Antrim scoops Best Kept large town award at ceremony

Antrim hasbeen named the ‘Best Kept Large Town’ at the 2025 Northern Ireland Best Kept City, Town, Village and Housing Area Awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council.

The award recognises the exceptional pride and care evident in the town’s presentation, which impressed judges with its high standard of shops and business premises, vibrant floral displays, cleanliness, well-maintained public seating, and the outstanding Antrim Castle Gardens.

It was a successful day overall for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, with Merville Garden Village winning ‘Best Kept Large Housing Area’, and Ballynure named runner-up in the ‘Best Kept Small Village’ category. Additionally, Neilsbrook Fold received the title of ‘Best Kept Sheltered Housing Area 2025.’

All in all, it was a successful day for the Borough, celebrating the pride and effort shown across its communities.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said: “I am delighted that my home town, Antrim was named ‘Best Kept Large Town’ in the 2025 Northern Ireland Best Kept Awards. This is an incredible achievement that highlights the pride, care, and dedication shown by our residents, businesses, and Council teams in making our town a beautiful and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

“I also extend my congratulations to Ballynure, Merville Garden Village, and Neilsbrook Fold on their well-deserved recognition. These accolades are a true reflection of the strong community spirit and collective pride that is evident throughout Antrim and Newtownabbey.”

The awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, were held on 15 October 2025 at the Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown, celebrating the efforts of volunteers, improvement groups, and councils in enhancing their local environments.

Now in its 68th year, the Best Kept campaign attracted participants from all corners of Northern Ireland. NIAC Chairman Doreen Muskett MBE, said: “The towns and villages thought the province are of an excellent standard and I am delighted to reward the many volunteers that have given their time so freely to enhance our surroundings. I also want to commend the local Councils who work hard in keeping our Cities, Towns and Villages green and clean.”

The awards ceremony featured several categories, including Best Kept City, Towns and Villages, Best Kept Housing Areas, and Best Kept Community Hero, 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.