News - Blas na hEireann

Eat Ireland in a Day 2025

September 27, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Eat Ireland in a Day

A market for all Blas na hÉireann & Dingle Food Festival attendees (visitors and locals) to discover the very best of Irish food & drinks from the Blas na hÉireann finalists and winners. It’s a vibrant market style area which highlights the quality food & drinks which have reached the finalist stage of this all island competition.

Where: Blas Village, Green St (beside the church)
When: Friday 3rd 10am – 5pm / Sat 4th 11am – 5pm / Sun 5th 11am – 5pm

Eat Ireland in a day 2025

All About Kombucha
Boyne Valley Flavours
Burren Food Network
Clandeboye Yoghurt
Cookie Dó
Cult!
Longbridge Drinks
Midlands Food and Drink Network
Second Street Bakeshop
Sips By Tom
Tipperary Food Producers
The Wexford Food Producers Network

Meet the Makers at Eat Ireland’s Blas Village!
Get ready for a weekend of flavour-packed talks, tastings, and tantalising stories behind some of Ireland’s finest food producers. From rich, artisanal cheeses to zingy kombuchas and hot, fiery sauces, we’ve got something for every palate.

And the best part? It’s free! Each session includes tastings from the producers themselves—so come hungry!

Friday 3rd

3.30pm — Orchard Tales: Irish Cider & Apples
Join Con Traas of The Apple Farm, Co. Tipperary along with Daniel Emerson, Stonewell Cider and Davy Uprichard from Tempted for a chat with Caroline Hennesy about the importance of Irish apples, the craft of cider-making, and how to pair it with food. Fresh, crisp and rooted in tradition—this session celebrates the Irish orchard.

4.30pm Jewels in the Hedgerows
The hidden food gems of the Irish midlands take the spotlight. From farm-fresh honey to artisan preserves, meet the producers who are bringing the heart of Ireland to your table. Richmount Cordial, Farmhouse Bees, Killucan Honey, and Gs Jams showcase the flavours that grow right in our own hedgerows — simple, authentic, and full of character. A celebration of local craft and the treasures that make this region unique. Host: Sharon Noonan

Saturday 4th

10am — A Sweet Start with Chocolate!
Kick off the festival with a chocolate lover’s dream. Hosted by food broadcaster and chef Erica Drum, this session brings together a line-up of talented Irish chocolatiers including Karen from Boho Nibz and Tara Gartlan, each showcasing their craft. From silky truffles to bold flavour twists, you’ll taste your way through some of Ireland’s finest creations and hear the stories behind them. A delicious start to the day!

11am Say Che*se!
Chef and sustainability champion Conor Spacey hosts a vibrant panel and tasting with The Cheesy Cult, innovators creating delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy. Expect bold flavours, creamy textures, and plenty of food for thought as we explore how plant-based eating is evolving in Ireland. A session that’s indulgent, inclusive, and guaranteed to get people talking.

12noon — Brack & Blue – A pairing made in foodie heaven. Cashel Blue, the Tipperary farmhouse classic, meets rich, spiced brack from The Cupcake Bloke in Dublin. A conversation and tasting that proves old-school Irish flavours can still surprise. Hosted by Ali Dunworth

1pm — Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum
Chef, broadcaster and food champion Paula McIntyre has turned her creative hand to spirits, launching a brand new rum infused with North Coast blackberries and Mourne Mountains honey. Taste the story of land and sea in a glass.

2pm – Wexford Wonders
Sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest flavours. In this session with Anthony O’Toole we celebrate Wexford provenance with four outstanding local producers. From the creaminess of farm-fresh butter to the clean intensity of sea salt harvested on the coast, the crunch of granola made with organic oats and nuts to the vibrant sweetness of cordials pressed from fresh Wexford fruit — discover how these everyday essentials reflect the richness of the land and sea that shape them. Proof that when the basics are this good, you don’t need to add much more.

