Ireland will be represented at the 2006 Entente Florale Competition by Aughrim. The aim of the competition is to encourage public authorities, private business and individuals to make their town or village more appealing to live in. It encourages landscaping, the planting of plants and flowers and the development of parks and recreation areas. In the broadest terms, Entente Florale is encouraging more pleasant places to live. So it’s less concrete jungle and more glorious nature.

Aughrim consistently gains the highest County Wicklow score in the national tidy towns competition. It won a gold medal in 2004 and 2005. Many believe the village could win the national title in 2006.

This couldn’t come about without a very active committee, which Aughrim is fortunate to have. Coupled with that is the sense of pride people have in their village.

Aughrim’s entry into the Entente Florale Competition is now being steered by a committee consisting of representatives from the Tidy Towns, Wicklow County Council with support from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The ultimate aim of the committee is to ensure that the village looks at its best for the judging in July. A work plan will be devised by the committee to ensure this happens.