Blackrock Crowned ‘Tidiest Small Town in Ireland’ at 2024 SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards
Ardee News and Sport – Blackrock has claimed the title of Ireland’s ‘Tidiest Small Town’ at the 2024 SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards, a milestone achievement for the picturesque seaside village. The accolade celebrates years of dedication by local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to enhance and preserve the natural beauty of their community. Blackrock, along with Dundalk and Drogheda, retained its gold medal status, while Dromiskin earned its first gold. Ardee and Tallanstown also secured silver medals, with Carlingford holding onto its bronze. In Monaghan, Carrickmacross emerged victorious by being named the winning Town/Village Town Centre First Award and also by clinching the Gold Medal and County winner title.
Adjudicators praised Blackrock’s “impressive overall appearance” and the balance it strikes between built and natural environments, scoring it a remarkable 385 points. Their report highlighted Blackrock’s pristine public spaces, remarking, “It is always a pleasure to visit Blackrock, whether for business or pleasure… Achievements to date are exemplary.” The adjudicators particularly lauded the park, walkways, and initiatives like interpretive panels and the innovative ‘Aquainvert App’ developed with students from Dundalk Institute of Technology, which boosts awareness around biodiversity.
Efforts in litter control also received high praise, with the report noting that “no litter or dog-fouling was noted during Blackrock’s adjudication visit,” a testament to the village’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming, clean environment for both residents and the numerous visitors drawn to its scenic shores.
The Tidy Towns adjudicators also commended other Louth communities for their achievements. Dundalk was described as a “vibrant and youthful town” excelling in environmental stewardship and inclusivity, while Drogheda was lauded as “a beautiful old town” with an effective blend of historical preservation and modern vibrancy. Dromiskin’s leap to gold medal status was celebrated for its “multi-faceted heritage presented to local and wider communities in creative and informative ways.”
In addition to the main awards, Blackrock was recognized as Louth’s Tidiest Town, with Dromiskin earning a commendation in second place, and Tallanstown, in third, also acknowledged. Sandpit received a SuperValu Endeavour award for showing the biggest improvement over the previous year.
The results mark another high point for Louth, solidifying its reputation as a county of pride and community effort, where towns and villages work collaboratively to preserve and enhance their shared spaces. As Blackrock celebrates its victory as Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town, the community’s achievements inspire others to continue working toward a cleaner, greener Ireland.