Following a two-year break during covid, the Best Kept Town in Ireland Awards were back with a bang at a glitzy awards bash in the Titanic Hotel, Belfast this month – and Enniskillen secured the top award!
Named as the overall winner of the Best Kept Town In Ireland, Enniskillen is the only town to scoop the coveted accolade twice since the awards launched in 1995.
The Best Kept Town In Ireland Awards celebrates the people who keep local towns like ours looking their best. Organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development of the Irish government, they recognise the efforts of volunteers and community organisations in maintaining and enhancing their towns.
“The All-island Best Kept Town Competition recognises the great pride people have in their own communities all across the island. Set up in 1995, this year we celebrate its 25th anniversary of cross-border collaboration, partnership, and most importantly, friendship.”
Explaining what clinched it for our wee town, the judges said, “Enniskillen is a most attractive town and has managed to combine its location on the river Erne with an ability to maintain and enhance its many historical features”.
We’re inclined to agree. Enniskillen has cemented its reputation as a beautiful, scenic, and culturally thriving town in recent years. The recent Public Realm Scheme works have heightened its appeal, while the addition of new activities centred around the water has showcased the jewel in our crown: Lough Erne.
The judges gave specific mention to the development of Wide Awake Way – a 5k walking and cycling path around the Devenish area – and the biodiversity efforts near Racecourse Lough.
Of course, Best Kept Town in Ireland isn’t the only accolade Enniskillen has been awarded. In a 2021 Booking.com survey, Enniskillen was also recognised as the UK’s friendliest town.
We have a feeling this most recent honour won’t be the last for Enniskillen.
For more news, events and updates about Enniskillen, keep up to date with Enniskillen.com
