From 5–7 June 2026, we teamed up with Talamh Óg — the youth articulation of Talamh Beo — to host a three-day Youth Field School in Cloughjordan Eco-village, bringing together around 50 young farmers, growers, land activists and organisers from across Ireland. The weekend focused on “Growing the Youth Land Movement”, creating a space for people to connect, share skills and imagine what the future of land and food justice movements could look like.
Rather than following a traditional conference format, the weekend was designed around practical activities, workshops, conversations and shared meals — creating opportunities for participants to learn from each other, exchange knowledge and build relationships.
The weekend began on Friday evening with participants arriving into Cloughjordan and a welcome dinner. After introductions from the organising team, many attendees headed into Cloughjordan for a concert by Clare Sands (coincidentally just around the corner from the accommodation!).
Saturday began with a community Meitheal at Cloughjordan Community Farm. We worked together, scything and weeding to free the soft fruits in the community farm from overgrown nettles and brambles. It was a real highlight of the weekend.
After lunch, participants joined talks and discussions exploring themes of social and environmental justice, including a very passionate and informative contribution from Rupa Marya on land justice and Palestine. The afternoon continued with a series of skill-sharing workshops held across Cloughjordan Ecovillage. These sessions covered topics including seed sovereignty for new entrants, cooking and care in the food justice movement, thatching, farm and volunteer management, and building a land league for the 21st-century.
Sunday focused on strategy, reflection and the future of the youth land justice movement. Participants heard about Gluaiseacht’s history and experiences in building youth movements for environmental justice. We also heard from Talamh Beo and their organising around land justice, food sovereignty and sustainable farming.
The weekend was a reminder of the power of coming together — and of the exciting possibilities ahead for young people building a more just and sustainable future for land, food and farming.
A huge shout out to Laura Shine and everyone who helped with the cooking. To Dan, Beck and the many many volunteers from Talamh Óg for all the organising and behind-the-scenes work that made the gathering possible. To Cloughjordan Eco-village for hosting the event.
Onwards and Upwards!
