About Tidy Towns

Tidy Towns showcase the magic that can happen when proactive communities come together with the goal of improving and preserving the world around us.

Tidy Towns

EPA’s Circular Economy Award in the Tidy Towns competition – 2021

The Environmental Protection Agency sponsors a Special Award in the annual Tidy Towns competition. The most recent award was presented in 2021

The EPA’s Circular Economy Award – 2021

National First Prize of €1,000 – Rush, Co. Dublin

2 National Highly Commended Awards of €500 each
Sneem, Co. Kerry & Oughterard, Co. Galway
Most innovative project: Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

This award is to recognise communities that have undertaken activities that support a circular economy.


LAPN works with communities across Ireland to help introduce waste-prevention initiatives and make their towns more sustainable. Ireland’s Tidy Towns refer to locations across the country that are uniquely committed to improving the environment. 

Through the hard work of local authorities and dedicated volunteers, Ireland’s Tidy Towns inspire greener living habits and act as shining examples of the power of community.  

Each year, participating regions are rated on all aspects of their local environments, and various prizes are awarded to locations that particularly excel. The overall winner is deemed “Ireland’s Tidiest Town,” and announced at a national annual ceremony. 

With their progress consistently monitored and expert feedback provided, Tidy Towns participants often enter the competition in order to generate support for sustainable living initiatives and create a solid platform from which to raise environmental issues with the necessary authorities.

Here are some of the Tidy Towns winners of the EPA Special Award from previous years:


2019

National Award Winner: Dromiskin TidyTowns, Co. Louth

Highly Commended: Cobh Zero Waste – Cobh TidyTowns, Co. Cork & Enfield TidyTowns, Co. Meath

Most Innovative Project: Arklow TidyTowns (Additional prize)


2017

National Award Winner: Raheny Tidy Village Group

Highly Commended: Ballyleague Village Renewal and TidyTowns Committee & Coiste Forbartha Charraig Airt, Co. Donegal

Most Innovative Project: Carlingford, Co Louth (Additional prize)


2016

National Award Winner: Blackrock TidyTowns, Co. Louth

Highly Commended: Ballyleague Village Renewal and TidyTowns Committee & Coiste Forbartha Charraig Airt, Co. Donegal


2015

National Award Winner: Glaslough TidyTowns, Co. Monaghan

Highly Commended: Sligo TidyTowns Partnership, Co. Sligo & Abbey Village, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Most Innovative Project: Moyross Residents’ Forum (Additional prize)


2014

National Award Winner: Ballon Improvement Group, County Carlow

Highly Commended: Blackrock TidyTowns, Co. Louth & Milltown TidyTowns, Co. Galway

Most Innovative Project: Moyross Residents’ Forum (Additional prize)