3pm — Willy Wonka in Cookie Land
Cookie Do & Second Street Bakeshop bring their marvellous, playful creations to the stage. Expect colourful, quirky bakes that will delight kids and grown-ups alike. A sugar-sprinkled session not to be missed hosted by Janine Kennedy

4pm — Fizz & Flavours
Step aside, the usual fizzy stuff. Meet the new wave of Irish makers shaking up the soft drinks scene—All About Kombucha, Fierce Mild, King of Kefir & Sips by Tom

Zingy, refreshing and full of flavour, this one is for the curious sippers. Hosted by Joe MacNamee

All Festival Attendees Welcome | Free to Attend | Tastings Included with Every Session

Come and taste some of Ireland’s best food & drinks and the passionate people who make it!

2026 details…

Eat Ireland in a Day is a space which will be open to all festival visitors which will showcase Blas na hÉireann finalists and winners.

This space will house 4 individual 5m x 5m tents.

Each of the 4 tents house 4 producer showcase spaces

This is an exciting opportunity which allows the Blas Village to open up to the public over the weekend of the awards and Dingle Food Festival.

Dates & Times

These venues will be open as follows;

Friday 2nd October 2026 – 10am – 5pm

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th 11am – 5pm

Please note that on Friday 2nd which is the awards presentation day the trade are in attendance. This may be a quiet trading time for market sales but it is worth considering being on site and set up earlier than 10am as buyers/chefs/industry will be walking through this space to the awards section of the Blas village.

Eat Ireland in a Day will celebrate the finalists at the awards and showcase to the festival attendees (both visitors and local audience) the quality food & drinks which have reached the finalist stage of this all island competition.

Eligibility: To be eligible an exhibiting producer must be a 2026 finalist
(or a finalist from 2025 or 2024)  

For more information or booking details email Ali at events@irishfoodawards.com

The practical:

Each pagoda tent will have 4 producer display stands which are 1m wide

Each stand will be branded with the producer logo

There will be access to electricity & refrigeration (this is included but it is limited and must be pre-booked)

We also have supports in place to assist with accommodation, parking on site for exhibitors, etc

We will be branding the counters so essentially the space will be “walk in ready”

Producers can book all 3 days or rotate between a group
(all 2025 finalists are eligible as well as 2024 & 2023 finalists)

There is parking on site for exhibitors (first come first served basis)

Terms and Conditions

All traders must be set up and ready 1 hours in advance of trading
Car Park access will close 2 hours prior to trading

Each producer must comply with all the current health and safety regulations and must be registered with their local health authorities. An EHO will be present at the festival. All stallholders must provide a copy of their HSE/SFPA registration form along with this application.

If you need Electricity or refrigeration please complete specifics below and please advise if you are offering samples how samples will be prepared

Each exhibitor must work within their 1m space
We do limited storage space and the Blas Village will have overnight security

We will work with you on the branding and will have your logo printed on your stand so your stall is essentially walk in ready. Pull ups are not permitted.

Each exhibitor will be responsible for their own waste

Exhibitors must state clearly exactly what food produce they intend to sell at the market and this must match details with local health authorities.

All participants are required to take full responsibility for hygiene on and around their stall both during and after market hours. Hand wash facilities provided on site.

All stall holders must have the adequate HACCP documentation to hand

Meet the Makers at Eat Ireland’s Blas Village!

2025 information coming soon

All Festival Attendees Welcome | Free to Attend | Tastings Included with Every Session

Come and taste some of Ireland’s best food & drinks and the passionate people who make it!

Diploma in Speciality & Artisan Food Enterprises

September 5, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Registrations are open for this year’s enrollment of Diploma in Speciality & Artisan Food Entreprises.

The Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises is a part-time, Level 7 qualification for those starting or growing a business in the speciality and artisan food sector. Funding of up to 64% is available for eligible applicants through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Ireland’s artisan and speciality food sector has seen remarkable growth, driven by craftsmanship, sustainability, and consumer demand for high-quality, locally produced food. This diploma is designed for individuals who are launching or developing a food enterprise, as well as those working in the sector — from producers and retailers to culinary professionals and food writers.

Delivered part-time from October to May, the programme blends academic insight with practical experience. Participants engage in lectures, workshops, guest talks, and site visits, gaining both the scientific foundation and business acumen needed to succeed in this dynamic industry.

