We had an incredible time at the Climate Cocktail Club’s Climate Carnival, held in the beautiful Ballintubbert Gardens and House in County Laois at the end of September. The event brought together an inspiring mix of people who are passionate about climate action, innovation, and community — and we were delighted to be part of it.

At the LIFE IP Peatlands and People tent, visitors experienced the project's work across three key catalysts - ecological, economic, and social - each showcasing a different aspect that's needed for a just transition in the Midlands.

Peatlands and People tent at the Climate Carnival

Ecological Catalyst: The Wonders of Peatlands

Our ecological catalyst drew a crowd with our hands-on “Bog in a Box” display, a miniature peatland ecosystem that highlighted the magic and importance of these unique landscapes. We also shared exciting progress from our Sphagnum moss planting projects on BnM bogs in Ireland’s Midlands - vital work that enhances peatland restoration and carbon capture.

Bog in a box

Showcasing the projects progress

Economic Catalyst: Green Innovation in Action

At our economic catalyst stand, we celebrated the success of pioneering companies that have completed the Accelerate Green (AG) programme — Ireland’s first scaling accelerator for green innovators. Visitors were treated to samples and demonstrations from inspiring businesses including Novelplast, BiaSol, Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, HaPPE Earth, and Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd. These enterprises are proving that sustainable innovation and economic growth can go hand in hand.

Social and Cultural Catalyst: Shaping Climate House Ireland

Our social and cultural catalyst invited participants to share their thoughts and ideas for Climate House Ireland - a new initiative to create a home in the Midlands dedicated to Ireland’s climate and nature action. Illustrator Eimear McNally brought people’s ideas and insights to life throughout the day, producing a stunning live artwork that captured the creativity and optimism of the crowd.

To coincide with the event, we also launched the new Climate House website and video — explore both now at climatehouse.ie to learn more and get involved.

Illustrator Eimear McNally bringing participants ideas to life to shape the vision for Climate House Ireland

The final product! You shared your ideas for Climate House Ireland

Inspiring Conversations

Representing ERINN Innovation and LIFE IP Peatlands and People, our team also had the chance to attend several thought-provoking sessions. The Women Leading on Climate panel, featuring a keynote by the inspiring Hafsat Abiola, co-founder of Project Dandelion, was a standout moment of the day.

Another highlight was the Creating, Curating and Catalysing for Impact panel, where Christine Domegan of Climate House Ireland, Troy Armour of Junk Kouture, Amber Nutall of Extreme Hang Out and Jennie C. Stephens of NUI Maynooth joined Max Milligan to discuss the power of collaboration and creativity in driving meaningful change.

Curating, Creating and Catalysing Impact panel on the People Power stage

A big thank you to the Climate Carnival team for organising such a vibrant, engaging, and hopeful event. It was a wonderful celebration of innovation, community, and collective action for the planet.