The town of Abbeyleix is buzzing with activity as preparations ramp up ahead of a major international visit from the Communities in Bloom judging panel, taking place from June 26 to 28
Following its outstanding success as Ireland’s Overall Tidy Towns winner in 2023, Abbeyleix was selected to represent the country in the 2025 Communities in Bloom International Challenge.
This is a global competition that brings together top-ranking towns from countries including Canada, the UK, USA, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
The international judges, visiting from Canada and Belgium, will be in town on Friday, June 27, for the official judging day.
In preparation, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns volunteers, with the support of Laois County Council, have been hard at work making sure the town is in pristine condition.
The community spirit that Abbeyleix is known for was on full display at a public meeting held on Friday, May 16, where a large turnout of residents, volunteers, and business owners gathered to lend their support.
Attendees heard from Bernadette Solon of the Department of Rural and Community Development, who gave a detailed presentation on what the judging panel will be looking for during their visit.
With just weeks to go, all hands are on deck. Locals are being asked to play their part by keeping their homes, shopfronts, and public spaces clean and tidy in the lead-up to this important occasion.
Abbeyleix is proud to fly the flag for Ireland and Laois in this international celebration of community pride, sustainability, and collaboration.
The town will be giving its all to show the judges what makes Abbeyleix a truly exceptional place to live, work, and visit.
