Clonakilty in West Cork has been named as the best town in Ireland and the UK at a prestigious awards event in London.
The Academy of Urbanism – the same body that named Oliver Plunkett Street as the best street in Ireland and the UK this time last year – was in competition with Blackpool in the UK and Todmorden in West Yorkshire for the top prize, and saw off more than 40 other towns along the way.
The voting members include leading architects, planners and developers. Winners are judged across a range of criteria, including social, economic and environmental factors such as good governance and commercial success.
The assessment team of the Great Town Award noted: “The quality of the town centre and the town’s location close to the sea and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live, do business and visit.
“Clonakilty is a good example of those three elements coming together in a sustainable way that celebrates local distinctiveness, tradition, entrepreneurialism and a strong sense of local pride.”
Celebrations continue in #Clonakilty as the town is named Greatest Town in Europe at the #UrbanismAwards in #London this evening pic.twitter.com/qcvWWC6SU7
— C103 (@C103Cork) November 16, 2016
Steven Bee, chair of the Academy said: “Clonakilty has a distinctive physical character derived from its setting and its Georgian and Victorian heritage. This was disturbed by traffic management in the mid-twentieth century, but is now being recovered, with significant social and economic benefits.
“The role of the town architect and town mayor in encouraging participation in the planning, and implementation of improvements have been key. Refreshed open spaces and improved links have restored the town’s character and pride, and stimulated tourism.”
Clonakilty was not the only Irish winners – Waterford’s Viking Triangle won The Great Place Award.
Other award winners were:
