Range of events in Offaly towns and villages for National volunteering Week

A WEEK long celebration of volunteering is on the way with National Volunteering Week 2025 taking place in Offaly and throughout the country this week.

Taking place from May 19-25, this annual event highlights the enormous contributions of volunteers and the powerful impact they make in communities across Ireland.

This year’s theme, "Building Community Together", focuses on the social opportunities that volunteering creates — from meeting new people and making friends, to forging deeper connections within local communities.

This year’s theme reflects the social and connective power of volunteering. Events nationwide will cover training, recognition, wellbeing, and celebration — with Offaly playing a leading role.

Offaly Volunteer Centre Manager, Deirdre Fox, shared her insights on the importance of the occasion: “Outside of home and work, volunteering is the ‘third space’ for many people where we connect, empathise, laugh and nurture. The bonds that are built through volunteering strengthen our communities and unite us as we mind each other. National Volunteering Week is an opportunity for the whole country to celebrate how our countless instances of supporting our community connect us into a huge network of care.”

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In Offaly, the week will be brought to life through a series of uplifting and heart-warming events designed to celebrate community spirit and connection. 

Monday saw the launch of Offaly Volunteer Centre’s annual report, 2024
The report captures not only the facts and figures of the past year, but will also act as a social document recording the stories and impact of volunteers. I

t will serve as a lasting testament to the compassion, commitment and care demonstrated by volunteers across the Faithful County.

The Volunteer Centre's exciting new initiative, the Professional Exchange Programme (PEP), will be launched on Wednesday and it aims to create a dynamic network of local professionals who are ready to share their skills with community and voluntary groups.

Whether you are an accountant offering financial mentoring, a marketer helping a charity raise its profile, or a legal advisor providing guidance, PEP will empower organisations to thrive through expert volunteer support.

On Thursday the "International Communities Celebration" takes place. This vibrant and inclusive event invites Offaly residents from diverse heritages to come together and celebrate their cultures. Expect delicious international cuisine, uplifting music, and opportunities for cultural exchange as we share traditions and stories in a spirit of unity. This promises to be a joyful morning where the richness of Offaly’s global community will truly shine.

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The signature event of the week is the Offaly Community Expo 2025 on Saturday in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

This showcase will bring together the many organisations that make Offaly such a special place. Groups from towns and villages including Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane, Banagher and Tullamore (to name but a few), will be represented, highlighting the breadth of community spirit across the county.

Visitors can connect with local initiatives, discover volunteer opportunities, and celebrate the people and groups working tirelessly to make Offaly a vibrant, caring and connected place to live.

People can stay connected and follow Offaly Volunteer Centre’s social media channels for updates and inspiring volunteer stories throughout the week.