Cobh has been chosen to represent Ireland in the Entente Florale competition in 2027(Image: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision)
It was only a few months ago that the Cobh Tidy Towns team received a Community Award for their dedication over the years – and now the harbour town is set to represent Ireland on the European stage.
Cobh has been selected to compete in the Large Town category of the 2027 Entente Florale Europe competition, one of Europe’s most prestigious community and environmental competitions. The contest, which has been going since 1975, brings together towns and villages from Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Ireland – which has been a participant since 1981.
It’s often compared to the Tidy Towns competition, placing a strong emphasis on the partnership between local authorities and communities in delivering lasting improvements to their towns and villages. Here in the Cork, the tireless work of the Cobh Tidy Towns crew earned them a Community Award back in March for doing just that.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, welcomed the announcement of Cobh’s selection: “This nomination is a tremendous honour for Cobh and for County Cork. It recognises years of dedication from Cobh Tidy Towns, local volunteers, community groups, businesses and residents who take great pride in their town and work together to make it an attractive, welcoming and sustainable place to live and visit. We look forward to supporting Cobh as it prepares to represent Ireland on the European stage.”
Tireless Tidy Towns work has been done in Cobh(Image: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision)
Municipal District Chair for Cobh, Cllr. Cathal Rasmussen, added: “Being selected to represent Ireland in Entente Florale Europe is a tremendous honour for Cobh and recognition of the hard work undertaken across the town over many years. Cork County Council is looking forward to working with Cobh TidyTowns, local businesses, community organisations and residents as preparations begin for the 2027 competition and as we showcase the very best of Cobh on the European stage.”
Preparations for the competition will begin in the coming months, with Cork County Council, Cobh Tidy Towns and community stakeholders working together to build on the town’s strong foundations ahead of the 2027 adjudication.
Judging will take place during the summer of 2027 when an international jury will visit Cobh to assess a range of criteria, including environmental management, community involvement, sustainability initiatives and the overall quality of life within the town. The results will be announced at an international awards ceremony later that year.
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