We are proud to announce that the beautiful town of Carlow has the honour of hosting the 51st Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony of Entente Florale Europe (EFE) in September 2026.
Entente Florale Europe is a Europe-wide competition designed for cities, towns and villages that prioritise green spaces, livability, sustainability and community spirit. Entente Florale Europe raises awareness of the importance of the green environment to the quality of life in participating communities, in residential, urban and rural areas. Organised by the Association Européenne pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP) since 1975, and more recently by the Entente Florale Europe not-for-profit company, the competition has brought together thousands of communities from across Europe, promoting sustainable urban planning, landscaping, biodiversity and civic engagement.
Why Carlow?
Following the outstanding performance of Carlow Town in the 2024 competition in Hungary, where it won a Gold Award, the President’s Prize for rain garden development, and a Special Characteristic Prize for the Delta Sensory Gardens, Carlow Town has been selected, as a non-competing town, to host the prestigious competition.
Objectives of the Competition
- To promote high-quality landscaping and green areas in harmony with the built and natural environment
- To encourage environmental awareness, especially among children and young people
- To foster sustainable urban and rural development policies
- To inspire strong civic participation and long-term partnerships between communities
- To enhance local tourism and improve quality of life through thoughtful, inclusive urban design
Why it Matters?
As urban populations grow, Entente Florale Europe reminds us of the importance of green spaces as essential elements of public health, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Participation often acts as a catalyst for change, mobilising communities to improve their surroundings and strengthen local identity. It also serves as a powerful platform for international exchange, showcasing best practices and celebrating environmental and cultural diversity.
This year, the spotlight will be on welcoming, learning and connecting, as we gather representatives from participating cities, towns and villages, EPE jury members, and international guests to honour the new award winners and reflect on 51 years of progress.
2026 Participants
This year’s competition welcomes vibrant cities, towns and villages from across Europe, each with their own unique stories and green achievements:
| Country | Town Representative | Village Representative |
About Entente Florale 2026
From Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th 2026, join us to celebrate Carlow Town as hosts of the Entente Florale Europe 51st Awards Ceremony.
Carlow Town lies 107km south of Dublin Airport. Rapid Express Travel offers regular coinnections from the Coach Park, Zone 16 in Dublin Airport to Carlow Town. For bus timetable visit here Travel to / from Dublin Airport.
There are also regular departures from Dublin Airport with Bus Eireann Expressway Route 4 to Carlow Town. For bus timetable visit here https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/4
There are eight rail services in operation from Dublin Heuston Railway Station to Carlow Town Monday – Saturday and four services on Sunday. For information visit here https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/train-timetables/timetables-by-route
The railway and bus stations are both a five-minute walk from Carlow Town Centre. For individuals or groups who would like to hire a taxi or coach for your visit, please consult https://carlowtourism.com/travel-category/taxi-bus-coach-hire/
Carlow Tourism has reserved accommodation in each of the main hotels for those attending the European Entente Florale event – the Seven Oaks Hotel, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel and the Talbot Hotel. For information on accommodation options e-mail info@carlowtourism.com outlining requirements
Event Programme
Thursday, 17th September
9.00 a.m. – 15.30 p.m. County Carlow Excursion
Featuring the Blackstairs Mountains, the 6th century ecclesiastical village of St Mullins and River Barrow, and the heritage town of Borris.
Price: €20 – €25
Friday 18th September
9.00 a.m. – 15.30 p.m. Carlow Garden Trail Excursion
Featuring Delta Sensory Gardens, Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens, Arboretum Garden Centre and Inspirational Gardens, and Altamont Gardens.
Price: €20 – €25
10.00 a.m. – 16.00 p.m. EFE Jury/Board Meeting in Carlow Council Chamber, Athy Road, Carlow incl. refreshments and lunch
18.00 p.m. – 21.00 p.m. Welcome Meal in St. Patrick’s College, College Street, Carlow
Admission: €25 p.p.
Celebrate the official opening of the Entente Florale Competition Awards 2026 weekend with a special Welcome Meal and Reception hosted by the Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Carlow County Council in the historic St. Patrick’s College. Guests will enjoy dishes inspired by Carlow’s culinary traditions featuring local produce and accompanied by light entertainment and traditional Irish music. The evening offers an opportunity to meet delegates from across Europe and experience the spirit of Carlow’s community.
Saturday 19th September 2026
9.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. EFE Jury/Board Meeting in Civic Space of Carlow Town Hall
10.00 a.m. – 13.00pm Network gathering with participants in Civic Space of Town Hall including lunch
14.00 p.m. – 16.00 p.m. European Market on the grounds of St Patrick’s College
18.00 p.m. – 23.00 p.m. Prize Ceremony in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at VISUAL
A night of celebration and culture as Europe’s most beautiful towns and villages are honoured at the Entente Florale Europe 2026 Awards.
Hosted by Kathryn Thomas (TBC), the Prize Giving Ceremony will recognise excellence on green environmental achievement in residential, urban, and rural areas and community involvement.
Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, dance, and live performances, all set within the unique George Bernard Shaw Theatre at the VISUAL in Carlow Town.
The ceremony will be video recorded and live-streamed, allowing audiences across Europe to share in the celebration.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
10.00 a.m. – 12 noon Walking Tour of Carlow Town
Starting and Finishing Point: Carlow County Museum, College Street, Carlow Town R93 E3T2
Admission: €5 p.p.
Perfect for a relaxing Sunday morning, join local historian Pádraig Dooley for a Walking Tour of Carlow Town, taking you through the rich history and heritage of this medieval town. From the imposing Carlow Castle, to the serene beauty of the River Barrow, every step on the tour reveals a new layer of Carlow’s heritage and it’s role in shaping Ireland’s horticultural and cultural landscape.