Celebrity chef Donal Skehan pictured at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park in Moate in 2021. The local amenity is a finalist in the national Pride of Place competition.

Pride of Place judges to visit Moate’s Dún na Sí next week

The team at Moate's Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park said they are "incredibly proud" to be representing Westmeath in the tourism section of this year's All Island Pride of Place Awards.

The annual competition recognises the efforts and dedication of local communities across Ireland.

The Pride of Place judges will be assessing Dún na Sí's nomination during a visit on Wednesday, August 21, between 2pm and 5pm.

The vibrancy and variety of Dún na Sí will be on display on judging day, with the judges being invited to explore beautiful woodland trails, wetlands and biodiversity, as well as art and community projects, in the Amenity Park.

They will also get to take a step back in time and see all that the Heritage Park has to offer to its many visitors each year.

A statement from Dún na Sí said this week that the local amenity is "a result of community, commitment and creativity".

"This nomination is an acknowledgement of all the volunteers and staff who have made the park what it is today and who are dedicated to its continuous improvement.

"We are looking forward to showcasing all our park has achieved and all it has to offer," it said.

This year marks the 22nd consecutive year of the Pride of Place awards, which are organised by the peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on Saturday, November 2.