2026 marks the 20th Anniversary of Good Food Ireland®, championing quality, provenance and experience-led Irish food and drink. Through our year-long programme – Connect Sessions, Conference, International Events and annual Awards, we aim to foster collaboration, strengthen trust and support our community of producers, hospitality partners and tourism businesses in creating memorable Irish food and drink experiences for our customers. We invite all who share our passion for authentic Irish food and drink to join us in shaping the next chapter together, building on the values and connections that have defined Ireland’s culinary story.
20 YEARS OF TASTE
20 Years of Taste celebrates two decades of Good Food Ireland® championing the people, places and produce that define Ireland’s food and drink. Rooted in provenance, quality and authenticity, it recognises the experiences created when Irish food and drink are grown, prepared, served and shared. The theme honours the role of Good Food Ireland® in building trust, elevating standards and showcasing Ireland as an experience-led, all-island destination.
Looking forward, it reflects taste not just as flavour, but as memory, emotion, culture and connection, shaping how visitors and consumers experience Ireland today and in the years to come.
5 regional cONnect sessions
February 17th - 26th
all-island conference monday, april 20th iNTERCONTINENTAL DUBLIN
Tickets
TICKET INFORMATION (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
INDIVIDUAL TICKET – €150 + VAT
TABLE TICKET (10 people) – €1450 + VAT
SOLD OUT
20th anniversary AWARDS
20 Yearsof taste. setting the standard.
Good Food Ireland® 20th Anniversary Awards in association with FBD Insurance take place on Monday, November 16th in our Host Partner, InterContinental Dublin.
These landmark awards celebrate the very best of Irish food, drink and hospitality. Open for entry to all businesses across the island that align with the Good Food Ireland® brand philosophy, the awards recognise excellence in provenance, quality and experience.
Join us on 16 November at the InterContinental Dublin as we honour the people, producers and businesses shaping Ireland’s food and drink story.
Guest speaker
ANITA MENDIRATTA
A committed Tourism & Development practitioner, diplomat, author and on-air personality, Anita Mendiratta is the Founder and President of ANITA MENDIRATTA & ASSOCIATES, a highly respected, London-based international consulting firm. With over two decades of professional experience across almost all continents, Anita has an innate ability to feel the ‘heartbeat’ of economic, social, political and environmental dynamics of nations in times of both growth and crisis.
Anita is Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Most recently, she has taken on a critical global role as a trusted advisor of government and business leaders seeking to understand the impact of COVID-19. Anita is also Strategic Advisor to CNN International in the area of Tourism & Development. Anita’s impact has resulted in her securing a respected position of pride and value within the global leadership community including being recognised within the industry as “Most Influential Woman in Tourism’ in 2019” and “Top 25 Inspirational Executives in Travel/Hospitality’ in 2021”.
Master of Cermonies
Noel Toolan
He has worked across the private and public sectors in more than 50 countries making marketing change happen in a wide range of enterprises and organisations from 1 person startups to global multinationals in over 20 different industries and a number of governments.
Noel has particularly relevant experience in the food and tourism sectors where he has worked at the highest level on a number of global consumer brands, international food services and international tourism and travel in both private and public sectors in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Irish Ingredients

