Community Gardens Ireland: Supporting Community Gardening in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Founded in 2011, we are a voluntary, independent, inclusive group that works with all agencies and groups which support community gardening and food growing on the island of Ireland.

Our Vision

That social community growing spaces are created in every village, town and city in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

That these are places of outdoor environmental  education where people of all ages, genders, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds can learn about food growing, cooking, and sharing. 

That these places highlight the positive mental and physical health benefits of being outside in nature and sharing food.

Our Mission

Community Gardens Ireland’s mission is ensure that there is a community food space in every community that wants one. We will work with all government and non government agencies across the island supporting and establishing community growing spaces.

Our Values

Recognising that community growing spaces have a valuable part to play in helping communities across Ireland learn about food, nature and the environment, Community Gardens Ireland will:

• actively collaborate with other organisations to encourage positive social change;
• advocate inclusion in all its forms as well as environmental, food, health and dietary awareness;
• encourage all member community gardens to follow organic principles and protect biodiversity, promoting good environmental practice and awareness.

Our Aims

CGI supports, represents and promotes the work of new and existing community gardens throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland by

• providing information, guidance and case studies
• enabling the gardens to flourish and develop strong and positive reputations;
• helping to empower local people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to make positive impacts on their surrounding areas and strengthen their communities.

Our Network

We meet at least twice a year in various locations around the country. Whether you’re a community gardener, a community gardening tutor, or interested in setting up a community garden, you’re welcome to attend.

Community Gardens Ireland is coordinated and run by a committee of volunteers who are working with and are passionate about community gardening. The organisation is not-for-profit.

For more information on Community Growing Benefits, take a look at our Benefits Section and find out many of the reasons why we do it.