merrion street

Picture shows Centre from left Martin Kelleher,Managing Director,SuperValu;David Fitzgerald, Chairman of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful; and Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

Kilkenny was today named best of the 849 towns and villages throughout the country that entered this year’s SuperValu National TidyTowns competition.

On hand to present the prizes was Environment Minister Alan Kelly and Mr. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, the competition’s main sponsor for the 23rd year.

Clonegal Co. Carlow claimed the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Village. Other winners included Kilrush, Co. Clare receiving the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town, Westport Co. Mayo received the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, while Kilkenny City was also declared as Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Speaking after the awards ceremony Minister Kelly said:

It is 1985 since Kilkenny last won the overall prize but they have been consistently achieving high standards in the competition at local and regional level. So my congratulations to Kilkenny and all of the other deserving prize-winners announced today.

I am very impressed by the enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort. The results of their efforts are obvious in the attractive, well cared-for towns and villages we see throughout the country. It is clear that working together and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and helps to build vibrant communities. This is why I am delighted to see this competition continues to sustain great interest, even after 56 years.

The TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and sponsored by SuperValu. The TidyTowns competition has been sponsored by SuperValu since 1992.

Full details of all this year’s winners are available at

and at