The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 9 exceptional producers from Co. Cavan making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.
The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 2nd October to Sunday 5th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves all running on Friday 3rd October.
Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives.
The judging, which took place over May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.
The finalists shortlisted from Co. Cavan across a wide range of categories are Aine’s Chocolates Ltd., Cullys Craft Bakery, Drummully Boxty, Ice Cream Treats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, Morans Megajam Ltd., Taste Counts Limited T/A Mushrooms & Love and Terra Ltd.
“LEO Cavan are delighted that County Cavan will be well represented at the forthcoming Blas na hÉireann awards with 9 producers making the 2025 finals.” said Conor Craven, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council. “This is a fantastic testament to their hard work and dedication over the years and we are very excited that we’ll be representing County Cavan at these prestigious Irish Food Awards. They are a credit to County Cavan, showcasing the finest locally produced food and drink on offer. LEO Cavan & Cavan County Council are delighted to support and encourage local producers and will continue to work with ‘Created In Cavan Food & Drink Network’ to promote Cavan as a vibrant food destination.”
“It’s been an exciting year for the Blas na hÉireann awards,” says Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford. “That’s not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. We’ve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. For us, these awards are about championing the producers, and giving them the spotlight they deserve in Dingle each October. We can’t wait to welcome them.”
This year’s Blas na hÉireann weekend will see the return of the hugely popular Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village, where 2025 finalists can showcase their products, connect with buyers, and meet with fellow producers, media and food lovers from across the country. With sustainability at the forefront once again, this year’s event will continue to build on its environmentally friendly policies and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
Making it as a finalist is no small achievement. The competition intensifies every year, and the producers shortlisted really do represent the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink. The Blas na hÉireann awards weekend in Dingle is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make that Irish food so special.
Key dates for 2025
2nd April – Earlybird deadline
15th May – Deadline to enter www.irishfoodawards.com
June/July – Judging with UCC
Mid August – Finalists Notified
3rd October – Blas na hÉireann awards presented
(Blas Village with Networking, Showcase, Awards & Eat Ireland in a Day running from 3rd – 5th October)
A look back at 2024 Cavan finalists & winners
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
