, and inspire participation.

Looking Ahead

Being named Ireland’s Greenest Town isn’t the end of the journey — it’s a milestone. Skerries continues to push forward with renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience projects. Challenges remain — from rising sea levels to sustainable transport — but with its strong sense of community, Skerries is well-equipped to face them.

A National Symbol

Skerries’ achievement is a celebration of community power, coastal beauty, and environmental innovation. From pollinator corridors and mini-orchards to shared beach toys and solar panels, every project tells a story of care and cooperation.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sustainable Skerries, Skerries Tidy Towns, the Community Garden, the Sustainable Energy Committee, and countless volunteers, this seaside town has become a national symbol of what’s possible when people unite around a greener future.

If you visit north County Dublin, take time to wander through Skerries’ vibrant streets and wildflower paths — and see for yourself how Ireland’s Greenest Town brings sustainability to life.