Naas crowned Ireland’s Best Kept Town

Naas, County Kildare, has been named Ireland’s Best Kept Town 2025, taking home the overall title as well as winning the Best Kept Large Urban Centre category at the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Ireland’s Best Kept Towns competition.

The announcement was made today at a special awards ceremony held in Farmleigh House, where representatives from towns and villages across the island of Ireland gathered to celebrate three decades of cross-border community pride and environmental excellence.

Other category winners announced include:

• Best Kept Large Town: Buncrana, Co. Donegal
• Best Kept Small Town: Royal Hillsborough, Co. Down
• Best Kept Village: Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, praised the winners and acknowledged the efforts of all participating communities.

He added that the competition, now in its 30th year, highlights the invaluable role local volunteers play in enhancing their towns and villages: “Being nominated is an achievement in itself. This competition reflects the collective passion and commitment of communities North and South, and the long-term rewards that come from caring for our public spaces.”

Doreen Muskett MBE, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, echoed the sentiment: “These awards show just how connected and caring our communities are. Congratulations to all the winners in this landmark year. Your towns and villages are shining examples of what dedicated volunteerism can achieve.”

The Ireland’s Best Kept Towns competition brings together the top performers from the SuperValu TidyTowns competition in the Republic and the Best Kept Awards in Northern Ireland. Launched in 1995, it encourages civic pride and fosters friendly cross-border rivalry aimed at elevating environmental standards, cleanliness, and community spirit across the island.

This year’s nominees were judged on a variety of criteria, including the cleanliness and appearance of public buildings and spaces, maintenance of green areas and natural environment, and overall impression of the town or village.