Northern Ireland’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages have been recognised

Northern Ireland’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages have been recognised in the 2016 Ulster in Bloom awards ceremony held this month.

Ulster in Bloom Awards

The annual horticultural competition encourages green-fingered communities across Northern Ireland to create beautiful plant and floral displays. Now in its 38 th year, all 11 local councils participated in the 2016 competition – 156 entries in all.

The award for Best City goes to Derry City, while Ballymena scooped the prize for best Large Town. Coleraine won the Best Town award, while Best Small Town went to Ahoghill. The prize for the best Large Village display went to Cullybackey; Castlecaulfield won the Best Village; and Charlestown Village took the prize for Best Small Village. All the winners go forward to take part in the Britain in Bloom finals, with results announced next month.

Northern Ireland's Most Beautiful Cities

Among special awards, Cullybackey took the ‘Most Improved Title, while Lisburn scooped the ‘Roses in Towns’ award, given by Belfast City Council to the city, town or village outside Belfast that uses roses in public spaces to best effect. Foyle Street Bus Station in Derry Londonderry was crowned Best Station, and the Community Rail Halt Award went to Whitehead Train Station. Other special awards recognised designs which supported biodiversity, and outstanding plant and floral presentations.