The highly anticipated Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference is set to return in 2025, bringing together global leaders, scientists, activists, and policymakers to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Scheduled to take place from Monday the 26th to Tuesday the 27th of May 2025. It will be hosted in venues throughout Ballina.
The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference 2025 will take place 26th/27th May in Ballina, Co Mayo, birthplace of the former President.
The Conference is a unique transdisciplinary meeting point open to all voices to connect around climate and nature concerns and actions. The organisers take inspiration and courage from the ongoing climate and nature work already happening nationally and globally while acknowledging that there is so much more to do.
This conference recognises that the climate and biodiversity crises are interlinked and are part of a wider polycrisis we face, with accompanying existential challenges. Acknowledging the worsening crisis is not easy and we need bravery and courage to face the harsh realities of our inactions. We need tenacity and support to take more radical but necessary actions that are not always accepted or administered by society at large.
The event also addresses the crisis in our courage – our courage to think and act differently to unlearn/relearn previous habits, pathways, and behaviours in terms of both everyday life and wider policy and governance change. Courage at a time of crisis can bring us much-needed connection – connection to place, to nature, and to each other, to have much-needed purposeful, courageous conversations about the climate and nature crisis. To find and sustain the courage to collectively challenge the status quo of business as usual, and to bring about changes that are positive for nature and for humanity, we need to strengthen and build authentic relationships with ourselves, each other, and the wider world, and we hope that the conference will contribute towards this goal.
We invite submissions from community groups; independent researchers; academics; policy bodies, amenity organisations, NGOs, social enterprises, and any individual or organisation that seeks to connect with others around climate and biodiversity. The format is flexible and can take the form of workshops; walks; talks; panel discussions; music; art or other creative formats. We wish to provide a supportive platform for diverse voices and diverse lived realities and hope to engage meaningful intergenerational dialogue and togetherness that has the potential to nourish attendees, as well as create fruitful connections and future actions.
The Conference is a unique transdisciplinary meeting point open to all voices to connect around climate and nature concerns and actions. The organisers take inspiration and courage from the ongoing climate and nature work already happening nationally and globally while acknowledging that there is so much more to do.
This conference recognises that the climate and biodiversity crises are interlinked and are part of a wider polycrisis we face, with accompanying existential challenges. Acknowledging the worsening crisis is not easy and we need bravery and courage to face the harsh realities of our inactions. We need tenacity and support to take more radical but necessary actions that are not always accepted or administered by society at large.
The event also addresses the crisis in our courage – our courage to think and act differently to unlearn/relearn previous habits, pathways, and behaviours in terms of both everyday life and wider policy and governance change. Courage at a time of crisis can bring us much-needed connection – connection to place, to nature, and to each other, to have much-needed purposeful, courageous conversations about the climate and nature crisis. To find and sustain the courage to collectively challenge the status quo of business as usual, and to bring about changes that are positive for nature and for humanity, we need to strengthen and build authentic relationships with ourselves, each other, and the wider world, and we hope that the conference will contribute towards this goal.
We invite submissions from community groups; independent researchers; academics; policy bodies, amenity organisations, NGOs, social enterprises, and any individual or organisation that seeks to connect with others around climate and biodiversity. The format is flexible and can take the form of workshops; walks; talks; panel discussions; music; art or other creative formats. We wish to provide a supportive platform for diverse voices and diverse lived realities and hope to engage meaningful intergenerational dialogue and togetherness that has the potential to nourish attendees, as well as create fruitful connections and future actions.
We are grateful and excited to confirm keynote speakers for the two-day event including:
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Mary Robinson, Former President, Member of The Elders, Dandelion
Anja Murray, Policy Analyst, Broadcaster and Author Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Associate Professor in the School of STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies at DCU Dearbhla Richardson, Youth Climate Justice Activist Dr. Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce Dr. Gerard McCarthy, Physical Oceanographer and Climate Scientist Prof. Hannah Daly, Prof. in Sustainable Energy at University College Cork |
Prof. John Barry, Prof. of Political Science, Queens University Belfast
Prof. Navjot Bhullar, Psychological Scientist and Mental Health Researcher in the Health Research Institute at University of Canberra, Australia Tom Arnold, Chair of Ireland Africa Rural Development Committee Dr. Omnia El Omrani, Vice-Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance and an Egyptian Medical Doctor Laura Cook, Special Projects Coordinator, Project Dandelion |
Design An Urban Farm Art Competition
In conjunction with The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference 2025
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We’re inviting young artists aged 6 to 24 years to imagine and design their own urban farm! Whether it’s growing food on a rooftop, a balcony full of herbs, or a community garden with chickens and compost bins – we want to see your creative ideas for greener cities.
Who Can Enter? The competition is open to anyone aged 6–24 years, with entries judged in the following age categories:
How to Enter Design your urban farm using any medium – drawing, painting, collage, mixed media – just make sure it fits on A2 size paper or canvas (max). Deadline All submissions must be received by Friday 23rd May 2025 |
Please download and complete the below form and submit along with your artwork.
Entries can be sent by post or hand-delivered to: The Mary Robinson Centre, Emmet Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. F26 Y9V3 The winners will be announced on Midwest Radio on Monday 26th May, and winning pieces will be displayed at the conference. |
Urban farm art competition winners
categories
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6-7 Years Old
1st Hayley Browne 2nd Cathal O’Flaherty 3rd Eoin Cawley Merrit Fionn Flynn 8-9 Years Old 1st Kate Conboy 2nd Robyn Nt Mhaolchaoin 3rd Sophia Burke Merrit Madison Sweeney |
10-11 Years Old
1st Juliette Devaney 2nd Kai Philigret 3rd Davitt O’Reilly Merrit Rhys Grimes 12-13 Years Old 1st Joanne Jordan 2nd Sarah Doherty 3rd Katelyn Costello Merrit Ben Grimes |
sunsetting in oweninny wind farm 26th May 2025
In conjunction with The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference 2025
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Conference delegates may join Mary Robinson at Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm in Oweninny, for a fun evening of food, music and discussion focusing on the importance of taking the next step.
