Clare will be the European Volunteering Capital in 2027, recognising the contribution of thousands of volunteers and community organisations across the county.
The title will see a year-long programme of events celebrating the contribution and impact of volunteers and encouraging more people to get involved.
More than 400 people attended the event in Ennis last night to launch the programme.
The European Volunteering Capital title was awarded to Clare by the Centre for European Volunteering following a competitive process involving cities and regions across Europe.
Clare County Council and Clare Volunteer Centre submitted a joint bid in June 2025, with the proposal developed through a cross-sector working group involving organisations from across the county.
Clare was announced as the winner late last year and now joins previous European Volunteering capitals including Barcelona, Aarhus, Berlin, Mechelen, Maia and Košice.
Sligo, which held the title in 2017, remains the only other Irish recipient.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Joe Killeen, said the award was a "proud moment for Clare" and recognised the contribution made by volunteers in communities across the county.
He said he hoped people across Clare would get involved and make 2027 "a year that celebrates volunteering and the people who make such a difference in our communities".
Clare County Council Chief Executive Gordon Daly said the aim was to ensure the legacy of the European Volunteering Capital title extended beyond 2027 and left a lasting benefit for communities.
Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre, Sharon Meaney, said the title "belongs to everyone in Clare", adding that there would be opportunities for existing volunteers as well as people considering volunteering for the first time.
