Eco Estate

Tipperary Eco Estate

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Cloughjordan Ecovillage is located in County Tipperary, Ireland, and represents the nation’s first and only eco estate dedicated to sustainable and regenerative living[5][7]. Founded in the late 1990s, the ecovillage project was initiated by members of an organic food cooperative and established Sustainable Projects Ireland, purchasing a 67-acre site that merges naturally with the existing Cloughjordan village[1][6].

Since the arrival of the first residents in December 2009, Cloughjordan Ecovillage has grown to house over 130 people in more than 50 low-energy, mostly wooden-framed homes and live-work units[1][2]. Its housing stock, enterprise centre, and eco-hostel are complemented by hi-spec broadband access and proximity to a mainline train station, allowing residents to work locally or commute[1][2].

  • Energy and Heating: The estate features a biomass-fuelled district heating system, powered by wood pellets and unused timber from local sawmills, delivering renewable energy to all buildings in the village[1][2].
  • Biodiversity and Farming: Around 20,000 trees have been planted in a dedicated biodiversity garden, while a significant portion of the land is used for a pioneering community-supported farm growing 70 apple varieties, organic vegetables, and biodynamic crops for residents[1][4][6].
  • Community Life: Residents pledge volunteer hours annually and participate in working groups covering land maintenance, education, governance, and guided tours for visitors, fostering strong social ties and collective responsibility[1].
  • Education and Outreach: The ecovillage acts as a research and training centre, hosting immersive educational visits and sustainability projects, supported by a dedicated enterprise centre known as ‘Cultivate’[2][6].

The average ecological footprint of residents is measured at approximately 2 global hectares—less than half the average Irish footprint as reported by WWF—thanks to renewable heating, efficient homes, and sustainable agriculture[1][4]. The project has received recognition both domestically and internationally for its efforts, becoming a finalist in the 2020 Transformative Cities awards and being included in the EU’s MILESECURE-2050 sustainability initiative[3].

Cloughjordan Ecovillage continues to expand, with plans to sell additional sites as local resources become available, maintaining its vision to demonstrate and teach genuinely sustainable living in modern Ireland[1][2].

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