The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 14 exceptional producers from Co. Donegal 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. Donegal across a wide range of categories are Cácaí Aoibhín, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Donegal Sea Salt Ltd., Filligans Handmade Preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, Kinnegar Brewing, Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Little Mammas Gelato, Mallow Mia, McConnell Meats Limited, Natural Dairies, O’Donnells Bakery, Ulster Mead Ltd. and Wild Fuschia Bakehouse.
“It’s wonderful to see a record number of 14 Donegal finalists recognised in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards.” said Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Donegal. “It’s a testament to the innovation, quality, and diversity of our local food and drink producers. From long-established businesses to emerging artisans, these finalists reflect the breadth of talent across our county. Donegal has become a stronghold for excellence in food production, and through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, we are committed to supporting our producers and telling the story behind the food – one rooted in people, passion, and place. Now in their 18th year, the Blas na hÉireann Awards are a prestigious benchmark of quality in Irish food and drink, and the accreditation is widely recognised and trusted by Irish consumers. Over the years, Donegal producers have consistently excelled at Blas, building a proud track record of success, and this year’s shortlist is further proof of the strength of our food community. Congratulations to all 14 Donegal businesses that made the shortlist; we wish them every success on October 3rd when the finalists will be announced.”
“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.
ENDS
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. Finalists have been announced in mid-August. Awards will be presented in Dingle on Friday 3rd October, with the full Blas weekend (Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day) running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October.
Key dates for 2025
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 Donegal 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
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