Sustainability

Certified Quality

Consumer Spotlight

High Accolade

Trustmark
AWARD CATEGORIES
Hotel of the Year – Sponsored by Irish Hereford Prime
A best-in-class hotel, delivering a high-quality dining experience, showcasing seasonal Irish ingredients and food and drink produce across all areas. Together with an approach that celebrates Ireland’s rich traditions and hospitality.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR WINNER – THE EUROPE HOTEL & RESORT, KERRY
FINALISTS
Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Hayfield Manor, Cork
Celtic Ross Hotel, Cork
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, Dublin
The Merrion, Dublin
The Europe Hotel & Resort, Kerry – WINNER
The K Club, Kildare
The Dunraven Adare, Limerick
Hotel of the Year – Sponsored by Irish Hereford Prime
A best-in-class hotel, delivering a high-quality dining experience, showcasing seasonal Irish ingredients and food and drink produce across all areas. Together with an approach that celebrates Ireland’s rich traditions and hospitality.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR WINNER – THE EUROPE HOTEL & RESORT, KERRY
FINALISTS
Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Hayfield Manor, Cork
Celtic Ross Hotel, Cork
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, Dublin
The Merrion, Dublin
The Europe Hotel & Resort, Kerry – WINNER
The K Club, Kildare
The Dunraven Adare, Limerick
Culinary Haven of the Year – Sponsored by Waterford
CULINARY HAVEN OF THE YEAR WINNER – BALLYMALOE HOUSE HOTEL, CORK
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNER – KILLEAVY CASTLE ESTATE, ARMAGH
This award recognises exceptional experience; in itself a food and drink destination that epitomises culinary excellence, highlighting the very best of local Irish produce.
FINALISTS
The Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim
Killeavy Castle Estate, Armagh – SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Ballymaloe House Hotel, Cork – WINNER
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, Wicklow
Killeen House Hotel & Rozzers Restaurant, Kerry
Cashel House Hotel, Galway
Rathmullan House, Donegal
Ghan House, Louth
Restaurant of the Year – SPONSORED BY WATERFORD
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR WINNER – WOODRUFF RESTAURANT, DUBLIN
A strong emphasis on seasonal Irish ingredients, whereby the Chef’s creativity consistently demonstrates an aptitude for bringing out the integrity of the ingredients and successfully marrying those flavours as a complete dish. Warmth of hospitality, exceptional service, together with great food that truly makes for an outstanding and memorable experience.
FINALISTS
Fish City, Antrim
An Port Mor, Mayo
Prime 74, Tipperary
The Lemon Tree Restaurant, Donegal
Potager Restaurant, Dublin
Woodruff Restaurant, Dublin – WINNER
Aniar, Galway
Fishy Fishy, Cork
Hugo’s, Dublin
Café of the Year – Sponsored by ballymaloe foods
A clear demonstration of home-baked, in-house cooking or production with a passionate commitment to Irish produce, good old-fashioned Irish hospitality and a go to place for visitors and locals alike.
CAFE OF THE YEAR WINNER – FARMHOUSE CAFÉ & BAKERY, DUBLIN
FINALISTS
Sweet n Green, Clare
Kelly’s Kitchen Café, Newport
Farmhouse Café & Bakery, Dublin – WINNER
GROW HQ, Waterford
Fennelly’s of Callan, Kilkenny
The Hungry Bear Café, Wexford
Barrons Bakery & Coffee House, Waterford
Kelly’s Café, Wexford
Pub of the Year – Sponsored by IrishCentral
A pub that represents the very best of Irish food and culture, one that takes the Irish pub experience to a whole different level of excellence. Showcasing local Irish produce, with a consideration for traditional or speciality Irish dishes, supplemented by home-baked breads, cakes and desserts. A drinks selection of local Irish beers, spirits, drinks and beverages including Irish fruit cordials and juice, complemented by Irish Snacks and Crisps. A pub where people are immersed in another world of warmth, conversation, laughter and fun. What we Irish call ‘the craic’.
PUB OF THE YEAR WINNER – MIKEY RYAN’S BAR & KITCHEN, TIPPERARY
FINALISTS
The King’s Head, Galway
The Glyde Inn, Louth
The Tavern Bar & Restaurant, Mayo
Harte’s of Kildare, Kildare
Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, Tipperary – WINNER
The Lifeboat Inn, Cork
The Oarsman, Leitrim
Rusty Mackerel, Donegal
Shop of the Year – sponsored by irishcentral
A Shop offering a selection of quality Irish food and/or drink, that shares the stories of the people and places behind it. A shop that celebrates Irish biodiversity and creates a better environment for cooking, eating and beyond.
SHOP OF THE YEAR WINNER – FIRECASTLE, KILDARE
FINALISTS
The Roughty Foodie, Cork
Country Choice, Tipperary
Buddy’s Farmers Market, Dublin
Brogan’s Butchers, Meath
Cavistons Seafood Restaurant & Food Emporium, Dublin
Leaf & Larder Delicatessen & Bakery, Kerry
Firecastle, Kildare – WINNER
Food Truck of the Year – Sponsored by The Firm Hospitality recruitment
A food truck, trailer or open hatch takeaway with a clear demonstration for Irish ingredients and produce, delivering a personal and trusting experience, bringing community together, energising the local economy and driving tourism to the specific area.
FOOD TRUCK OF THE YEAR WINNER – SEABISCUIT AT THE STRAND CAHORE, WEXFORD
FINALISTS
The Garden Cafe Truck at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Cork
CRAFT West Cork at The Celtic Ross Hotel, Cork
Koha Street Kitchen, Sligo
SEABISCUIT at The Strand Cahore, Wexford – WINNER
Sustainability Award – sponsored by kerrygold®
Through the Good Food Ireland® philosophy every approved business contributes to economic sustainability, benefitting local communities and safeguarding the future livelihoods of local people. This Award goes even further, recognising businesses for their environmental or social sustainability, businesses that have developed and implemented clean production initiatives and sustainable practices, demonstrating how they are helping to protect Ireland’s environment and greater wellbeing for the long-term benefit of all.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD TOURISM & HOSPITALITY WINNER – BROOKLODGE & MACREDDIN VILLAGE
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FOOD PRODUCTION WINNER – O’SHEA FARMS, KILKENNY
FINALISTS
GROW HQ, Waterford
