Naas, Co Kildare, has been named Ireland’s Best Kept Town, beating Derry, Omagh in Co Tyrone and Carrigaline, Co Cork, in the large urban centre category and taking the overall title.
Towns and villages across the island were assessed on the level of public cleanliness and facilities, the outward appearance of roads and buildings and the quality of local wildlife.
Earlier this week Naas was named the cleanest town in Ireland by the Irish Business Against Litter association. Naas has won that title three times since 2020. The survey, conducted by An Taisce, made reference to a “spotless” Naas plaza and “a much cared for” canal bank.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ireland’s Best Kept Town competition, a cross-Border initiative between the SuperValu TidyTowns competition in the Republic and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept awards.
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Buncrana, Co Donegal, was named the island’s best kept large town, beating Rush, Co Dublin, and Comber, Co Down. Royal Hillsborough, Co Down, won the small town category, beating Carlingford, Co Louth, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, and Randalstown, Co Antrim.
Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was named the best kept village. Eyeries, Co Cork, and Riverstown, Co Sligo, were nominees in the category.
Winners were announced on Tuesday at a ceremony in Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
“Being nominated for these awards is an achievement in itself. It is a recognition of the efforts made by volunteers and local communities,” Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary said.
“It is a testament to how local volunteers take ownership of their local areas and work to improve them.”
Doreen Muskett, chairperson of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, said: “These competitions continue to demonstrate the great pride that people have in their communities, North and South, and the hard work that is carried out by volunteers.”
