Preparations continue in Carlow for hosting of ‘phenomenal’ European competition

Preparations are continuing in Carlow town ahead of the hosting of a “phenomenal” European competition later this year.

The Entente Florale is a horticultural competition which recognises European urban areas for excellence in floral displays.

Similar to the Tidy Towns competition, it encourages communities to enhance the appearance of their local areas.

Carlow town has been selected as this year’s host following a sweep of awards at the 2024 competition in Hungary.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fintan Phelan asked for an update on preparations for the competition at the January meeting of the Carlow Municipal District.

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Cllr Phelan said: “Carlow is hosting the Entente Florale European competition this year.

“Is there any updates on plans because obviously it’s a major opportunity for Carlow to showcase itself on the European stage.”

In response, Barry Knowles, Senior Executive Officer at Carlow County Council, outlined what preparations are being undertaken.

Mr Knowles said: “We are progressing this. We have picked a date of September 18, that weekend. It will coincide with culture night.

“Delegates from European countries will arrive in Carlow probably on the Thursday, which will be September 17.

“We’re looking at events on the Thursday for the participants who will be arriving. We’re looking at various venues for the Entente Florale as well, for the welcome dinner such as St. Patrick’s College.

“We’re looking at the visuals in relation to the awards ceremony and the dinner.”

He said that whilst nothing has been decided yet, locations are being explored in detail and progress is being made.

He continued: “We’re talking to hotels as well in relation to accommodation for the participants as well.

“I’m attending a meeting on the 21st of February with the Entente Florale Committee to give them an update on how far along we are with preparations for the Entente Florale.

“We’re talking probably about eight or nine participating countries, with some of them entering one location and some of the participant countries entering two.

“Ireland itself has two, Blackrock in Louth and Riverstown in Sligo. The other countries are France, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and maybe Italy.”

In response to this update, the Mayor of Carlow, Cllr Paul Doogue, expressed his excitement for the event.

“I think everybody is looking forward to the Entente Florale and I’ll tell you what they’re really looking forward to is all the work that’s going to be done before it to make the town more beautiful.

“There’s no pressure on Cian [Madden] and all his team. I know they will make it happen [with] everybody else and the joined up thinking.”

Mayor Doogue concluded by highlighting the potential benefits of hosting the event for Carlow town.

“I think it is something that is fantastic and to have this in Carlow is just phenomenal.

“It will bring in as many as possible from the outer [parts] of Ireland and all these countries. It’s a way of selling our town.”

Last September, an Entente Florale delegation visited Carlow to mark the town’s selection as the host of this year's competition. 

They visited An Gairdín Beo and the award-winning Delta Sensory Gardens.