European Climate Pact at Púca Festival

The European Climate Pact brought climate action to centre stage at this year’s Púca Festival, blending Celtic folklore with conversations on sustainability, community engagement, and environmental awareness.

Now in its second year taking part in the festival, the Climate Pact significantly expanded its presence with more Ambassadors hosting interactive activities, workshops, panel discussions, and storytelling sessions designed to inspire climate action at local level.

The Climate Pact’s engagement was led by Cllr. David Gilroy, Pact Ambassador and Sustainable Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Púca. Ambassador Lorna McCormack delivered hands-on workshops titled ‘Beware of the Curse of the Plastic Fleece’, highlighting the environmental impact of synthetic clothing. McCormack also presented ‘Future Tapestry – a VR Experience’, an immersive virtual reality artwork exploring wool production and the future of Irish sheep farming. Created by John Conway (Director & Producer), Aisling Byrne (Writer) and NOHO Dublin (Visuals), the VR installation was delivered in collaboration with Kildare County Council.

More than 300 people of all ages experienced the VR installation. Many participants reported that it changed how they viewed the Irish wool industry – not as a remnant of the past, but as a renewable, local and climatepositive resource.

Ambassador Shirley Gallagher carried out sustainability observations and an audit of festival operations. Her analysis highlights how festival organisers can incorporate practical environmental improvements while maintaining cultural value and visitor experience.

Ambassador Anupam Srivastava joined a panel discussion and live podcast on Sustainable Festivals and Events alongside Patricia White, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Drogheda Credit Union Ltd. 

The discussion focused on embedding sustainability into event planning and increasing community engagement through local partnerships.

Representing South East Energy Agency as the Ireland Country Coordinator, Edima Obaloluwa introduced the Climate Pact to festivalgoers, encouraging individuals and organisations to join the movement.