Ballinahown in Co Westmeath has won the overall 2026 TidyTowns title, with Abbeyleix, Buncrana and Tralee taking the other main population-category awards announced on Friday 23 October.

Minister Dara Calleary announced the result at Croke Park in Dublin, according to the official TidyTowns announcement. The Westmeath village also won the Tidiest Village category.

Four category winners, one overall title

The 2026 results booklet records Ballinahown on 413 marks. Abbeyleix, Buncrana and Tralee each received 412: one mark behind the overall winner, while winning their respective categories.

Ballinahown, Westmeath: Ireland’s Tidiest Town overall and Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

Abbeyleix, Laois: Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.

Buncrana, Donegal: Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.

Tralee, Kerry: Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

The four population-category titles are distinct from the overall national award.

Where to check your own community’s result

The booklet includes county-by-county marks, county placings, medals and special awards. Its introductory explanation distinguishes the Endeavour award, based on the biggest percentage improvement in a county, from the first-place county award.

Medals also follow published score ranges for different population groups. A gold medal is therefore not the same as finishing first nationally; the overall and category awards should be read alongside the relevant county entry.

For residents and volunteer groups, the useful starting point is the county section of the current booklet. The organisers also provide a report search by year and county for adjudication reports; check the selected year before comparing results.

The announcement also names Carraig Airt in Donegal as the Gaeltacht Award winner and Dromiskin in Louth as the winner of the Young Persons in TidyTowns award.

The programme is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu.