It’s a voluntary organization, with the main sponsors being the SuperValu grocery stores, with many other organizations also involved, namely Guinness, Tourism Ireland, phone companies, pharmaceuticals, the farming communities, Aer Lingus the state airline, and others. Starting in March of each year, flowers are planted, trees are pruned, shop fronts and houses are given a makeover. Going through towns and villages in the early mornings, it’s an awakening and heart lifting experience to see the dedication and the pride that people have in their locality. Cleaning up the streets, renewing flower boxes etc. People from eight to eighty are involved, schools encourage students from an early age to keep their sweet papers or other rubbish they may have until they can dispose of it in a waste bin. The organization is well established and is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It’s represented by a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and the other members of a board of directors with the skills and know-how, that are needed to deliver the necessary support.

The idea of the competition is not just the aforementioned effort but also to bring attention to these areas. Investment from overseas is a must for all of Ireland and the IDA (Irish Development Authority) has attracted many companies under the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) to set up here. Small and large multinational companies are government funded and grant aided when agreeing to locate. First impressions are everything and the tidy towns are the injection that impresses a company that “what a lovely place to offer to employees’. Schools, churches, community facilities, and much much more are constantly being updated. It’s so important for an area to have this investment, statistics show that for every 10 employees in a work place they are supporting 6 others in that area with money being spent through housing or stores. Another point to remember is, with the UK having left the EU, Ireland is now the largest English speaking country within the European Union, with a highly well educated young workforce. 

With the environment having a more ‘Green’ belief now, it will be more easier to keep offices, government buildings, schools, warehouses, dwellings and all other stores cleaner and less stained by emissions.

Adjudication for the competition takes place in June with results coming out in September or October. No monetary value for the winners. A gold medal for the winning town, silver and bronze for the runners up. Over 700 towns take part now after 70 years. Outliving the boys with the flat caps, even the caps have disappeared. For the towns that win or those that are close to winning the bar has now been raised. The top towns have to try and stay at the top and the runners up have to continue and achieve their ultimate goal.

Best wishes and thanks to all who take part. Driving throughout the country with tourists it makes us as people involved in the tourism business very proud having people remark how lovely everyplace looks. No other country in Europe has this competitive approach to a tidy town. That having been said, when driving throughout Europe one will be impressed by the beauty and cleanliness of their towns and cities, despite the lack of any competition incentive.

Ireland’s Tidiest Village 2023

• Geashill, Co Offaly

Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town 2023

• Abbeyleix, Co Laois

Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town 2023

• Killarney, Co Kerry

Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre 2023

• Cork South, Co Cork

Regional Award Winner 2023

• Midlands & East

Tree Project Award

• Shannon TidyTowns, Co Clare