Mayo sees sweeping success at the Irish Restaurant Awards

Yesterday, (Monday, May 18), saw sweeping success for Mayo across several categories at the Irish Restaurant Awards, when they took home six prestigious titles at the All-Ireland Finals held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.

More than 1,000 chefs, restaurateurs, managers, and hospitality staff gathered for the annual awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence across Ireland’s food and hospitality sector.

Misunderstood Heron, which is now located at Campbell's Pub in Murrisk, was named All-Ireland Food Truck of the Year, while Builín Blasta Cafe & Bakery in Belmullet won the Connaught Innovator of the Year award.

Among the other Mayo winners were Cillian Ó Móráin and Naomi Clarkin of Mescan Brewery in Westport who received the Connaught Local Food Hero award.

The Connaught Best Café title went to Baker 51 in Ballina, while McDonnell's Bar and Undertakers in Belmullet claimed Connaught Pub of the Year.

Meanwhile, The Lodge at Ashford Castle was awarded Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant in Connaught.

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Speaking at the All-Ireland Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “Tonight is a celebration of the people who make Ireland’s hospitality industry one of the most vibrant and exciting sectors in the country.

“From local cafés and family-run restaurants to world-class dining destinations, these Awards recognise the passion, dedication and innovation that can be found in every corner of Ireland.

“Gordon Ramsay recently described Ireland as the sleeping giant of European cuisine. Well, that giant is awakening, and tonight is proof of that. Across every county, we are seeing incredible creativity, quality, and ambition in our restaurants and hospitality businesses,” he added.

North Mayo Tourism shared their pride in the wins Mayo secured at the national awards.