Dromiskin crowned Louth’s tidiest town at national awards in Croke Park

Dromiskin was crowned the tidiest town in Louth at today’s Tidy Town awards ceremony held in Croke Park. The town also scooped €2,500 as part of a special active travel award. Dromiskin pipped Blackrock to the Louth title by just one point while Dundalk was third. 

Other Louth towns also had success with Dundalk, Blackrock, Drogheda and Ardee winning gold medals. Both Tallanstown and Carlingford were awarded silver medals while Knockbridge was awarded bronze. Additionally Omeath was honoured with a special endeavour award. 

600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event livestreamed to many more online.

This year 929 towns were competing for the prestigious awards which have been running since 1958. This was the highest number of entries ever received in the competition’s history.

Carrick-on-Shannon Co. Leitrim was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town as well as Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.

Dromiskin Tidy Towns greatly impressed the adjudicators maintaining the standards that earned the village its Gold Medal in 2024. This year’s adjudication praised Dromiskin’s strategic planning and volunteer commitment, with over 1,600 pledged hours from more than 50 participants. The group’s innovative “Think Tank” approach to evaluating progress and the development of a new LEADER-funded Tidy Towns Plan were highlighted as models of forward thinking.

Inclusivity remains at the heart of the group’s success, with strong engagement from residents young and old, including partnerships with the Junior Tidy Towns Committee, Foroige, and the St. John of God Community House. The creation of the €121,300 Siúl na Manach Greenway linking the Heritage Park to Ginnety’s Pond Nature Park was described as “transformational,” while projects like Herity’s Pub restoration, the outdoor classroom at St. Peter’s N.S., and the beautifully restored village water pump, the adjudicators said, showed how heritage, sustainability, and community spirit continue to thrive side by side.

The judges were particularly impressed by Dromiskin’s environmental stewardship, calling the village “an exemplar” in biodiversity and sustainability. They said the community’s achievement in earning two Green Flag awards, the first in Ireland for volunteer-maintained parks, set a national benchmark. From the planting of 1,700 hawthorn whips along the new greenway to innovative projects like the solar-powered Sustainable Duck Feeder at Ginnety’s Pond, Dromiskin continues to lead by example, the report said.

Daily litter patrols, a herbicide-free maintenance policy, and a climate-conscious drainage project all underlined its commitment to protecting nature while keeping the village spotless. 

The adjudicators also praised the cohesive design of signage, thoughtful planting, and community pride evident throughout every estate and approach road. Describing Dromiskin as “a beautiful place to live and visit,” the report concludes that the village’s blend of vision, dedication, and teamwork made it an inspiration “for other rural dwellers to see what can be achieved.”

Blackrock once again impressed adjudicators following its 2024 title of “Tidiest Small Town.” The report praised the village for its dedication and organisation, highlighting a comprehensive entry form, an active three-year plan, and strong alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. The Beautiful Blackrock Awards, which engage all 38 housing estates, were hailed as “a masterstroke of community engagement.”

Judges commended the thriving Junior Tidy Towns group, impressive communications strategy with over 5,700 Facebook followers, and inclusive partnerships with schools, the Legion of Mary, and the wider community. Streetscapes were described as “exceptionally well maintained,” with special mention for Sybils, Storm in a Teacup, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as well as the colourful promenade, age-friendly seating, and the new boules court bridging generations.

The report also celebrated Blackrock’s leadership in sustainability and biodiversity. Blackrock Park earned its eighth consecutive Green Flag Award, and projects like the Hamilton Marsh restoration and AquaInvert citizen science app were also praised.

The adjudicators noted the village was “absolutely pristine,” crediting seamless coordination between volunteers, schools, and local authorities. Initiatives like the Christmas tree recycling drive, circular economy reuse events, and solar energy projects at local businesses showcased innovation and impact. 

Judges also praised residents’ immaculate gardens, creative planting schemes, and ongoing efforts to balance beauty with biodiversity. Concluding, the report stated that “Blackrock truly serves as a beacon of what dedicated community action can achieve.” 

Dundalk Tidy Towns also impressed adjudicators, earning praise for its “remarkable energy and innovation” and a strong community spirit that continues to drive positive change. The group’s new five-year plan, growing volunteer base, and excellent community engagement were highlighted as key strengths. 

With 35 volunteers and a committee of 10, Dundalk’s team was commended for its inclusivity, collaboration with groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association and St John of Gods, and engagement with international volunteers. Recognition from the Northeast Business Awards and Louth County Council was described as well deserved. The judges also praised Dundalk’s communication efforts, including its expanding social media following, primary schools’ environmental newsletter, and new website developed in partnership with DKIT students.

The report lauded the town’s transformation, from the ongoing Facades Project and SEEK Urban Arts Festival to the restoration of St Helena’s Park and innovative biodiversity projects such as pollinator beds and pocket forests. The adjudicator noted the town’s impressive cleanliness, describing it as “an amazing achievement for such a large town,” and commended the Adopt a Patch and River Clean campaigns. With projects like the LED Christmas lights, Frostival festival, and continued regeneration of key town quarters, Dundalk was celebrated as “a beacon of what dedicated volunteers can achieve.” 

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Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD praised the level of competition this year:

“The standard of competition was exceptionally high this year in all categories, with a record 929 entries received overall from the almost 1000 active groups nationwide.

“I want to congratulate all the winners today across all the various categories. 

“In particular, I recognise the vital role of volunteers across the country who are working so hard all year round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit.

“Your passion and commitment is inspiring and the embodiment of everything that is good in our communities.

“Investment in our communities through this wonderful competition reaps long-term rewards for all, as showcased by the winning groups here today.  

“The impact of Supervalu TidyTowns can be seen, particularly in fostering inclusion, sustainability and community engagement.”

Category A

Greenore - An Ghrianfort 362

Stabannon - Beannáin 356

Grange - Gráinseach 348

Annagassan- Áth na gCasán 344

Category B

Tallanstown - Baile an Tallúnaigh 387 - Silver Medal

Knockbridge - Cnoc Bride 380 - Bronze Medal

Kilcurry - Cill an Coraig 347

Omeath - Óméith 344 - Endeavour Award

Collon - Collann 337

Louth - Lú 317

Baltray - Baile Trá 302

Category C

Dromiskin - Droimineasclainn 396 - County First & Gold Medal

Carlingford - Cairlinn 384 - Silver Medal

Dunleer - Dún Léire 369

Castlebellingham/Kilsaran - Baile an Ghearlánaigh 354

Tullyallen - Tulaigh Álainn 327

Monasterboice - Mainistir Bhuithe 326

Termonfeckin - Tearmann Feichín 302

Category D

Blackrock - Na Creagacha Dubha 395 - County Second & Gold Medal

Haggardstown - Baile Hagaird 232

Category E

Ardee - Baile Átha Fhirdhia 380 - Gold Medal

Category H

Dundalk - Dún Dealgan 389 - County Third & Gold Medal

Drogheda - Droichead Átha 384 - Gold Medal