Ballivor preschool's Nature Hero Award from Glenveagh

National biodiversity title for Giggles Outdoor classroom

A County Meath preschool has been named the best in Ireland in a prestigious national awards programme recognising schools and early years settings taking real action on biodiversity.

Giggles Outdoor Preschool in Ballivor was crowned Best Preschool in the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards 2026, beating entries from across the country to claim the top accolade in its category. The win is recognition of the preschool's exceptional commitment to connecting young children with the natural world and fostering a hands-on appreciation of Irish biodiversity. The prize for the pre-school is €1,000 to support its ongoing efforts on biodiversity.

The Nature Hero Awards, sponsored by leading Irish homebuilder Glenveagh and delivered in partnership with Biodiversity in Schools, have established themselves as Ireland's largest outdoor learning award across the education sector. Open to preschools, primary and secondary schools throughout the Republic of Ireland, the programme recognises schools that are creating educational environments that nurture a love of nature, develop biodiversity knowledge, and inspire local action.

Giggles Outdoor Preschool was one of four schools from across Ireland to receive a national award this year. Scoil Mhuire in Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, claimed the Best Primary School title, while Ramsgrange Community School in Co Wexford was recognised as Best Secondary School. Portumna Community School in Co. Galway was crowned the Overall National Winner.

Judges were full of praise for the quality and creativity of entries this year, highlighting the practical steps being taken by children and young people to create wildlife habitats, support biodiversity and strengthen their connection with the natural world within their school communities.

Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, said the Ballivor win was a source of particular pride for the programme.

"Every year, the Nature Hero Awards show just how much can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to engage with nature in a meaningful and hands-on way," she said.

"A huge congratulations to everyone at Giggles Outdoor Preschool on being named Ireland's Best Preschool in this year's awards. Introducing children to nature from such a young age can help build a connection with the natural world that stays with them as they grow, and it is fantastic to see that being embraced so enthusiastically in Meath."

Mark Nolan, Director of Biodiversity in Schools, said the standard of entries illustrated the breadth of nature-focused work happening in Irish schools.

"The standard of entries to this year's Nature Hero Awards demonstrated the extraordinary work taking place across Ireland to support biodiversity. Giggles Outdoor Preschool is a fantastic example of how engaging with nature can begin from the earliest years, and we're delighted to recognise their efforts with this national award," he said.

Following another successful year of the programme, the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards will return for 2027, with entries now open. Preschools, primary schools and secondary schools across Ireland are invited to apply and demonstrate the actions they are taking to support biodiversity and help young people connect with the natural world.

Schools interested in entering can find out more at glenveagh.ie/corporate/nature-hero-awards.