The Entente Florale Europe Awards conclude in Carlow later this evening.
Delegates and international jury members from across the continent have gathered in the town in recent days to celebrate excellence in urban planning, sustainability, and community environmental projects.
A key highlight of the weekend is “Embracing Entente Florale Europe” a free, family-friendly event inviting residents and visitors to experience the spirit of the awards firsthand.
It’s taking place this afternoon between 2pm and 4pm at Carlow College and will feature a lively programme of music, sustainability demonstrations, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. Enjoy on stage performances by Music Generation, an interactive workshop led by Eamonn Wall and Rachel Doyle, and a performance by Encore to conclude the programme.
In the tent, The Sustainability wall, hosted by the Carlow County Council Environment Department, will include a cookery demonstration with Derek Oman, Chef and Food Educator, join Derek and sample recipes from the Saved & Savoured Food Waste Cookbook. Molly Aylsbury will host seed swaps and chats alongside the Sustainable Clothing Swap Shop hosted by Dee Sewell.
Throughout the grounds of Carlow College, European delegates will showcase local produce and traditions at the European Market stalls, while entertainment will include the Dargan School of Dancers, Sha-nós Dancing, African Storytellers, Active Carlow Picture Orienteering, Face Painting, Kite Making Workshops and local food vendors Cibo Pizza, Nicky’s Ice Cream Van and Neighbourhood Coffee.
Cllr. Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, says, “It is a great honour for Carlow to host Entente Florale Europe 2026. This event gives us an opportunity to welcome visitors from across Europe and showcase the community pride, creativity and dedication that make Carlow the place it is today. I encourage everyone to take part in the ‘Embracing Entente Florale Europe’ celebrations as we come together to celebrate our achievements and extend a warm Carlow welcome to our European guests.”
Cllr. Ken Murnane, Mayor of the Municipal District of Carlow, added, “Hosting Entente Florale Europe provides Carlow with a unique opportunity to showcase our county as a stage for our European Counterparts. The competition aligns strongly with our commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, placemaking and community development and wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across Europe and sharing the many initiatives, partnerships and community successes that contributed to our Gold Medal achievement.”
