Louth County Council is preparing for Blackrock’s first entry into the prestigious Entente Florale Europe competition in July.

Now in its 51st year, Entente Florale Europe is a competition for towns and villages across the continent that raises awareness of the importance of a green environment to the quality of living in participating communities. The present membership includes Ireland, Czechia, France, Germany and Hungary, while Spain will also nominate participants in 2027.

Since Ireland joined the competition in 1981, 84 Irish towns and villages have participated in Entente Florale Europe. Ardee became County Louth’s first entrant in 1985, followed by Carlingford in 1994. In 2008, Tallanstown won a Gold Award, with Dundalk and Drogheda winning Silver in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Towns and villages are nominated annually by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) from SuperValu TidyTowns entries. For 2026, Blackrock and Riverstown, Co Sligo, were selected by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.

The Blackrock Entente Florale steering committee – which includes Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; David Conway, Chief Executive, and members of the Senior Management Team – will oversee preparations at county level. Blackrock Tidy Towns is represented on the coordinating committee, which will work closely with Council officials on the operational elements of the competition.

The route, which was confirmed by the steering committee on Friday, consists of 12 stops, starting at Blackrock Community Centre and taking in the Sundial, Priest’s Beach, St Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Dundalk Golf Club, The Square, Newline Lane, Hamilton Marsh, Haggardstown/Blackrock Old Church and Graveyard, St Francis National School and Rathmount Estate, before ending at Blackrock Park.

The jury will visit Ireland in July and evaluate Blackrock across a wide set of criteria, from environmental sustainability and biodiversity to community involvement, landscaping, tourism amenities, and overall village presentation.

Blackrock’s nomination offers the seaside community an opportunity to highlight its strong local spirit, ongoing environmental work, and the dedication of volunteers on an international stage.

The village brings an impressive record to the competition. Blackrock was named Ireland’s Tidiest Small Townin both 2019 and 2024, has earned nine Gold Medals since 2013, and has secured several Louth’s Tidiest Town titles. It also won the Best Biodiversity Project at the 2025 Louth In Bloom Awards for the Blackrock Park Grow Zone.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “Blackrock’s selection for Entente Florale Europe is a tremendous honour for the village and for County Louth. This nomination is a direct reflection of the pride, passion, and commitment shown by Blackrock Tidy Towns and the entire community over many years. Their work has transformed Blackrock into one of the finest coastal villages in the country, and this opportunity is richly deserved. I know the people of Blackrock will rise to the occasion and present the very best of what makes this village – and the county – so special.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Blackrock and for County Louth to showcase what we can do on an international stage. Entente Florale Europe celebrates exactly what Ireland is known for – strong community spirit, civic pride, sustainability, and a deep connection to place. We look forward to working closely with Blackrock Tidy Towns, local residents, schools, and businesses to ensure that the village shines during the judging visit in July.”

John Horan of Blackrock Tidy Towns said: “The nomination to enter the Entente Florale competition is a great honour, and an acknowledgement of the fantastic community that we are fortunate to live in, and the level of voluntary effort across a range of activities over a long period of time. Blackrock Tidy Towns will work with the DRCDG and Louth County Council to acquit ourselves well for our community, our county and our country. Planning is well advanced for a number of projects which will present our village at its best for the adjudication in July. We look forward to working with all parties to achieve the highest possible award.”

For more information on Entente Florale Europe, visit www.entente-florale.eu