What is European Volunteering Capital?

County Clare is proud to hold the title of European Volunteering Capital 2027, awarded by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) to municipalities that demonstrate excellence in supporting, promoting and celebrating volunteering.

Building on the legacy of previous European Volunteering Capitals across Europe, Clare will use this unique opportunity to recognise volunteers, strengthen communities, inspire more people to get involved and create a lasting legacy for volunteering. Together, we’re celebrating the people who make our communities stronger and placing County Clare at the heart of European Volunteering in 2027.

County Clare’s successful bid was led by Clare Volunteer Centre and Clare County Council, bringing together an ambitious vision shaped by collaboration, community participation and shared purpose. From the outset, the project has been driven by the belief that volunteers are at the heart of thriving, inclusive and resilient communities.

The bid was developed with the support of a dedicated Steering Group representing community and voluntary organisations, statutory agencies, local development organisations, education providers, volunteers and national partners. Together, these partners created a shared vision for how European Volunteering Capital 2027 can leave a lasting legacy for County Clare and contribute to the wider European volunteering movement.

The programme has continued to grow through six collaborative working groups, guiding the development of events, communications, community engagement, European partnerships, research and evaluation and legacy planning. Their work is helping to shape an ambitious 18-month programme that will celebrate volunteers, encourage greater participation, strengthen communities and showcase Clare’s volunteering story across Ireland and Europe.

Throughout 2027, communities across County Clare will have opportunities to participate in festivals, recognition events, storytelling projects and initiatives that celebrate the impact of volunteering while inspiring the next generation of volunteers.

Every event and initiative has been designed with one goal in mind: to ensure that the legacy of European Volunteering Capital extends far beyond 2027.

European Volunteering Capital 2027 belongs to everyone in County Clare. Whether you already volunteer, represent a community organisation, are part of a business or public service, or are thinking about getting involved for the first time, we invite you to join us as we celebrate volunteering, strengthen communities and create a lasting legacy together.

Volunteering events across County Clare.

County Clare (Contae an Chláir), on Ireland’s west coast, is defined by its strong tradition of volunteering and community spirit. As European Volunteering Capital 2027, we celebrate and acknowledge the people whose collective efforts sustain our festivals, events and communities.

Our Volunteer Map highlights the scale and impact of this contribution, capturing the thousands of volunteers who make Clare’s vibrant cultural and social landscape possible.

During 2027, we will be asking organisations to put their volunteers on the map – contact dolores@volunteerclare.ie to find out more.

View the Volunteer Map