As part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, the Tree Council of Ireland partnered with the TidyTowns Unit of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fingal County Council and participating local authorities on the Seven Oaks for the Seven Signatories initiative.

The project commemorated the centenary of the 1916 Rising by presenting seven native Sessile Oak trees to every previous Overall National TidyTowns winner. Each tree represented one of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, creating a lasting living tribute in communities across the country.

The award of seven oak trees recognised the outstanding efforts of TidyTowns communities since 1958 and acknowledged the dedication of local volunteers in making their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit.

By bringing together Ireland's natural and cultural heritage, the initiative celebrated both the achievements of TidyTowns and the enduring significance of the 1916 Proclamation. The planting of native oak trees created permanent landmarks that honour Ireland's history while enhancing biodiversity, enriching local landscapes and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

As part of National Tree Week 2016 and the Fingal 2016 Centenary Programme, Fingal County Council participated in the initiative through a commemorative planting at Malahide Castle. Seven Sessile Oak trees were planted to represent the seven signatories of the Proclamation. Malahide received the trees in recognition of its achievement as the Overall National TidyTowns winner in 1990.

Through its involvement, the Tree Council of Ireland was proud to support a project that combined commemoration with environmental stewardship, encouraging communities to honour the past while investing in Ireland's natural future.

Participating Communities

The following Overall National TidyTowns winners participated in the Seven Oaks for the Seven Signatories initiative:

Adare, Co. Limerick
Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ardagh, Co. Longford
Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan
Carlingford, Co. Louth
Castletown, Co. Laois
Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Emly, Co. Tipperary
Ennis, Co. Clare
Galbally, Co. Limerick
Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
Glenties, Co. Donegal
Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Keadue, Co. Roscommon
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Killarney, Co. Kerry
Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary
Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow
Kinsale, Co. Cork
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Lismore, Co. Waterford
Malahide, Co. Dublin
Malin, Co. Donegal
Mountshannon, Co. Clare
Moynalty, Co. Meath
Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath
Newtowncashel, Co. Longford
Rathvilly, Co. Carlow
Sneem, Co. Kerry
Tallanstown, Co. Louth
Terryglass, Co. Tipperary
Trim, Co. Meath
Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath
Virginia, Co. Cavan
Westport, Co. Mayo