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, Wicklow – TOURISM & HOSPITALITY WINNER
Connemara Smokehouse, Galway
Oriel Sea Salt, Louth
Fish City, Antrim
Atlantis of Kilmore Quay, Wexford
O’ Shea Farms, Kilkenny – FOOD PRODUCTION WINNER
Producer Awards
This Award recognises producers for their premium produce and commitment to Irish provenance, leading the field in their production ethos, cultivation and catch practices and the top-quality produce it results in. We’ve acknowledged producers with a focus on environmental sustainability, preservation and collaboration with the local community.
MEAT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY IFAC
MEAT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – MARKET HOUSE ENNISTYMON
FINALISTS
Coppenagh House Farm, Carlow
Market House Ennistymon, Clare – WINNER
Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb, Mayo
Jane Russell’s Original Irish Sausages, Kildare
Kelly’s of Newport, Mayo
Donabate Dexter, Dublin
FRUIT & VEGETABLE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY IFAC
FRUIT & VEGETABLE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – THE APPLE FARM, TIPPERARY
FINALISTS
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms, Offaly
The Apple Farm, Tipperary – WINNER
O’Shea Farms, Kilkenny
Kearns Fruit Farm, Wexford
FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY ROE & CO
FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – REALT NA MARA SHELLFISH, KERRY
FINALISTS
Burren Smokehouse, Clare
Ummera Smoked Products, Cork
K’O’Connell Fish Merchants , Cork
Realt na Mara Shellfish, Kerry – WINNER
Atlantis of Kilmore Quay, Wexford
DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THE K CLUB
DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – FIVE FARMS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR
FINALISTS
Armagh Cider Company, Armagh
Jackford Irish Gin, Wexford
Western Herd Brewing Company, Clare
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Cork – WINNER
Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse, Kildare
DAIRY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THE K CLUB
DAIRY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – KILLOWEN FARM, WEXFORD
FINALISTS
Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Down
The Village Dairy, Carlow
Freezin Friesian, Waterford
Killowen Farm, Wexford – WINNER
Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese, Meath
JAMS & SAVOURY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY ROE & CO
JAMS & SAVOURY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – WILD IRISH FORAGERS & PRESERVERS, OFFALY
FINALISTS
Wexford Home Preserves, Wexford
Leahy Beekeeping, Galway
Crossogue Preserves, Co. Tipperary
Achill Island Sea Salt, Mayo
Wild Irish Foragers & Preservers, Offaly – WINNER
Harnett’s Oils, Down
Keogh’s Crisps, Dublin
BAKERY & CHOCOLATE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY ROE & CO
BAKERY & CHOCOLATE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – JINNY’S BAKERY & TEA ROOMS
FINALISTS
Koko Kinsale, Cork
Praline, Cork
Jinny’s Bakery & Tea Rooms, Leitrim – WINNER
Walsh’s Bakehouse, Waterford
Ditty’s Bakery, Derry
Producer of the Year -SPONSORED BY IFA
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WINNER – THE APPLE FARM, TIPPERARY
The Producer of the Year demonstrates a strong emphasis on using social media channels to tell their story and the story of Irish farming and food production to a domestic and global audience.
Excellence in Food Tourism Award – SPONSORED BY TOURISM IRELAND
This Award recognises food and drink producers, providers, cooking schools, food attractions, farm gate experiences, trails or other food tourism experiences featuring Irish produce as the core component.
EXCELLENCE IN FOOD TOURISM WINNER – BALLYMALOE COOKERY SCHOOL ORGANIC FARM & GARDENS
FINALISTS
Long Meadow Cider, Armagh
Burren Smokehouse & Visitor Centre, Clare
Ballymaloe Cookery School Organic Farm & Gardens, Cork – WINNER
Wilde Irish Chocolates, Clare
Vintage Tea Trips, Dublin
The Glyde Inn, Louth
Coppenagh House Farm, Carlow
Food Lovers Choice Award –SPONSORED BY FBD INSURANCE
VOTINg has now closed – march 20th 2023
The Good Food Ireland® Food Lovers Choice award gives you, the public an opportunity to vote for your favourite business across the island of Ireland. The shortlist for each location will be drawn from the finalists in all other categories, placing them in their relevant tourism area throughout the island.
WILD ATLANTIC WAY WINNER – THE LIFEBOAT INN, CORK
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST WINNER – BROGAN’S BUTCHERS, MEATH
IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS WINNER – WILDE IRISH CHOCOLATES, CLARE
DUBLIN WINNER – KEOGH’S CRISPS, DUBLIN
NORTHERN IRELAND WINNER – BUSHMILLS INN, ANTRIM
Outstanding Contribution to Food Production – Sponsored by National Dairy Council
Farming is the backbone of Ireland’s Agri-food business, boosting our tourism industry and supporting the economy of our rural environments. This honorary award is in recognition and celebration of the thousands of farmers, for their steadfast contribution to food production on our island and the measures being put in place to farm more sustainably. It highlights the importance of farming not just economically, but its generational legacy and cultural contribution to Irish tourism and the wider community.
WINNER – EAMON SHEEHAN, BAWNLUSK DAIRY FARM, KILKENNY
Outstanding Contribution to Irish Food and Drink Internationally – Sponsored by BORD BIA
This award honours individuals/businesses internationally for their contribution to Food Brand Ireland. Where their creativity and drive in the sourcing and promotion of Irish food/drink has effected much change, enhanced commercial export opportunities for Ireland’s food and drink businesses and inspired reasons to believe.
WINNER – ANNA HAUGH, LONDON, UK
Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Pure Cork
In recognition of a remarkable lifelong achievement across both the tourism hospitality sector and the food production sector.
WINNER – DECLAN RYAN, CORK
Supreme Award of the Year – Sponsored by Kerrygold®
WINNER – THE EUROPE HOTEL & RESORT, KERRY
Tickets
TICKET INFORMATION (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
INDIVIDUAL TICKET – €150 + VAT
TABLE TICKET (10 people) – €1450 + VAT
SOLD OUT
Awards Prize

