Blackrock to represent Ireland in Entente Florale Europe Competition

Blackrock in Dundalk has been chosen to represent Ireland at this year's Entente Florale Europe competition. 

The competition raises awareness of the importance of a green environment to the quality of living in communities. 

It will be Blackrock's first entry in the competition, which is now in its 51st year. 

Since Ireland's debut in the competition in 1981, 84 towns and villages have participated in Entente Florale Europe. 

Ardee became County Louth’s first entrant in 1985, followed by Carlingford in 1994. In 2008, Tallanstown won a Gold Award, with Dundalk and Drogheda winning Silver in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Towns and villages are nominated annually by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht from SuperValu TidyTowns entries. For 2026, Blackrock and Riverstown, Co Sligo, were selected by Minister Dara Calleary.

Preparation for the competition is facilitated by Louth County Council. 

The Blackrock Entente Florale steering committee includes Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, David Conway, Chief Executive, and members of the Senior Management Team will oversee preparations at county level.

Blackrock Tidy Towns is represented on the coordinating committee, which will work with council officials on the operational elements of the competition.

The route, which was confirmed by the steering committee, consists of 12 stops, starting at Blackrock Community Centre and taking in the Sundial, Priest’s Beach, St Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Dundalk Golf Club, The Square, Newline Lane, Hamilton Marsh, Haggardstown/Blackrock Old Church and Graveyard, St Francis National School and Rathmount Estate, before ending at Blackrock Park. 

The jury will visit Ireland in July and evaluate Blackrock across a wide set of criteria, from environmental sustainability and biodiversity to community involvement, landscaping, tourism amenities, and overall village presentation.

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Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said Blackrock's selection is a tremendous honour for the village and for Louth. 

"This nomination is a direct reflection of the pride, passion, and commitment shown by Blackrock Tidy Towns and the entire community over many years"

"I know the people of Blackrock will rise to the occasion and present the very best of what makes this village, and the county so special,” he said. 

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council said it is a wonderful opportunity for Blackrock and Louth to showcase itself on an international stage. 

"We look forward to working closely with Blackrock Tidy Towns, local residents, schools, and businesses to ensure that the village shines during the judging visit in July,” he said. 

John Horan of Blackrock Tidy Towns said the nomination is an acknowledgement of the community and the level of voluntary effort over a long period of time. 

Blackrock has previously been named Ireland's tidiest town in both 2019 and 2024 and has earned nine gold medals since 2013. It also won the Best Biodiversity Project at the 2025 Louth In Bloom Awards for the Blackrock Park Grow Zone.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.