Mayo organisation honoured at 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards

Achill Tourism has been named winner of the Community Tourism Initiative category at the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to community-based tourism and sustainable development on Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula.

Now in its 23rd year, the IPB Pride of Place Awards - run in association with Co-operation Ireland - celebrate the dedication of people and organisations who make their communities better places to live, work, and visit.

Judges were particularly impressed by Achill Tourism’s collaborative approach, supporting local businesses, volunteers, and agencies to build a thriving and inclusive destination rooted in community values. Achill Tourism Manager Chris McCarthy said the Pride of Place journey had been a valuable reflection for the organisation:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won. The whole Pride of Place process was a fantastic opportunity for our team to step back and evaluate everything we do - almost like putting together a progress report on Achill itself. We’re involved in so many projects and aspects of community life that it goes far beyond tourism. At its core, our work is about creating better opportunities and facilities for local people. Tourism is the vehicle, but community wellbeing is the destination.”

Projects presented to judges included beach accessibility initiatives, Ireland’s first beach toy recycling boxes, the Achill Greenway parkrun, the Achill Half Marathon and 10K, and the community-led Easter Parade.

For a small island community of 2,500 residents, Achill’s achievement reflects a big vision - one built on teamwork, pride, and a deep love of place.