From Ireland's Tidiest Town 2024 to Communities in Bloom International Gold 2026
Ballincollig is celebrating a remarkable achievement on the international stage following the announcement of the 2026 Communities in Bloom International Challenge results in Montréal, Canada [1].
Representing Ireland in the International Challenge, Ballincollig was awarded 5 Blooms – Gold, named Winner of the International Challenge (Medium Category) and received the prestigious International Plant and Floral Displays Award [1][3].
These awards represent an extraordinary achievement for our town and are a testament to the dedication, pride and community spirit that have become hallmarks of Ballincollig.
A Community Success Story
While Ballincollig Tidy Towns was privileged to represent Ireland in the competition, this success belongs to the entire community.
The awards recognise the efforts of residents, volunteers, resident associations, schools, businesses, community groups, Community Employment Scheme participants and Cork City Council, all of whom contribute throughout the year to making Ballincollig a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place to live, work and visit.
The Communities in Bloom journey provided an opportunity to showcase not only our projects and achievements, but also the partnerships and community spirit that make Ballincollig such a special place.
International Recognition for Volunteers
Particularly significant was the special recognition received by the Ballincollig Tidy Towns Volunteer Committee. The judges highlighted the dedication, commitment and extraordinary spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by volunteers across the town [1].
For more than sixty years, volunteers have worked continuously to improve and enhance Ballincollig. This recognition is a tribute to their commitment and to the many individuals who quietly contribute behind the scenes throughout the year.
It is especially fitting that one of Ballincollig's greatest strengths, recognised on the international stage, was its people. Behind every planting project, biodiversity initiative, clean-up, heritage activity and community event are volunteers who generously give their time, skills and energy for the benefit of others.
Award-Winning Plant and Floral Displays
The International Plant and Floral Displays Award is also a source of immense pride.
Ballincollig's planting schemes are the result of years of planning, innovation and community involvement. From vibrant displays along Main Street to pollinator-friendly planting throughout the town, volunteers have worked tirelessly to create attractive, sustainable and biodiversity-rich landscapes [2].
The award submission highlighted not only the visual impact of Ballincollig's planting but also the sustainable practices that support it, including rainwater harvesting, pollinator corridors, biodiversity initiatives and environmentally responsible maintenance practices [2]. Together, these demonstrate how beauty and sustainability can work hand in hand.
The Journey to Communities in Bloom
Following Ballincollig's success as Ireland's Tidiest Town 2024, the opportunity to represent Ireland internationally was both an honour and a challenge [1].
In preparation for the judges' visit in June, the Ballincollig-in-Bloom campaign mobilised the community, highlighting the projects, partnerships and people that contribute to the town's success. Residents, businesses, schools, volunteers and community organisations all played their part in showcasing Ballincollig at its very best.
Throughout that journey, one message emerged again and again: Ballincollig's greatest strength is its people.
A Community Achievement
On behalf of Ballincollig Tidy Towns, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this success.
Whether through volunteering, supporting projects, maintaining homes and businesses, participating in community groups or simply taking pride in our shared spaces, every contribution helped make this achievement possible.
The Gold Bloom rating and the International Plant and Floral Displays Award are wonderful honours, but they are ultimately the result of something far more important: a community that cares.
Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when people work with pride, purpose and a shared vision for the future.
Congratulations, Ballincollig.
Photo Credit: Vitaliy Makhnanov, Media Producer, All About Us Video, IPPVA Member.
References
[1] Communities in Bloom. 2026 National & International Results. Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremony, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Ballincollig Tidy Towns records: 2026-National-International-Results-EN-FINAL.pdf (accessed 18 October 2026).
[2] Ballincollig Tidy Towns. International Plant and Floral Displays Award Submission 2026. Ballincollig Tidy Towns records: 2026-AWARD APPLICATION 2 International Plant and Floral Displays Award.docx (accessed 18 October 2026).
[3] Communities in Bloom. The Results Are In! 2026 Awards Announcement. Ballincollig Tidy Towns records: 2026-The results are in!.pdf(accessed 18 October 2026).