GALWAY city has been named as the best town in the Ireland and the UK in a prestigious competition that honours urban centres.

The City of the Tribes was the only Irish destination shortlisted for the Urbanism awards, which are handed out by the Academy of Urbanism in London.

Galway was one of three finalists for the Great Town category along with Falmouth in Cornwall and Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

A spokesperson for Galway City Council said the award was a great honour and that the authority was delighted to have been recognized.

Galway mayor Terry O'Flatherty, who was at the ceremony at the Duke of Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London, said she was "delighted" with the win.

The judges highlighted the city's streetscape as significant in their decision, making special reference to the Museum and Long Walk areas.