Ballina in the running for prestigious title this Friday

Ballina will find out on Friday next if it is to become the European Volunteering Capital in 2026.

The North Mayo capital is one of just three European towns shortlisted for the prestigious title alongside Maia in Portugal and Rzeszów in Poland. Before being shortlisted, Ballina was also the sole Irish entry to the process.

Ballina Municipal District, together with Volunteer Ireland, Mayo Public-Private Network, Mayo Volunteer Centre and Ballina 2023 have been working together to secure the title.

A delegation will travel to the announcement ceremony in the current Volunteer Capital of Trento in Italy next Friday.

A jury of volunteering representatives from civil society, the private and for-profit sector, as well as EU institutions has assessed candidates ahead of the announcement.

If Ballina is successful in its efforts, it will have benefits for tourism and the volunteering sector in the area. The title was held by Sligo in 2017.