Accredited by NUI and worth 60 credits at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), the diploma is led by experts in food science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Find out more

LEO Network are announced as supporter of Best Artisan at Blas na hÉireann 2025

August 6, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

This year marks a major milestone for Blas na hEireann as Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) from across the country have come together as a network to support the coveted Best Artisan award as well as collectively supporting the best in County awards for each of the ROI counties which they represent.

Announcing the partnership of the Local Enterprise Office with the Blas na hÉireann Artisan Producers Award are Artie Clifford (Blas na hÉireann), Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of the Local Enterprise Office Cork City, and Fallon Moore (Blas na hÉireann); and Orla Snook O’Carroll from Valentia Island Vermouth, winner of the 2024 Best Artisan Producer Award at the Blas na hÉireann / Irish Food Awards.
Photo: Joleen Cronin

“This collective support from the Local Enterprise Offices marks a significant moment for Blas na hÉireann. It’s a powerful endorsement of the vibrant food culture we have here, and it shows how deeply rooted the LEOs are in supporting local producers. Their unified backing not only strengthens the awards but also shows their commitment to the incredible artisans and producers taking part.” Fallon Moore, Blas na hÉireann

“The LEOs have long been the go-to support system for new and growing businesses, and having them step in with such coordinated support feels like a celebration of what the awards stand for — championing local, celebrating quality, and creating opportunities for growth. It sends a clear message to producers: you’re not alone — there is a strong, connected network here to help you thrive.”

“Blas na hÉireann celebrates the very best of Irish food and drink, and for many small producers, it represents a launchpad to national recognition. It was important for the Local Enterprise Offices to come together and support these awards because they align directly with our mission, helping local businesses start, scale, and succeed. The Best Artisan Producer category, in particular, reflects the heart of what LEOs support every day, passionate entrepreneurs bringing high quality, authentic products to market, often with strong ties to their communities, heritage, and local ingredients. By supporting this category, the LEOs are reinforcing the message that Ireland’s food culture is built on innovation, sustainability, and small scale excellence. It also provides a vital platform for producers to gain exposure, connect with buyers, and take the next step on their business journey.” Niall O’Keeffe, Head or Enterprise, Cork City LEO

This year, for the first time ever, the winner of Best Artisan will also receive a bursary supported by Loraine Cox Photography. The prize will be a Food Styling and Photography package valued at €1,350, which will include a combination of product photography and photographs of the winning producer. Critical tools for any artisan producer as they build their business.
Read details of the announcement in ShelfLife Magazine

How your Local Enterprise Office can help you….
Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of practical supports designed to help food and drink producers at every stage of their development. That includes expert mentoring, access to targeted training, and financial supports such as feasibility grants, priming grants for start ups, and business expansion funding for those looking to scale. Many producers also take part in national programmes like the Food Academy, which provides a structured route to develop products, build brand visibility, and access retail opportunities.

For those developing new markets, the Market Explorer Grant provides valuable assistance for international research and early stage export development. LEOs also work with businesses to build sustainability and digital transformation into their operations from the start, helping improve productivity, competitiveness, and long term resilience. For those ready to grow further, we provide direct pathways to supports from Enterprise Ireland and other national initiatives, ensuring producers have the tools, connections, and resources to compete and succeed.

Find out more https://www.localenterprise.ie/

This year there are three Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions as voted by Irish food producers — Caroline Hennessy, Santina Kennedy, and Anthony O’Toole

May 22, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Santina Kennedy, Caroline Hennessy, and Anthony O’Toole are the Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025. The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country and the tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October. Photo: Joleen Cronin

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, is delighted to announce not one, but three exceptional individuals as this year’s Producers’ Champions — a trio of advocates whose work consistently shines a spotlight on Ireland’s food makers and artisan producers. Caroline Hennessy, Santina Kennedy, and Anthony O’Toole are Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025.

Each has their own unique voice and perspective, and their collective impact across Irish food writing, curation, hospitality, advocacy and sustainability is both significant and impressive.

Chosen directly by Irish producers from every corner of the country, the Producers’ Champion title is awarded each year based on nominations from within the Blas na hÉireann network. It celebrates those who go above and beyond to support, elevate and promote Irish food and drink.

