Ballinahown in Co Westmeath has been named the overall winner of the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition, putting the village at the centre of Ireland headlines today. The result recognises the community’s work to improve its appearance, public spaces and local environment.
Ballinahown takes top TidyTowns award
The Westmeath village secured the national title in the competition, which has been running since 1958. Ballinahown also received the award for tidiest village, making it the standout community among this year’s winners.
The annual competition celebrates volunteer-led efforts across Ireland. Local groups typically focus on areas such as landscaping, streetscape improvements, community participation, environmental care and the presentation of public spaces.
Other 2026 category winners
Alongside Ballinahown’s overall success, awards were presented in other town categories:
- Buncrana, Co Donegal: Tidiest large town
- Abbeyleix, Co Laois: Tidiest small town
- Ballinahown, Co Westmeath: Tidiest village and overall winner
The awards provide national recognition for communities that invest time and effort in maintaining their surroundings. They also highlight the role of volunteers in creating attractive, welcoming places to live, visit and do business.
Ballinahown is in Co Westmeath; it won the overall 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns title; the village also won the tidiest village award; the TidyTowns competition began in 1958.
Why the TidyTowns result matters to local communities
The TidyTowns competition is more than a presentation ceremony. For participating communities, it offers a way to organise voluntary work around practical improvements and to showcase local pride.
Projects associated with TidyTowns can include planting and maintaining flowerbeds, caring for green areas, improving the appearance of buildings and entrances, supporting biodiversity and encouraging residents to take responsibility for shared spaces. The specific work varies from one location to another, but the common feature is sustained community involvement.
For Ballinahown, the overall award places the village among the most highly recognised TidyTowns communities in Ireland. It may also increase awareness of the area among visitors and residents looking for examples of successful local action.
A national tradition dating back to 1958
The TidyTowns competition has operated for decades and remains one of the best-known community initiatives in Ireland. Its longevity reflects the continued interest in town and village improvement, as well as the contribution of volunteers who work throughout the year.
Although the competition is judged through awards and categories, the benefits can extend beyond the result. Cleaner public areas, well-maintained planting and stronger community participation can contribute to local quality of life and help communities present a positive image.
What the 2026 awards show
This year’s results also demonstrate the breadth of participation across the country. Buncrana’s success represents a large town, Abbeyleix was recognised in the small-town category, and Ballinahown took the village title as well as the overall award.
The spread of winners across Westmeath, Donegal and Laois underlines the national reach of the competition. It is not limited to one region or one type of settlement.
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Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 TidyTowns competition?
Ballinahown in Co Westmeath won the overall 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.
Which community was named tidiest village?
Ballinahown also won the award for tidiest village.
Who won the tidiest large town award?
Buncrana in Co Donegal received the tidiest large town award.
Who won the tidiest small town award?
Abbeyleix in Co Laois was named the tidiest small town.
When did the TidyTowns competition begin?
The competition has been running since 1958.
Ballinahown’s achievement recognised
Ballinahown’s double success is the central story from the 2026 TidyTowns results. The Westmeath village has been recognised both as the country’s tidiest village and as the overall winner, while Buncrana and Abbeyleix took the large- and small-town awards.
The result offers a clear reminder of how sustained voluntary effort can shape the appearance and identity of a community. For the latest Irish news and future TidyTowns updates, readers should follow announcements from the competition organisers and local authorities.
Ballinahown’s win is a national recognition of local pride, community participation and the lasting value of caring for Ireland’s towns and villages.