About IPA Ireland

The International Play Association (IPA) Ireland is the Irish branch of IPA World, a global organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting children's right to play, as recognised in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Established in March 2025, IPA Ireland brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds who share a commitment to advancing children's right to play. Our members include researchers, practitioners, educators and advocates working across sectors including childhood, education, health, community development and the built environment.

We aim to strengthen the voice of play in Ireland by connecting people and organisations, sharing knowledge and evidence and advocating for policies and environments that support children's opportunities to play.

As a relatively new, volunteer-led organisation, we are building our network and exploring opportunities for collaboration and collective action. Our work to date has included bringing members together to explore the challenges and opportunities for play in Ireland and contributing to wider national conversations on children's play rights.

Our November 2026 symposium, Sustainable Futures through Play, reflects our commitment to connecting children's right to play with wider social and environmental challenges. Through the event, we hope to foster new partnerships, encourage cross-sectoral dialogue and identify opportunities to advance children's right to play through climate action and sustainable communities.