Kilkenny has been named as the winner of this year's Tidy Towns Competition. The Marble City also came out on top in the running for Ireland's Tidiest Urban Centre.

Clonegal in Carlow was named Ireland's Tidiest Village; with Kilrush, Co Clare, taking the prize for Tidiest Small Town and Westport, Co Mayo, winning Tidiest Large Town.

It's the first time Kilkenny has won the top prize at the awards since 1985. The announcement was greeted by great celebration at today’s awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin.  

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has praised the city for its consistently high standards in the competition at local and regional level.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Minister Kelly said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kilkenny; a really worthy winner. It is 1985 since Kilkenny last won the overall prize but they have been consistently achieving high standards in the competition at local and regional level. So my congratulations to Kilkenny and all of the other deserving prize-winners announced today. 

"I am very impressed by the enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort. The results of their efforts are obvious in the attractive, well cared-for towns and villages we see throughout the country.  It is clear that working together and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and helps to build vibrant communities.  This is why I am delighted to see this competition continues to sustain great interest, even after 56 years.”

In a similar competition, Failte Ireland has revealed a shortlist of nominees for their 'Best Tourism Town' award.

One large town and one small town will share the title, and they'll be announced in November.

Six small towns are on the list; Ardmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Glengariff, Kinsale, Lismore and Portmagee.

4 large towns have been selected, Killarney, Cobh, Westport and Kilkenny.