Kilkenny is among 15 towns shortlisted for the 2015 Tourism Towns Awards.
The announcement was made by Minister for tourism and sport, Michael Ring yesterday.
Kilkenny will go up against the likes of Ardmore in Waterford and Cobh in Cork.
While Kerry leads the way with 5 county towns nominated – Tralee, Killarney, Sneem, Kenmare and Portmagee.
The winner will be selected following a series of ‘secret shoppers’ to each area.
Kilkenny won the title in 2013 and was shortlisted again last year but lost out to Westport.
