Kilkenny County Council were delighted to be awarded the Green Flag for the Kilkenny Countryside Park at Dunmore at an award ceremony, launched by Mr. Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, in Maynooth University Campus in County Kildare, on Wednesday the 12^th  of November 2025.

The international Green Flag Award, administered by An Taisce in Ireland, is the international quality benchmark for the public green space sector - now operating in 30 countries around the world. The Green Flag Awards recognise and encourage the provision of good quality parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways. 

The Kilkenny Countryside Park, which opened in December 2023, occupies an area of 24 acres and is located just 5km north of Kilkenny City Centre. The park offers visitors three themed walking and running trails along with a myriad of other attractions including two ball walls, a bespoke viewing area, play and exercise equipment and novel relaxing spaces that include hammocks, and loungers. The park is also home to Kilkenny’s first dedicated dog-friendly enclosure. An extensive planting and land management plan was also put in place to protect, promote and encourage biodiversity across the site and receiving the Green Flag status demonstrates that this plan is working.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, stated at the ceremony that “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council as this award acknowledges excellence in the management of our green spaces. I think this award is even more remarkable when one considers that the Countryside Park was up until relatively recent years the site of the old municipal landfill for the City and County.” Adding “achieving an international Green Flag Award for this park will elevate the appeal of our City and County, contributing to the 'Outdoor Kilkenny' brand and solidifying Kilkenny's status as a premier outdoor tourism destination.”

Frank Stafford, Senior Engineer, Capital Delivery Office and Parks Department, added “It is fantastic to see how far we have come in the transformation of this site, turning what was once considered a negative on the landscape into a sanctuary that aims to restore and protect our natural environment, while also providing a top class outdoor recreational space for the public. Achieving the Green Flag is another milestone in the park’s story and it would not have been possible without the continued support of our elected members and the local community, right from its inception over 5 years ago to what we have today. I would also like to acknowledge the Parks Team, who manage the day-to-day maintenance of the park, for their dedication to making this an incredibly special place.” Adding “That since its opening the park was gone from strength to strength and now hosts the Junior Park Run every Sunday morning while also proving extremely popular with dog owners and young families, it really has something for everyone and I would encourage everyone to visit this wonderful free amenity.”

Photo 1: Frank Stafford (KCC), Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh (Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council), Thomas Moore (KCC).

Photo 2: Terri Morrissey (Chairperson, An Taisce), Thomas Moore (KCC), Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh (Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council), Frank Stafford (KCC), Cathy Baxter (An Taisce).