After an introduction from Mary Robinson, there will be a conversation featuring Dr. Elaine McGoff, An Taisce and Mark McCorry, Bord na Mona, facilitated by Sean McCabe of Bohemians FC, taking place in a setting dedicated to promoting the importance of renewable energy, which is itself a wonder of Ireland’s move towards clean energy. Delegates will also be treated to a menu of delicious, locally sourced food prepared by Chef Brian Murphy of the Curragh Restaurant, while live music is performed by talented musicians from the area. An evening not to be missed. |
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GUIDELINES FOR SESSION PROPOSALS
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How long are the sessions and where will they be held?
All sessions for this conference run for 40 - 60 minutes and are held in a variety of auditoriums, lecture halls, boardrooms, and open spaces in the town of Ballina, Co Mayo. Excursions can also be proposed. These should be no longer than half a day, including travel to and from the site to Ballina. Are there any other criteria for submitting session proposals? Sessions must demonstrate clear relevance to the theme of climate change and nature. All submissions must be formed around a community/institutional/group affiliation/collective. The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference is cognisant of issues of diversity and gender equality and we encourage a broad and rich representation of voices across session proposals. |
Please note the following on session proposals:
At least half of the proposed speakers must be confirmed as willing and able to speak at the Conference by the time of submission. As an open, democratic forum, the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference requires sessions to include time for Q&A and/or other forms of audience involvement. We therefore recommend 3, and at most 4, speakers per session (5–10 minutes per speaker). For excursions, the venue and/or access to relevant sites should also be confirmed, this should be no more than 45 minutes’ drive from Ballina. While there is no fee for organising sessions at the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference, organizers and speakers are responsible for their travel and accommodation, as well as the applicable registration fee for participation. |
accommodation options
For information on accommodation options for the conference please the button below.
Join us for a series of complimentary public eventsIn conjunction with The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference 2025
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Meet-Up Sunday 25th May 2025
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If you are in Ballina on the Sunday evening, we have reserved an area for dinner for 7pm at The Cot & Cobble, bar and restaurant at Clare Street, Ballina, Co Mayo.
Dinner and drinks would be at delegates own cost. Vegetarian and vegan menus available. Connecting with Trees 25th of may 2025 |
Join us for a guided Biodiversity Walk on Sunday the 25th of May (walks start at 3pm and 4.30pm), through the beautiful Belleek Woods as part of our Connecting with Trees event. This free experience offers a unique opportunity to explore local ecology, the natural beauty around us, and the relationship between nature and the human body.
The event will start in the Coillte Car Park with two slots available. We advise you to wear suitable outdoor clothing and children under 18 must be accoupled by an adult.
The event will start in the Coillte Car Park with two slots available. We advise you to wear suitable outdoor clothing and children under 18 must be accoupled by an adult.
Oíche, Cultúr agus Craic 26th of may 2025
Get ready for a night of magic, music, and mischief at Oíche, Cultúr agus Craic in the IQ Centre! (Formally the Military Barracks)
Kicking off at 8pm, this free over-18s event brings together the very best of local culture, with live music, captivating storytelling, and a fiery performance from none other than Wild Geeze—plus an unforgettable fire breather to light up the night.
Whether you're coming for the tunes, the tales, or just the craic, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Gather your friends and join us for an evening of unforgettable atmosphere and cultural celebration!
Kicking off at 8pm, this free over-18s event brings together the very best of local culture, with live music, captivating storytelling, and a fiery performance from none other than Wild Geeze—plus an unforgettable fire breather to light up the night.
Whether you're coming for the tunes, the tales, or just the craic, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Gather your friends and join us for an evening of unforgettable atmosphere and cultural celebration!
Launch of our urban farm 26th of may 2025
Join us for the official launch of our urban farm by Mary Robinson on May the 26th at 2:10pm in the Climate Hub, situated in the Mary Robinson Centre (enter via the Moy Lane).
With hens, bees, and a vibrant mix of homegrown fruit and vegetables, were growing a greener town- come celebrate with us!
With hens, bees, and a vibrant mix of homegrown fruit and vegetables, were growing a greener town- come celebrate with us!
ECO GATHERING 27TH OF MAY 2025
You're invited to Eco Gathering, a vibrant afternoon of music, food, and meaningful conversations in the heart of Ballina’s Innovation Quarter (formally the Military Barracks).
Taking place from 12–2pm, this free community event brings together local vendors, eco-activists, and artists to celebrate sustainability, creativity, and connection.
Enjoy live music from talented local performers and meet inspiring changemakers. . Whether you're passionate about the planet or simply curious to learn more, A Climate and Nature Gathering is a welcoming space for everyone.
Come connect, discover, and be part of something positive.
Taking place from 12–2pm, this free community event brings together local vendors, eco-activists, and artists to celebrate sustainability, creativity, and connection.
Enjoy live music from talented local performers and meet inspiring changemakers. . Whether you're passionate about the planet or simply curious to learn more, A Climate and Nature Gathering is a welcoming space for everyone.
Come connect, discover, and be part of something positive.