One lucky guest will win a Beautiful Seven-Piece Gio Tea set sponsored by Waterford.
The Gio collection was designed to encompass elegant simplicity. The seven-piece Gio tea set provides everything you need to host the perfect tea for two. Pour your favourite blend into the teacups with matching saucers and enjoy the luxurious feeling of fine bone china, embossed with a subtle geometric pattern. The teapot’s square profile brings a contemporary touch to your table, while the thoughtfully designed sugar bowl and cream jug complete this sophisticated set. The set is complimented by an opulent Gio Gold cake stand; its 22-carat gold banding and intricate geometric design, sets off the sleek white bone china.
Congratulations to the winner on the day – Macdara Mathews, Dublin
judging panel
An independent panel of Irish and International leaders will shortlist nominees and select the overall winner following onsite mystery inspection and assessment. The public will also have the opportunity to vote online in the Food Lovers Choice Award.
Partners & Sponsors
Gold Partners

Kerrygold
Kerrygold® is a proud Irish brand that retains deep tradition and enjoys a special relationship with consumers going back 60 years. The core Kerrygold® product is natural Irish premium butter, made from just two simple ingredients; cream and salt. Kerrgold® counts creaminess and deliciousness to only sourcing milk from grass-fed cows who graze on lush Irish pastures for 300 days a year.

