Project meeting in Cork (IE)
The second in-person project meeting as part of Green Cool Schools GROW Europe took place in Cork, Ireland, from 18 to 20 May 2026. All project partners from Austria, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Hungary attended. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to reflect together on the project work carried out so far, exchange experiences and plan the next steps for the upcoming project phase.
The first day focused primarily on the project meeting. The partners reviewed the activities carried out so far and discussed how best to achieve the project’s objectives. In addition, dates were set for the next webinars, preparations were made for the upcoming Green Cool Schools Award, and the evaluation of the teaching materials developed as part of the project was discussed.
Day 1: Project meeting and workshop
The first day focused primarily on the project meeting. The partners reviewed the activities carried out so far and discussed how best to achieve the project’s objectives. In addition, dates were set for the next webinars, preparations were made for the upcoming Green Cool Schools Award, and the evaluation of the teaching materials developed as part of the project was discussed.
In the afternoon, the focus was on an exchange workshop with teachers. During the session, participants shared their experiences to date with implementing greening projects in their respective countries. Common ground, obstacles and challenges were discussed openly. The in-depth exchange highlighted just how varied the circumstances are in schools, whilst also revealing the many similar issues and questions that unite the project partners.
Day 2: Visit to and tour of the partner schools
On the second day, the participants visited two Irish partner schools. The first stop was Carriganima National School, a small school with just 16 pupils. The guests received a very warm welcome and were given a tour of the school garden, where various projects are being carried out. These include a worm bin for composting organic waste and a compost heap for organic waste from the school’s daily routine. The classrooms were also visited. Afterwards, refreshments were served, including bread rolls and a specially prepared cake.
The group then visited Gaelscoil na Dúglaise, an Irish-language school where lessons are taught in Irish. Here, too, the project partners received a particularly warm welcome. A musical performance by the school band and choir created a memorable atmosphere. During the subsequent tour of the school and grounds, the group was able to view numerous greening projects and creative approaches to the design of the outdoor areas.
Day 3: Group outing
On the third day, to round off the meeting, a group excursion was organised to Blackrock Castle Observatory. There, the participants toured the observatory and gained fascinating insights into the history of the city of Cork and the importance of shipping to the region. It was particularly interesting to learn that Cork Harbour is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. A show at the planetarium was also part of the programme and rounded off the visit.
In summary: time for personal discussion, sharing ideas and looking ahead to the next steps
In addition to the technical sessions, the group dinners also provided an opportunity for personal conversations and further international exchange. It is precisely these informal encounters that strengthen cooperation and contribute significantly to the project’s success.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Irish partners for their wonderful hospitality, as well as to Munster Technology University (MTU) and, in particular, Simon for organising such a varied and successful programme. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together in Cork.
Photos: B-NK, MTU
