30/04/2026
The Kildare Age Friendly programme were delighted to work with Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns and partners to officially launch Ballymore Eustace as Irelands first Age Friendly ans Climate Friendly Village last Friday. The launch was led by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD, in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, together with local community representatives and project partners.
Following the 2016 Census, Kildare County Council selected Ballymore Eustace for the Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village project, as the village has a higher proportion of older residents than many other parts of the county. Working with the local community, barriers to safe walking were identified through a walkability audit and practical accessibility improvements delivered. Works also included upgrades to the River Walk, with improved surfacing and new accessible viewing platform, making around 800 metres of the route easier for everyone to use. These improvements support more people, especially older people and people with disabilities, to take part in village life and enjoy shared outdoor spaces.
This work was supported through a range of funding sources, including Local Property Tax, the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (funded by the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth), the Kildare Age Friendly Programme and other Kildare County Council community grants.
As part of the wider community-focused initiative, plants from this year’s Bloom garden were secured for Ballymore Eustace, following a nomination by Kildare Age Friendly. The Support Garden, designed by Joe Eustace, highlights the personal journey of planning ahead, with themes of strength, trust and care. Inspired by the Bloom concept, a local version of the garden has been created in Ballymore Eustace, reflecting Age Friendly design, sustainability, biodiversity and nature.
The garden includes a salmon centrepiece reflecting the local river and biodiversity, a living willow arch at the entrance, and a boulder symbolising time. A universally accessible seating area has been designed with older residents in mind. The planting is pollinator-friendly, the surrounding area is managed for wildlife, and the garden is intended to be low-maintenance. Four trees represent the seasons and the journey through life.
We would like to sincerely thank all who attended this lovely event, the wonderful connect choir for the fantastic entertainment, the civil Defence and An Garda Síochána Kildare for assisting us and especially the volunteers who work daily to ensure Ballymore remains a great little village to grow old.
Age Friendly Ireland
Kildare Community Stories
Ballymore Eustace News
