The dedication of teams of volunteers and council staff across Northern Ireland’s towns, villages, and cities was celebrated at the 2025 Translink Ulster in Bloom Awards, hosted at the striking new Belfast Grand Central Station.
The annual competition, organised by Translink and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), recognises the outstanding gardening achievements and environmental stewardship of local communities across Northern Ireland’s council areas.
This year’s entries showcased exceptional community pride, commitment, promotion of wellbeing and sustainability. From colourful village displays to vibrant urban planting schemes, as well as initiatives which boost biodiversity and enhance the climate.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Frank Allen, Translink Chairman, said: “Ulster in Bloom continues to highlight the incredible pride, dedication and hard work delivered within our local communities. Each year, we’re inspired by the people who volunteer their time to make their towns and villages cleaner, greener, and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike. It’s particularly special to host this year’s event at Belfast Grand Central Station, a new symbol of connection, regeneration, and civic pride which connects people across Northern Ireland and further afield.”
Cllr Billy Webb, President of NILGA, added: “These awards are a testament to the strength, cooperation, and creativity found in every council area. Ulster in Bloom is about more than flowers, it’s about people working together to create thriving, sustainable communities that everyone can take pride in. I congratulate all our winners and participants who continue to make Northern Ireland a more beautiful place to live and visit.”
Special Awards:
Main Awards
|
Category |
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
Small Village |
Ballynure (Antrim & Newtownabbey BC) |
Ballyeaston (Antrim & Newtownabbey BC) |
Charlestown (Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council) |
|
Village |
Donaghmore (Mid Ulster DC) |
Crawfordsburn (Ards & North Down BC) |
Swatragh (Mid Ulster DC) |
|
Large Village |
Saintfield (Newry, Mourne & Down DC) |
Cullybackey (Mid & East Antrim BC) |
Templepatrick (Antrim & Newtownabbey BC) |
|
Small Town |
Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey BC) |
Ahoghill (Mid & East Antrim BC) |
Newcastle (Newry, Mourne & Down DC) |
|
Town |
Donaghadee (Ards & North Down BC) |
Portrush (Causeway Coast & Glens BC) |
Ballymoney (Causeway Coast & Glens BC) |
|
Large Town / Small City |
Antrim (Antrim & Newtownabbey BC) |
Enniskillen (Fermanagh & Omagh DC) |
Ballymoney & Coleraine (Causeway Coast & Glens BC) |
|
Large Town / City |
Derry (Derry City & Strabane DC) |
Belfast (Belfast City Council) |
Lisburn (Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council) |
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
