Kilkenny project shortlisted for National Age Friendly Ireland Award

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum has been shortlisted for a national Age Friendly Ireland Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to accessibility, inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for older people.

The Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Restoration and Accessibility Initiative has been shortlisted in the Environment: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings category of the Age Friendly Ireland Awards 2026, celebrating projects that make meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of older people while providing inclusive communities where people can live well, feel valued and remain connected.

As part of the judging process, Clare Curley, former Director of Services with Tipperary County Council, and Jimmy Feane, former Director of Services with Limerick County Council, visited Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum recently to experience first-hand the Woodstock Gardens and recent upgrades on the grounds. The judges were welcomed by representatives from Kilkenny County Council's Age Friendly Programme and Parks Department, alongside members of the Woodstock Committee, local Tidy Towns representatives and the Kilkenny Older People’s Council.

Following a presentation outlining the vision and development of the restoration and accessibility initiative, the judges toured the estate to view the extensive range of age friendly and accessible features that have been introduced in the gardens. These include designated accessible parking with a raised ramp platform, an accessible shuttle bus service, age-friendly seating, enhanced pathways, an accessible playground, all-terrain wheelchairs, accessible toilet facilities, accessible Tea Rooms, the restored Walled Garden Arboretum, and the iconic Monkey Puzzle and Noble Fir Avenues. The project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, design, heritage conservation and accessibility can work together to create welcoming outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer, Community Department, Kilkenny County Council has welcomed the national recognition, describing the shortlisting as "a testament to the collaborative efforts of council staff, community groups and local volunteers who have worked together to ensure Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a destination that is accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone."

"We are absolutely delighted to see the Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Restoration and Accessibility Initiative be shortlisted for this national recognition,” said Carmel Cummins, Woodstock Committee.

“For older people, being able to access and enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces like Woodstock is about maintaining independence, staying active, connecting with others and feeling part of the community. The improvements that have been made, from accessible pathways and seating to transport and accessible equipment, mean that many more people can experience everything Woodstock has to offer. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when accessibility is considered from the outset, and we are proud that Kilkenny is leading by example in creating age friendly outdoor places where everyone can feel welcome."

The winners of the Age Friendly Ireland Awards 2026 will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on October 8 at The Strand Hotel, Limerick, hosted by Limerick City and County Council.