Throughout June, Wind Energy Ireland's Get Out in the Wind campaign brought communities, schools and families closer to the people and places powering Ireland's clean energy future.
The national awareness campaign showcases the many benefits of wind energy while highlighting that wind farms are safe, accessible spaces that also serve as valuable local amenities. Across the month, Wind Energy Ireland members welcomed visitors to wind farms around the country, offering unique opportunities to learn more about renewable energy, biodiversity and community engagement.
One of the highlights of the campaign was the Global Wind Day celebration at Energia Group’s Crossmore Wind Farm. Energia Group invited national schools within a 10km radius of its newest wind farm to take part in a poetry or song competition inspired by the theme of wind and renewable energy. Coolmeen National School was selected as the winner, earning the opportunity to become the first school to visit Crossmore Wind Farm. During the visit, students celebrated Global Wind Day while learning more about how wind farms generate clean, renewable electricity.
Families also came together for a Global Wind Day Family Fun Day at BnM and ESB's Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre, where visitors enjoyed a day of activities while learning more about Ireland's renewable energy journey in a welcoming and engaging environment.
At Galway Wind Park, operated by SSE Renewables, Wind Energy Ireland was invited for a special walk-through showcasing the site's community initiatives and biodiversity projects. The visit highlighted how wind farms can successfully support local wildlife while delivering clean, renewable electricity for homes and businesses.
Community spirit was also on display at Meenadreen Wind Farm, where the Energia Renewables Operations team hosted a community BBQ, bringing local residents together and celebrating the strong relationships that exist between wind farms and the communities in which they operate.
Meanwhile, ESB welcomed visitors to its wind farms in Castlepook, Co. Cork, and Eglish, Co. Derry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how wind farms operate and giving visitors the chance to speak directly with the teams responsible for managing these renewable energy sites.
These events are just a snapshot of the activities that took place throughout June as part of the Get Out in the Wind campaign. By opening their gates and engaging directly with local communities, Wind Energy Ireland members demonstrated that wind farms are much more than renewable energy infrastructure—they are places where people can learn, connect and experience first-hand the benefits of Ireland's clean energy transition.
Wind Energy Ireland would like to thank all of our members, community partners, schools and visitors who took part in this year's campaign. Together, we continue to build understanding of wind energy and inspire greater public engagement with the renewable technologies helping to power Ireland's future.