Community spirit took centre stage this week as the latest gov.ie announcement confirmed the winners of the 2026 Ireland’s Best Kept Town Competition. The awards, revealed at Riddel Hall in Belfast, shine a spotlight on local volunteers, tidy towns groups and civic leaders whose work keeps towns and villages vibrant, welcoming and full of pride.
The all-island contest remains one of the most positive community initiatives on the calendar, linking the Republic’s SuperValu TidyTowns movement with Northern Ireland’s Best Kept competition. Backed through public recognition promoted on gov.ie, the awards celebrate not just appearance, but also civic effort, cross-border cooperation and the long-term value of local stewardship.
2026 winners recognised in gov.ie competition update
According to the official gov.ie release, Antrim was named overall Ireland’s Best Kept Town for 2026 and also secured the title of Best Kept Large Urban Centre. Other category winners included Carraig Airt as Best Kept Village, Groomsport as Best Kept Small Town and Trim as Best Kept Large Town.
- Overall winner: Antrim
- Best Kept Large Urban Centre: Antrim
- Best Kept Village: Carraig Airt
- Best Kept Small Town: Groomsport
- Best Kept Large Town: Trim
Minister Dara Calleary praised the winners and nominees, saying the competition reflects the pride people take in their communities right across the island. He also highlighted the role of volunteers whose sustained work makes these places attractive to live in, work in and visit.
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Why the competition matters beyond appearance
While awards like this often focus on visual presentation, the deeper story is about participation. Clean streets, maintained public spaces, planting schemes and heritage care usually depend on people giving their time freely. That local energy often complements the work of state bodies and public services, from gov.ie departments to agencies involved in Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Climate Action and Rural and Community Development.
In practice, well-kept towns can support broader national priorities too, including tourism, public health and local enterprise. Bodies such as Fáilte Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Enterprise Ireland all operate in an ecosystem where strong communities create better places to visit, invest in and live in. That makes recognition on gov.ie more than ceremonial; it underlines the social and economic value of volunteer-led place-making.
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A 31-year all-island tradition of local excellence
Now in its 31st year, the Ireland’s Best Kept Town Competition continues to stand out as a successful cross-border initiative. Organisers and judges assess communities not only on upkeep, but on effort, consistency and the sense that residents care deeply about where they live.
Doreen Muskett of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council said the judging panel faced a difficult task because of the high standard on display across Ireland. That comment speaks to a wider truth: these awards are increasingly competitive because community groups have raised the bar year after year.
For many entrants, participation also builds momentum for future work, whether that means improved streetscapes, better biodiversity projects, stronger local partnerships or increased support from councils and agencies.
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What towns can learn from this year’s winners
The latest gov.ie update is a reminder that successful towns are built by sustained local effort. The winning communities show that pride, cooperation and consistency can transform public spaces and strengthen identity at the same time.
As more towns look for ways to improve quality of life, attract visitors and support local business, the 2026 winners offer a clear lesson: lasting community success starts at street level. With continued support from volunteers, local groups and recognition through gov.ie, Ireland’s best-kept places can keep setting the standard for the rest of the island.
