Royal Hillsborough has won the coveted title of ‘Best Kept Small Town’ at the 2025 all-Ireland Best Kept Town Awards, which took place at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, in Dublin recently.
With shortlisted category winners from across the island from Co Louth and Co Carlow to the Northern Ireland counties, this is a huge honour for Royal Hillsborough.
The annual celebration, which has been running since 1995 is part of the Tidy Towns and Best Kept initiative which recognises towns and villages across Ireland which consistently take pride in their surroundings, be it through enhancing their natural environment with flowers and foliage, maintaining the outward appearance of buildings and public facilities, or general cleanliness.
The work undertaken by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council and Tidy Towns has obvious immediate effects, tidy streets, neat towns and colourful floral displays as well as neighbourhood pride and community involvement, but it also enriches the experiences of the tourists who come to our shores and promotes Northern Ireland as a place to visit.
Doreen Muskett, MBE Chair NIAC shared her enthusiasm: “The competition is designed to reward those who take great pride in their communities and those who work tirelessly to make their surroundings a nice place to work, live and play in and may I congratulate the tremendous work that is carried out by many volunteers in Royal Hillsborough.
“My sincere congratulations to all of this year’s awards recipients. The panel of esteemed judges from all over Ireland had a very difficult task in comparing and selecting the eventual winners, which is a testament to the stunning towns and villages that we are lucky enough to have here in Northern Ireland”.
Other winners in Northern Ireland included Donaghmore, winner of the Best Kept Small village category, other finalists in the competition from Northern Ireland were Comber, Randalstown, Omagh, and Derry/Londonderry.
Attending the event, Minister Dara Calleary TD, Minister for the Department of Rural and Community Development, ROI said “Now in its 30th year Ireland’s Best Kept Town Competition recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, both in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Investment in our communities through this wonderful competition reaps long-term rewards for all, as showcased by the winning groups here today. It is testament to how local volunteers take ownership of their local area and work to improve them, for now and into the future.
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Communities and Wellbeing Chair at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said: “Royal Hillsborough’s continued success is a true reflection of the passion and hard work poured into the village by both volunteers and council staff. It's a remarkable achievement and one we’re incredibly proud of.
“With its unique Royal status, Fort Guard, independent shops and forest park, the village has so much to offer. We welcome everyone to come and discover the charm that keeps Royal Hillsborough winning.”
Now in its 68th year, the Best Kept Awards celebrate communities that go above and beyond to enhance their local environment, foster community spirit, and promote sustainability. Entries from across the region are judged on everything from visual impact to biodiversity and environmental care.
Being nominated for these awards is an achievement in itself and is recognition of the efforts made by volunteers and local communities in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and the Best Kept competition in Northern Ireland.”