Launch of The Orchard Way, Rathcoole Park

Community, Nature and Heritage in Bloom at The Orchard Way Launch 

A wonderful day of community spirit and planting for the future as The Orchard Way was officially launched on 4th November 2026 by Mayor Cllr. Francis Timmons in Rathcoole Park, in partnership with Rathcoole Tidy Towns and Saggart Tidy Towns, through the support of the SDCC and IPB Insurance Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026.

This inspiring initiative brought together local communities to plant heritage apple trees and create vibrant new spaces for nature to thrive. Special thanks to everyone who took part, including the teachers and pupils of Holy Family National School, who helped plant in Rathcoole Park, and Scoil Aoife National School, whose students enthusiastically supported planting in Carraigmore Park.

These new community orchards will provide lasting benefits for people and nature alike, supporting pollinators, encouraging wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and creating opportunities for future generations to connect with the natural environment.

A sincere thank you to the Irish Seed Savers Association for their invaluable work in preserving Ireland's rich collection of traditional apple varieties and helping to safeguard this important heritage for generations to come.

As they beautifully remind us "Taste an apple and you taste the past. Plant a tree and you grow the future."