What is Pride of Place?
Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Pride of Place, in association with Co-operation Ireland, is an all-island competition that celebrates the incredible work being done by communities across Ireland.
Launched in 2003, the competition highlights how people come together to shape, improve, and enrich daily life in their local areas. Since the competition commenced, it has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of people who are proud of their place.
How the competition works
Pride of Place invites communities to showcase their achievements directly to a panel of judges. Through oral presentations, communities highlight their activities, culture, and the unique aspects that make them proud.
A key element of the competition is demonstrating strong partnerships with local authorities and ensuring that all sectors of the community are included. It’s about fostering respect, inclusion, and a shared sense of belonging regardless of age, background, or income.
The competition also encourages communities to take pride in their heritage, culture, achievements, and people. It’s a celebration of what makes each place special and the collective efforts that strengthen community spirit.
County Galway's 2026 nominees judging day's
Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed represented Galway County Council during a two-day judging visit for the 2026 IPB Pride of Place competition, which recognises communities that improve local areas through volunteering, inclusion and regeneration.
Judges visited both towns, meeting volunteers, community groups, schools, youth organisations and local stakeholders to see firsthand the impact of their work. Portumna is competing in the Community Tourism Initiative category, highlighting projects that promote the town’s heritage, environment and tourism assets, including Portumna Castle, the Blueway and Forest Park. Tuam Women’s Shed is competing in the Inclusive Communities category, showcasing initiatives that foster wellbeing, social inclusion and community connection.
Galway County Council representatives praised the dedication, pride and community spirit displayed in both towns, noting the strong involvement of people of all ages and backgrounds. The competition, organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, celebrates communities that create vibrant, inclusive and sustainable places to live.
The winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony in Dublin on 24 October 2026.
Portumna Tidy Towns
Tuam Women's Shed
County Galway's 2025 achievements
Clarinbridge has been named winner of the 300–1000+ Population category at the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards, held on 7th November 2025 at the Strand Hotel, Limerick. Nominated by Galway County Council, the south Galway village was recognised for its outstanding community development initiatives and spirit of collaboration.
Established in 1979, Clarinbridge Tidy Towns has led many local projects, from maintaining The Green and Kilcornan Estate to developing walking trails and heritage initiatives. Judges praised the group’s partnerships with organisations such as Clarinbridge Men’s Shed and SCCUL Sanctuary, as well as popular community events including Market Day and Halloween on the Green. The Marconi Men’s Shed also represented Galway County in the Community Wellbeing category and was commended for its innovative support for male family carers in Connemara.
The original male family carers who took part in the Creative Carers woodturning project.
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| Clarinbridge Tidy Towns receiving the award at the 2025 IBP Pride of Place ceremony in Limerick. |
County Galway’s 2024 achievements
County Galway continues to shine in the Pride of Place competition:
- Williamstown was named runner-up in the ‘0–300 Population’ category. Nominated by Galway County Council, the community was recognised for:
- The restoration of Williamstown Mill and Millers Cottage
- A 3.3km looped walkway with biodiversity signage
- A safe pedestrian link between the primary school and GAA grounds
- Kinvara was runner-up in the ‘Climate Action & Biodiversity’ category. The community’s collaborative efforts led to the Biodiversity Action Plan 2021–2024, developed with Burrenbeo and the Kinvara Ballinderreen Tree Gang. Over 9,000 native trees have been planted by local families, schools, and groups.
