The popular tourist spot of Killarney in Co Kerry has been named the tidiest town in Ireland.

More than 820 communities from around the country entered the Tidy Towns National Awards for 2011.

Tom Randles, president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, said the win was the accumulation of many years of work by so many people.

“Words can’t describe the feeling of jubilation and pride we all are experiencing in Killarney right now having been awarded the accolade of Ireland’s Tidiest Town,” he said. “Through the award we can prove that the unique natural beauty of the area is matched by the love, dedication and pride everyone in Killarney has for the area.”

Yvonne Quille, chair of Killarney’s tidy towns committee, revealed volunteers worked every evening for the past six months, painting, planting and picking up litter.

“Last year we were pipped at the post by just one point and this year the whole community came out in amazing numbers to support the Tidy Towns drive and get Killarney well and truly over the line,” she said.

Killarney also claimed the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.