Kilkenny City Achieves Tidy Towns Improvement, Carrick-on-Shannon Wins

Kilkenny City has made notable strides in this year’s Tidy Towns competition, improving its score across all assessment categories. Despite this progress, the city missed out on the national accolade as Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim claimed the overall title for the first time.

In the competition, Inistioge emerged with the highest score in Kilkenny County, earning a gold medal. Kilkenny City secured second place, while Tullahought took third. Additionally, Owning received an Endeavour Award for exhibiting the most significant improvement.

Recognition for Community Efforts

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful was also recognized nationally, receiving €2,500 as one of the two recipients of the Greenways and Active Travel Award. The recognition reflects the community’s dedication to enhancing the local environment and promoting sustainable practices.

The adjudicators’ report on Inistioge highlighted the village’s charm, describing it as a “hidden gem in the lesser-explored areas of Ireland.” The Tidy Towns Committee was commended for its 62-year commitment to the initiative, which has seen consistent community involvement over the decades.

The judges’ comments on Kilkenny City were equally positive. They noted, “Kilkenny is always a welcoming place to visit, and it has become an even bigger tourist attraction, as evidenced by visitor numbers on the day of adjudication.” They remarked on the city’s exceptional appearance, praising the well-presented properties and the strong sense of community pride.

As the committee continues its efforts for the betterment of the city, the judges emphasized the tireless work of community members, stating, “You deserve immense credit for your commitment.”

The outcome of the Tidy Towns competition serves not only as a reflection of the hard work invested by local committees but also as a celebration of community spirit and environmental stewardship across the region.