Ballincollig residents may have noticed a little extra buzz around town lately — and for good reason.

After being crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2024, Ballincollig is now preparing to represent the entire country in the prestigious Communities in Bloom International Challenge later this month.

The competition sees award-winning towns and cities from around the world go head-to-head, with entrants from countries including the UK, the United States, Japan and Italy all showcasing what makes their communities special.

And if you’ve ever taken a stroll through Ballincollig Regional Park, wandered down Main Street or admired the colourful planting around town, you’ll know it’s got plenty to shout about.

Judges will spend two days in Ballincollig at the end of June, getting a first-hand look at the community spirit, environmental initiatives and volunteer work that helped the town secure its national title last year.

But this isn’t just about hanging baskets and flower displays.

Communities in Bloom looks at everything from environmental action and biodiversity to heritage conservation, tree management and community involvement. In other words, it’s as much about the people behind the town as it is the town itself.

During their visit, judges will tour some of Ballincollig’s best-known landmarks and community projects, including the Regional Park, local schools, allotments, biodiversity initiatives, sporting organisations and care facilities.

They’ll also get a taste of local produce during a lunch stop at The White Horse, while meeting many of the volunteers and community groups who have helped shape the town over the years.

Preparations have been underway for months, with Cork City Council and Ballincollig Tidy Towns volunteers working closely together behind the scenes to ensure the town is looking its very best.

“Our volunteer hours have increased dramatically, but this is ultimately a community event, and so we’d like to thank the businesses and all the different organisations for getting involved, and the local authority for its support.” said Tom Butler, Chairperson of Ballincollig Tidy Towns.

“This is the result of everyone pulling together, and Ballincollig, as a whole, will be all the better for it.”