Randalstown crowned ‘Best of the Best’ in Northern Ireland
Check out the full list of Best Kept Awards NI 2023 Winners
Last updated 19th Oct 2023
County Antrim town, Randalstown, was recently crowned ‘Best of the Best’ as cities, towns and villages across NI honoured for community enhancement.
The picturesque town lifted the title of Overall Best Kept City, Town, or Village in Northern Ireland and the Best Kept Small Town Award, at the 2023 Best Kept Awards NI held at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey on the 18th of October.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC), the awards commend the dedication and hard work of volunteers, Improvement Groups and Councils who have made outstanding contributions to improving their local environment.
Now in its 66th year, the Best Kept campaign attracted participants from all corners of Northern Ireland.
NIAC Chairman Doreen Muskett MBE, said: “We are delighted to recognise the superb environmental work being done throughout Northern Ireland and celebrate all those who work tirelessly throughout the year to improve the areas in which they live or work.
“Randalstown and indeed all this year's winners truly embody the spirit of the Best Kept Awards, showcasing their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the natural beauty of the region.”
The awards ceremony featured several categories, including Best Kept City, Towns and Villages, Best Kept Housing Areas, and Best Kept Community Achiever, among others. These categories recognised not only the aesthetic appeal of the nominated areas but also the efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.
The coveted Best Kept City award went to Derry/Londonderry, while Antrim secured the Best Kept Large Town award. In the category of Best Kept Sheltered Area, Bronte Fold in Rathfriland, Co. Down (Radius Housing) emerged as the winner.
NIAC’s own Charile Smyth was presented with The President’s Trophy for his almost 40 years dedication and commitment to the Best Kept Campaign which has been nothing less than outstanding.
The George Best Belfast City Airport Community Hero Award 2023 was given to Una Johnston (Toome Community Group), to recognise her selfless work and the immeasurable impact she has had on Toome.
The Best Kept Awards serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation and beautification efforts.
Check out the full list of Best Kept Awards NI 2023 Winners
🥇 Best of the Best Winner - Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
🥇 Best Kept City - Derry/Londonderry (Derry City & Strabane District Council)
🥇 Best Kept Large Town - Antrim (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
🥇 Best Kept Medium Town - Holywood (Ards & North Down Borough Council)
🥇 Best Kept Small Town - Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
🥇 Best Kept Large Village - Royal Hillsborough (Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council)
🥇 Best Kept Small Village - Ballynure ((Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
🥇 Community Achiever - Una Johnston (Toome Community Group)
🥇 Most Improved - Stewartstown (Mid Ulster District Council)
🥇 Welcome Award - Mallusk (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
🥇 Best Kept Sheltered Area - Bronte Fold, Rathfriland, Co. Down (Radius Housing)
🥇 Best Kept Small Housing Area - Windsor Place, Coagh, Co. Tyrone (NIHE)
🥇 Best Kept Medium Housing Area - Coolnafranky Park, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (NIHE)
🥇 Best Kept Large Housing Area - Neillsbrook Estate, Randalstown, Co. Antrim (NIHE)
🥇 Ellen McGowan Award - Windsor Place, Coagh, Co Tyrone (NIHE)
🥇 The President's Trophy - Charlie Smyth (Best Kept Awards)
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