“We are thrilled to announce these three unique supporters of Irish food as this year’s Producers’ Champions,” said Artie Clifford, founder and Chairman of Blas na hÉireann. “Each of them in their own way has shown a serious and ongoing commitment to the people behind the produce. They share a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, make, market and champion Irish food having all had a background in production, and therefore an understanding of the challenges that producers can face. We couldn’t be happier to celebrate them as they have so often celebrated our producers.”

Caroline Hennessy has been a steadfast voice in Irish food for over two decades. As an award-winning writer, author, MC, and editor, she has consistently used her platforms — from her regular columns to her widely read site Bibliocook — to tell the stories of local producers. With a sharp focus on sustainability and regional food systems, her work weaves the story of Irish food into media, events and podcasts, helping producers reach new audiences and communities.

Santina Kennedy is a food consultant and curator whose work brings Irish food to life through unforgettable experiences. Whether creating immersive dining events at the National Gallery of Ireland or developing food tourism strategies with Fáilte Ireland, Santina places Irish produce centre stage. Pairing food with art, place, history and storytelling, her focus is always on keeping local food, ingredients and their narratives central to a destination’s offering.

Anthony O’Toole, chef, writer, Slow Food advocate and lifelong champion of seed sovereignty, is behind some of the country’s most forward-thinking food initiatives. From launching Fat Tomato, his organic edible garden and horticulture project in Wexford, to co-founding Taste Wexford and #thisisirishfood, Anthony’s work connects chefs and producers through sustainability, education, and celebration of heritage ingredients. He is a sought-after advisor and an advocate for food as a tool for cultural connection and ecological resilience.

All three now join the prestigious roster of Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions — a list that includes Darina and Rachel Allen and Rory O’Connell, John & Sally McKenna, Neven Maguire, Jess Murphy, Kate Ryan, Conor Spacey, Brian McDermott, Laura Bradley & Johnny McDowell from Indie Füde, and Simon Coveney — as part of a community that celebrates excellence and advocacy in Irish food.

www.irishfoodawards.com

Fallon Moore (Blas na hÉireann), Anthony O’Toole, Santina Kennedy, and Caroline Hennessy are the Blas na hÉireann Producers’ Champions 2025, with Artie Clifford (Blas na hÉireann). The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country and the tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October. Photo: Joleen Cronin

Best in Monaghan award at Blas na hÉireann supported by Monaghan LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Blas na hÉireann 2025 winners announced in Dingle, with 11 producers from Co. Monaghan taking home awards and Foraged & Infused winning Best in County, proudly supported by Monaghan Local Enterprise Office

IMAGES

All roads led to Dingle on Friday 3rd October for the eagerly anticipated finals of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, now in their 18th year and firmly established as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland.

This year, 14 producers from Co. Monaghan were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 11 of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:

Arthur Mallon Foods, Connolly Meats, Connollys Organic Eggs, Carleton Cakes, Foraged & Infused, Golden Irish, Green Isle Foods, Grove Farms, IGWT Poultry Services, Silver Hill Duck and Tara Gartlan Chocolate.

Foraged & Infused was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Monaghan Local Enterprise Office.

“I’m delighted to congratulate Foraged & Infused on winning Best in County at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards.” said Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the passion, creativity, and exceptional quality that go into their premium seasonal gin liqueurs – from Wild Berry to Peach, Rhubarb, and Sloe. Having already achieved gold at the 2024 Blas na hÉireann Craft Gin Awards and gone head-to-head with established national distilleries, their success story is truly inspiring. The Local Enterprise Office Monaghan is proud to have supported their journey, helping them to grow from local favourite to award-winning producer. I also want to commend the other 12 Monaghan finalists who took part this year – having such a strong showing highlights the incredible skill and innovation of our local food and drink producers. Monaghan is proving itself to be a powerful contender in the Irish food and drinks industry, and all our finalists are outstanding ambassadors for the county.”

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions supported by Bank of Ireland. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Monaghan represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”

The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend ran from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October in Dingle, with a packed programme of events shining a spotlight on the very best of Irish food and drink. Sustainability once again remained a key focus, with the event continuing to build on its waste-free commitments and support a more conscious future for Irish food.