FBD Insurance
From managing suppliers, staff and service; running a business takes a lot of work and dedication. FBD Insurance know what it takes, and know that a little support can mean a lot to business owners. That is why, for over 50 years, FBD Insurance has been supporting Irish businesses and business owners with great value insurance. With this kind of industry experience FBD Insurance have unrivalled knowledge of local enterprises. That’s why they can talk sincerely about their service as being the hallmark of the company’s success.

Roe & Co
Roe & Co distillery is the home of cocktail exploration and modern Irish whiskey. Nestled in the heart of the Liberties new energy surges through the former Guinness Power Station, where fun and flavour come to life through a truly immersive experience. This is Irish Whiskey reimagined.

Waterford
Inspired by the elements and by the Irish traditions of craftsmanship, Waterford transforms every moment into something more. The artistry and craftsmanship behind Waterford goes beyond mere form. Each piece is specially designed to heighten the pleasure of using it the way it plays with light, its satisfying weight and tactility, and the pure bright sound it emits when touched.
Host partner
Media Partner

The K Club
Captivatingly moreish, varied yet fantastically focused; dining always comes with a generous dollop of passion and creativity at The K Club. Over the past two year, The K Club has worked to transform its food and drink spaces to guarantee superb flavour sensations, thoughful attention to detail and produce-led dishes.

IrishCentral
Headquarted in New York with an ancillary office in Dublin, IrishCentral is the trusted source for information related to Ireland and the Irish. It caters to 39 million Irish Americans and 70 million Irish diaspora and receives 2 million+ unique visitors per month.
Host Partner
Gold Partners
Media Partner

The K Club
Captivatingly moreish, varied yet fantastically focussed; dining always comes with a generous dollop of passion and creativity at The K Club. Over the past two years, The K Club has worked to transform its food and drink spaces to guarantee superb flavour sensations, thoughtful attention to detail and produce-led dishes.

Kerrygold
Kerrygold® is a proud Irish brand that retains deep tradition and enjoys a special relationship with consumers going back over 60 years. The core Kerrygold® product is natural Irish premium butter, made from just two simple ingredients; cream and salt. Kerrygold® counts its creaminess and deliciousness to only sourcing milk from grass-fed cows who graze on lush Irish pastures for 300 days a year.

FBD Insurance
From managing suppliers, staff and service; running a business takes a lot of work and dedication. FBD Insurance know what it takes, and know that a little support can mean a lot to business owners. That is why, for over 50 years, FBD Insurance has been supporting Irish businesses and business owners with great value insurance. With this kind of industry experience FBD Insurance have unrivalled knowledge of local enterprises. That’s why they can talk sincerely about their service as being the hallmark of the company’s success.

Irish Central
Headquartered in New York with an ancillary office in Dublin, IrishCentral is the trusted source for information related to Ireland and the Irish. It caters to 39 million Irish Americans and 70 million Irish diaspora and receives 2 million+ unique visitors per month.
SUpporting Sponsors








PARTNERSHIP & Sponsorship
GOOD FOOD IRELAND® “DRIVING FOOD TOURISM SINCE 2006“
Sponsoring Good Food Ireland® provides a unique opportunity to align your business with a values-driven brand that has shaped Ireland’s culinary identity.
Partners benefit from brand association that drives visibility, reinforces provenance and quality, supports sustainable growth and celebrates experience-led food tourism across the island.
This is more than a sponsorship, it’s a chance to collaborate with a community dedicated to excellence, authenticity and shared success.
For Partnership or Sponsorship please contact:
Margaret Jeffares, CEO
Tel: +353 53 9158693
Email: [email protected]