Cobh Selected to Represent Ireland in Prestigious European Entente Florale Competition

Cobh is set to represent Ireland at the 2027 Entente Florale Europe competition, one of the continent's most prestigious community and environmental awards schemes, following years of sustained Tidy Towns success.

The Cork harbour town has been chosen to compete in the Large Town category. The competition celebrates excellence in community-led environmental initiatives, sustainable development and quality of life.

Entente Florale Europe was established in 1975 and now involves towns and villages from Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Ireland, with Ireland taking part since 1981. Often compared to Tidy Towns, the competition places strong emphasis on partnership between local authorities and communities in delivering lasting improvements to towns and villages.

Cobh's nomination came from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, reflecting the town's impressive record in the Tidy Towns competition. Cobh earned its first Gold Medal in 2015 and has retained Gold status every year since. The town was named Ireland's Tidiest Large Town in 2021 and, most recently, secured the South Cork County Award in 2025, finishing just four points behind the national overall winner.

The 2027 competition will see Cobh showcase its environmental achievements alongside the strong collaboration between local organisations, volunteers, businesses and Cork County Council that has helped drive the town's development in recent years.

Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:

"This nomination is a tremendous honour for Cobh and for County Cork. It recognises years of dedication from Cobh TidyTowns, 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."

Cllr. Cathal Rasmussen, Municipal District Chair for Cobh:

"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 TidyTowns 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 overall quality of life. The results will be announced at an international awards ceremony in September 2027.