ENDS

www.irishfoodawards.com

#Blas2025

@BlasNaHEireann

Notes to Editors

Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, are the largest food awards on the island of Ireland, open to all 32 counties. Judging took place during June and July in partnership with UCC. Finalists were announced in mid-August. Awards were presented in Dingle on Friday 3rd October, with the Blas weekend (Blas Village, Showcase, Awards & Eat Ireland in a Day) running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October.

For more information or imagery contact:

Hattie Wrixon, Host, hattie@hostandcompany.ie

Did you know you can also find our winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here

Best in Dublin Award at Blas na hÉireann supported by Dublin LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Blas na hÉireann 2025 winners announced in Dingle, with 53 producers from Co. Dublin taking home awards and Noisette Artisan Bakery winning Best in County, proudly supported by The Local Enterprise Offices in the Dublin region

IMAGES

All roads led to Dingle on Friday 3rd October for the eagerly anticipated finals of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, now in their 18th year and firmly established as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland.

This year, 61 producers from Co. Dublin were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 53 of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:

Aryzta, Ballymaguire Foods, Bewleys Tea & Coffee Ltd., Boxty House, Brambles, Chabad – Lubavitch of Ireland CLG (trading as Deli 613), Cherry Orchard Community Garden, Cookie Dó, Cooleeney Cheese, Copper Pan Kitchen, Dan and Monstro Homemade Sauces, Dole ireland, Donnelly Fresh Food, Dunn’s of Dublin, Dunn’s Seafare Ltd., Durrus Cheese, Freshcut Foods, Freshways Food Co., Fusion Vinegar, Gubbeen Cheese, Hatch Coffee, Hometown Taste Foods Ltd., Hopkins & Hopkins, Keeling F Juices Ltd., Keelings, Kefircoffee Ltd., Keogh’s Crisps, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, Mannings Bakery, McNally Family Farm, Meltdown, Milish Foods Ltd., Naomi’s Kitchen, Nature’s Elixir, Noisette Artisan Bakery, Oishii Foods, OpenHive Honey Ltd., Pitt Bros Barbecue, Pizza Sorrento, Raw Juices & Smoothies Ltd T/A The Raw Juice Company, Rye River Brewing Company, Slice of Life, Starbucks, Sushi King, Tender Meats, Tendermeats, Tetralogy Holdings Ltd. T/A Le Patissier, The Artisan Pizza Company, The Cupcake Bloke, The Delicious Food Co., Tirlán Ltd., Valeo Foods and Wonderfoods.

Noisette Artisan Bakery was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by The Local Enterprise Offices in the Dublin region.

“Congratulations to the team at Noisette Artisan Bakery who have beaten off stiff competition to emerge as the Dublin regional winner of this prestigious award.” said Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise. “This artisan bakery is a fantastic example of how a small artisan producer can successfully create a high-quality range of fresh products with an innovative approach. Customers of Noisette keep coming back for more, and that is a real testament to the quality and popularity of their product. We are so delighted to see so many of Dublin’s excellent and innovative food producers as winners and finalists again this year. Through the Dublin Food Chain and other regional initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices alongside our partners, we continue to work to support their development and growth. The overall success of Dublin producers at Blas na hÉireann is a proud moment for us all.”

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Dublin represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”

ENDS

www.irishfoodawards.com

#Blas2025

@BlasNaHEireann

Notes to Editors

For more information or imagery contact:

Hattie Wrixon, Host, hattie@hostandcompany.ie

Did you know you can also find our finalists & winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here

Best in Donegal award supported by Donegal LEO

March 28, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Blas na hÉireann 2025 winners announced in Dingle, with 8 producers from Co. Donegal taking home awards and J.L Gearytrading Ltd. winning Best in County, proudly supported by Donegal Local Enterprise Office

IMAGES

This year, 14 producers from Co. Donegal were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 8 of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:

Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Donegal Sea Salt Ltd., Filligans Handmade Preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, Kinnegar Brewing, Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Little Mammas Gelato and Natural Dairies.

J.L Gearytrading Ltd. was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Donegal Local Enterprise Office.

