Looking back on 2024: Blackrock is Ireland's Tidiest Small Town

The seaside town of Blackrock was officially declared Ireland's Tidiest Small Town at this year's SuperValu TidyTowns award ceremony in Croke Park in November.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, declared Blackrock the overall winner in the Tidiest Small Town category of this year's competition, in front of over 600 TidyTowns volunteers, with many more watching the event online in a live stream. The event saw Ballincollig in Co Cork winning the overall award for Ireland's Tidiest Town.

Blackrock picked up a total of 385 marks out of a maximum 550 marks, up from 374 marks last year. In the Adjudication Report for Blackrock, the adjudicators said that: “The overall appearance of Blackrock is impressive with a nicely presented built environment and a well-managed natural environment catering for a wide range of activities whilst protecting and promoting the natural environment and its biodiversity.”

Included in the report were the marks awarded in eight different categories, along with some comments on each in relation to Blackrock. Among the comments made on Tidiness and Litter Control, the category in which it received 72 out of a possible 90 marks, it said that: “Participation in the National Spring Clean together with the Coast Watch Beach initiative and maintenance of Walking Trails cannot be praised enough, it is a credit to all involved.

“A special thank you is extended to the Junior Tidy Towns Committee and the input of both schools. Regular litter patrols are effective as is the Tidy Towns van for litter picking related work. The Dog-Fouling project is noteworthy for its effectiveness, well done on this difficult issue. No litter or dog-fouling was noted during Blackrock’s adjudication which is a fine achievement for such a busy village hosting so many visitors.”

Two rounds of adjudication took place during the judging process, with an adjudicator commenting following the second round that, “The nautical themed landscaping as you approach the town gives a fantastic first impression, and I was not disappointed as I got to know Blackrock for myself.
“I started with the promenade, which despite the amount of people out and about was absolutely pristine, there was not one bit of litter to be seen when I visited.

“The floral displays in the planters were stunning, with vividly coloured purple and pink Pansies and Petunia amongst the blooms. Along with the planters at street level, there were also the floral displays on poles, as well as some lovely landscaping.
“As well as some very good quality street furniture, there were some very striking sculptures such as the ‘Aisling’ diving woman, as well as the Salmon one (which had a beautiful rose bed complementing it), and the ‘Cockle Pickers’ possibly my favourite.

“You have some very interesting history and heritage and there was very good signage showcasing the heritage of Blackrock, as well as the multiple QR codes to be seen at various points of interest throughout the town.
“I really loved the pictures down near the Blackrock Baths area showcasing how it used to look with some evocative black and white prints.

“The local businesses and commercial premises also appear to be very committed to keeping the town looking as well as possible. There were some very fine looking establishments, including Rocksalt, The Village Garden Café, Niamh Carter interiors, and the Clermont, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
“‘The Crafty Rock’ shop had a beautiful yellow and blue planter bench outside of its store, and the ‘Storm in a Teacup’ shopfront made me smile. The Grotto area was lovely and very well maintained, as was the Church and its grounds.”

The adjudicator also noted “the window display of the various awards that Blackrock has won throughout the years, including many Tidy Towns trophies.

“I also spotted the many Louth Looking Good awards that you have won as you walk up the steps towards Centra, a good way of adding interest as well as encouraging people to keep Blackrock litter free.”
Residential areas in Blackrock were also commended by the adjudicator who noted that, “any of the residential areas visited looked well maintained, with good quality name signs, and many with beautiful gardens, including plenty of pollinator friendly planting.

“I really enjoyed my visit to Blackrock and seeing all that your lovely town has to offer, and look forward to visiting again soon.”