Celebrations are continuing in Leighlinbridge after its gold medal success in the prestigious Entente Florale.
The Carlow village became only the third Irish entrant in 26 years - following Clonakility and Skerries - to achieve the gold standard in the event, in which 10 European countries participate.
Last weekend a party of 22 represented the village, including Carlow county manager Mr Tom Dowling, at the ceremony in Ennis, Co Clare, at which this year's results were announced.
Ms Ella McGuinn, a member of the committee which spent countless hours last year preparing Leighlinbridge for the event, said its success had instilled "a great civic pride and sense of place" in the residents of the village.
The publicity surrounding its entry, combined with recent successes in tidy towns and other competitions, has "put Leighlinbridge on the map", McGuinn added. "There has been an explosion in the number of people visiting. Everywhere you go there are people taking photographs, so there has been a great spin-off for local businesses."
A Carlow County Council statement said the award was not only a great honour for Leighlinbridge, but would help to promote Carlow nationally and internationally as Ireland's floral county.
Entrants in the Entente Florale are rated under such headings as enhancement through flowers, shrubs, trees and green spaces; respect for nature; development that is environmentally and ecologically sensitive; maintenance of buildings and streetscape; and a sense of colour, tidiness and cheerfulness.