The cities, towns and villages named ‘best kept’ in Northern Ireland for 2025

“We are delighted to recognise the superb environmental work being done throughout Northern Ireland”

Donaghmore in Co Tyrone has been crowned ‘Best of the Best’ at the ‘Best Kept’ Awards 2025.

Now in its 68th year, the awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC), commend the dedication and hard work of volunteers, improvement groups and councils who have made outstanding contributions to improving their local environment.

This year, Donaghmore wowed the judges with its “kaleidoscope of floral displays” and huge community effort to create a “beautiful environment for all its residents”.

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The coveted Best Kept City award went to Lisburn, while Antrim secured the Best Kept Large Town award, Donaghadee taking the Best Kept Small Town title, and Groomsport secured the Large Village category.

Here are the full list of Best Kept Awards NI 2025 winners:

• Best of the Best Winner – Donaghmore (Mid Ulster District Council)
• Best Kept City – Lisburn (Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council)
• Best Kept Large Town – Antrim (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
• Best Kept Medium Town – Magherafelt (Mid Ulster District Council)
• Best Kept Small Town – Donaghadee (Ards & North Down Borough Council)
• Best Kept Large Village – Groomsport (Ards & North Down Borough Council)
• Best Kept Small Village – Donaghmore ((Mid Ulster District Council)
• Community Achiever – Mary McCoy (Dromore 2000, Co Tyrone)
• Most Improved – Dromore, Co Tyrone (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council)
• Welcome Award – Anahilt (Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council)
• Best Kept Sheltered Area – Neillsbrook Fold, Randalstown (Radius Housing)
• Best Kept Small Housing Area – Brook Place, Dungannon (NIHE)
• Best Kept Medium Housing Area – Larchfield Gardens, Kilrea (NIHE)
• Best Kept Large Housing Area – Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim (NIHE)
• Ellen McGowan Award – Brook Place, Dungannon (NIHE)
• The President’s Trophy – Friends of Botanic Gardens (Belfast City Council)

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.

“Donaghmore 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 volunteer contribution to the work of Donaghmore is the envy of many community groups throughout Northern Ireland and is exemplary”.

Friends of Botanic Gardens were presented with The Presidents Trophy in recognition of their environmental commitment in promoting the conservation, maintenance and development of Northern Ireland’s only Botanic Garden.

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