“We are absolutely delighted to see J.L Gearytrading Ltd. awarded Best in County Donegal at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. This achievement is a reflection of their dedication to craft, commitment to quality, and the authenticity that defines Donegal’s food producers.” said Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal. “Blas na hÉireann is a mark of excellence in Irish food and drink, and for J.L Gearytrading Ltd. to be recognised among the best in the country is something the entire county can be proud of. Through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, we continue to champion the stories behind our food – stories of passion, perseverance, and place. This award highlights just how far Donegal has come as a food-producing region, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for our local producers.”

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Donegal represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”

ENDS

www.irishfoodawards.com

#Blas2025

@BlasNaHEireann

Notes to Editors

For more information or imagery contact:

Hattie Wrixon, Host, hattie@hostandcompany.ie

Did you know you can also find our finalists & winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here

The Best in Donegal award at Blas na hÉireann is supported by Donegal Local Enterprise Office

You can find details of Donegal Local Enterprise Office here
074 9160735

info@leo.donegalcoco.ie

Connecting Communities & Enterprise for Sustainable Food

March 27, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

New 100% funded programme from Taste4Success & UCC Sustainability Academy focused on reimagining sustainable, health and local food communities.

It is free to attend and will be provide opportunities to deliver a food charter for the Athenry and surrounding areas, discuss challenges and opportunities with local businesses and communities groups while leveraging the expertise from various contributors including a variety of different guest speakers.
More details can be found on http://t4s.ie/connectsus

Backyard on the Road 2025

March 26, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

The Backyard on the Road returns this spring, continuing to provide food and drink producers with a dedicated space to learn from industry experts, participate in guided panel discussions, and connect with fellow producers—supported by Taste 4 Success Skillnet.

In 2024, Blas Backyard was honoured with the inaugural L&DI Award for Best Sharing & Learning Community. The judges were so inspired by the power of peer-to-peer learning within our community that they created this award to recognize its impact.

“A brilliant example of just honest sharing, committed to the greater good and really supporting each other.”
– Sinéad Heneghan, CEO, L&DI Learning

At its heart, Blas Backyard thrives on producers coming together, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. This year, we’re building on that spirit by making our 2025 workshops even more interactive and discussion-led.

What to Expect

🔹 Expert-Led Panel Discussions – Guided conversations with mentors and leading industry voices
🔹 Tailored Insights – Attendees can submit questions in advance for a more personalized discussion.
🔹 Quality Networking – Dedicated time to connect and collaborate with fellow producers.

📅 Dates:

24th April – Attyflin Estate Limerick – Buyer Focus – Book here
30th April – Attyflin Estate Limerick – PR & Social Media – Book here
1st May – The Seamus Ennis Centre, The Naul – Branding, Marketing & Packaging – Book here

🎟 Tickets: €50 (ex VAT) – includes half day session, networking opportunities, and refreshments.

Join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections!

A look back at our 2024 Backyard on the Road…

Best in Louth award at Blas na hÉireann

March 20, 2025 by Irish Food Awards

Blas na hÉireann 2025 winners announced in Dingle, with 9 producers from Co. Louth taking home awards and Muchgrange Farm winning Best in County, proudly supported by Louth Local Enterprise Office

This year, 9 producers from Co. Louth were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with all of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:

Carlingford Oyster Company Ltd., Dundalk Bay Brewery, Fierce Mild Brewing Ltd., Herbel Crest Ltd (T/A King of Kefir), Hilton Foods, McCloskeys Bakery, Muchgrange Farm, Natures Best and Pearse Lyons Distillery.

Muchgrange Farm was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Louth Local Enterprise Office.

“On behalf of Local Enterprise Office Louth, I extend our warmest congratulations to Muchgrange Farm on being named Best in County Louth at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2025.” said Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in food production. Muchgrange Farm represents the very best of Louth’s vibrant food and drink sector, and their success is a fantastic reflection of the quality and ambition we see across our local producers. We’re proud to support businesses like Muchgrange Farm who are putting Louth firmly on the map”

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Louth represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”

ENDS

www.irishfoodawards.com

#Blas2025

@BlasNaHEireann

Notes to Editors

For more information or imagery contact:

Hattie Wrixon, Host, hattie@hostandcompany.ie

Did you know you can also find our winners in each county by searching our map, pinpointing the very best of Irish producers? Search the map here