Tipperary village's European competition win was a 'magnificent achievement'

THE councillors and staff of Nenagh Municipal District sang the praises of the people of Terryglass during their October monthly meeting.
It was announced a couple of weeks ago that the beautiful, lakeside village had been awarded a Gold Medal and Special Characteristic Award at the prestigious Entente Florale Europe Awards, which were held on Saturday September 27th in Velenje, Slovenia.
“This was a magnificent success,” commented Rosemary Joyce, Senior Executive Officer, during the Nenagh MD meeting. The nine Councillors agreed with her. “To win a gold medal in a European competition is a major achievement,” Rosemary continued. “It was a tough judging process and participants were judged in ten categories. To win a gold medal you had to get over 85%.” She pointed out that some of the Council staff and councillors went to the results event in Velenje, Slovenia “and we set up our tourism stall there.”
This year was the 50th anniversary of the Entente Florale competition, which honours towns and villages across Europe for excellence in environmental enhancement, sustainability, horticultural displays and community engagement. Terryglass was proudly nominated earlier in the year by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to represent Ireland.
In Velenje, the international jury said it was impressed with Terryglass' “commitment to green spaces, biodiversity, and strong community spirit”.
Terryglass was one of two participants from Ireland in the competition. Maynooth also represented Ireland, in the towns category, and also achieved gold medal status.
“The award”, continued Rosemary, “is a testament to the tireless work of the Terryglass Tidy Towns group, local volunteers, and residents who have worked together to enhance the village’s natural beauty and sustainability.”
On a different, but related, topic the SEO added that 15 applications from Terryglass were received under the 2025 Painting & Enhancement Scheme being run by Tipperary County Council. “Nine have been paid to date and documentation is awaited for the remainder.” 45 applications under the 2025 Painting & Enhancement Scheme have been received to date in respect of locations other than Terryglass. “45 have received provisional approval and 16 applicants have been paid to date,” remarked Rosemary. “We are awaiting completion of works and submission of receipts and photographs from the remaining applicants.”
When the awards were announced the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, congratulated both Maynooth and Terryglass, together with their TidyTowns Groups, on their “fantastic achievements.”
The Department of Rural and Community Development provided funding and support to both entrants and was represented at the awards ceremony in Velenje.
Minister Calleary commented that both Terryglass and Maynooth are “consistent high achievers in the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition and have now also excelled on the European stage.
"This is the second year both Irish entries have been awarded Gold Medals; following on from Carlow and Ballinahown’s success in the 2024 competition.
"I am also delighted with Entente Florale’s confirmation that Carlow Town has been selected to host the 2026 Entente Florale Europe awards in September of 2026. My department will provide funding and work closely with Carlow County Council on this exciting endeavour. We will work together and with our Tidy Towns Groups to ensure the community spirit and civic pride that Ireland is renowned for is again highlighted on the international stage. We expect to welcome delegates from all participating European countries to Carlow next year.
"I am delighted to confirm that Riverstown, Co. Sligo and Blackrock, Co. Louth will represent Ireland in the 2026 competition and preparations are already underway to continue Ireland’s success,” the Minister added.
"What a night in Slovenia!" said Terryglass Tidy Towns on their Facebook page.
"Terryglass Tidy Towns wins GOLD at Entente Florale Europe 2025! We are immensely proud to represent this incredible small village at the awards ceremony tonight in Velenje. This gold medal is a huge testament to the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of everyone in Terryglass. To be recognised at the European level as the best in class is an absolute honour. A big thank you to all our volunteers and residents who make our village such a special place."
Four countries received Gold Medals in the 2025 competition.
As well as Ireland they were the Czech Republic, Germany and France.
Six countries received Silver Medals which were Italy, France, Hungary, Romania and Germany.
Ireland was the only country to win two Gold Medals.
The Entente Florale organisers say the competition is aiming to “improve the quality of life in participating towns and villages through the promotion of green spaces, biodiversity, and environmental awareness."
Terryglass dates back to the 6th Century when there was a monastery in the area. The village is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
It's known for its impressive public and private harbours and a slipway which makes it a popular destination with the boating fraternity, tourists, and locals.
Improvements to the harbour, the provision of changing facilities, picnic and barbeque areas and village enhancement works have significantly added to its attractiveness.
The village also accommodates several holiday rental properties.
Terryglass has been overall winner of the national Tidy Towns competition on two occasions and has also been recognised as Ireland’s ‘Best Kept Village’ and secured victory in the All-Ireland ‘Pride of Place’ Competition.
The village has a school, church and graveyard, shop, two public houses with restaurants, community hall and playground.
Public and private marina facilities are available.

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