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

Blas na hÉireann 2025 finalists announced, and it’s a standout year for Monaghan producers

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2025, have been announced, with 12 exceptional producers from Co, Monaghan 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. Monaghan across a wide range of categories are Arthur Mallon Foods, Carleton Cakes, Connolly Meats, Connollys Organic Eggs, Foraged & Infused, Golden Irish, Greenfield Foods, Grove Farms, IGWT Poultry Services, Old Carrick Mill Distillery, Silver Hill Duck and Tara Gartlan Chocolate.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see such a strong showing from County Monaghan at this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards.” said Pamela Kerr. Head of Enterprise at Monaghan County Council. “These 12 finalists represent the innovation, dedication and exceptional quality that define our local food producers. From long-established names to exciting newer ventures, each of them showcases the very best of what Monaghan has to offer. It’s particularly rewarding to see several finalists who are Local Enterprise Office (LEO) clients and have availed of our supports, from mentoring and training to financial assistance. Their success highlights the impact of targeted local support combined with entrepreneurial drive. It’s a source of immense pride to see our producers recognised on a national stage, and we remain committed to nurturing and championing this vibrant sector.”

“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
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 Monaghan winners…
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