Leave No Trace Ireland has launched its annual "Love This Place" campaign, calling on the public to come together to protect Ireland’s rich natural landscapes, so we can all enjoy them responsibly as we head into the summer season. Now in its fifth year, the national awareness campaign is supported by partners including Galway City Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Office of Public Works, Coillte, Sport Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Wicklow Co Council, Galway Co Council, Clare Co Council and Cork City Council - all dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
With more people than ever seeking connection with nature - through hiking, swimming, dog-walking and exploring - this year’s Love This Place campaign reinforces the simple message: "If you love this place, leave no trace."
Ireland’s great outdoors has seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years, with over 98% of residents valuing time spent in nature (CSO). However, increased footfall has also brought challenges: trail erosion, littering, dog fouling, wildlife disturbance, and an increase in wildfires - 96% of which are linked to human activity.
“Our message is clear,” said Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland, “We all have a part to play in preserving the places and wildlife we love. This campaign invites everyone enjoying the outdoors this summer, from seasoned hikers to dog owners, to take simple, mindful steps to protect our natural landscapes. Our land is not just scenic - it’s living. It feeds us, shelters biodiversity, and connects our communities. Respecting it is not about restriction, but about care and responsibility. We’re so grateful to the public and our partners for supporting "Love This Place" - we ask everyone to take action.”
The Love This Place 2025 campaign shares three tangible actions for the public to take:
- Be responsible with your dog - Keep dogs on a lead, especially around farm animals and wildlife, and always clean up after them.
- Protect Wildlife and wild places - Bring all litter home, don’t feed wild animals, and watch wildlife from a safe distance.
- Stay on the path - Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging habitats or disturbing animals, both seen and unseen.
Throughout the summer, "Love This Place" will roll out:
- A digital storytelling campaign featuring voices from across Ireland: farmers, walkers, dog owners, and community groups.
- On-the-ground events and clean-up days coordinated with local authorities and environmental groups.
- Education initiatives and social media toolkits for influencers, schools, and tourism partners.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD said, "Ireland’s natural landscapes are among our greatest national treasures – they sustain our communities, support rural economies, and offer vital spaces for recreation and wellbeing. Respect for the natural environment is at the centre of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027. The 'Love This Place' campaign plays a key role in reminding us all of our shared responsibility to care for these places. As more people embrace the outdoors, it’s essential that we do so in a way that protects the environment for future generations and we must ensure that our actions, particularly when it comes to our dogs, do not cause harm or loss to the environment or others.
To learn more or get involved, visit: www.LeaveNoTraceIreland.org/Love-This-Place