Abbeyleix wins Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town title

BEAUTIFUL Abbeyleix has won this year’s Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town title.

The big announcement was made shortly before lunchtime today, at the 2026 Tidy Towns Ireland awards ceremony.

It is an 11th consecutive gold for the Laois heritage town, which won the overall Ireland’s Tidiest Town title in 2023 and prides itself not only on immaculate presentation but also its rich range of biodiversity projects.

There was a full house at the ceremony in Croke Park, with over 930 towns and villages entered in the renowned contest.

Members of the Abbeyleix Tidy Towns committee, led by chairperson Robbie Quinn, were congratulated by Minister Dara Calleary as he presented them with the richly deserved award.

National competition organisers said: ‘A huge congratulations to Abbeyleix, Co Laois, crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town. This wonderful achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and community pride of the local Tidy Towns volunteers.

‘Through their ongoing efforts to enhance their surroundings, protect the environment and create a welcoming place for everyone, they've shown what can be achieved when a community works together. Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.’ 

Ballinahown in Co Westmeath won the overall Ireland’s Tidiest Town title, as well as the award for tidiest village. The tidiest large town award went to Buncrana, Co Donegal, while Tralee in Co Kerry won the tidiest large urban centre title.

The awards ceremony was hosted by RTÉ Sports presenter Marty Morrissey, while Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary handed out awards to winners across a range of categories. The competition is organised by the department and has been running since 1958.

About 30,000 volunteers are involved in SuperValu Tidy Towns projects nationwide, representing an estimated €40 million in economic value.

More than 220 prizes were awarded, with about €270,000 in main awards and €70,000 in special prizes.