Several Mayo restaurants recognised at Irish Restaurant Awards

County winners from across Connaught were unveiled yesterday at the Irish Restaurant Awards Regional Final.

Last night’s event at the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, brought together culinary talents and hospitality greats from across the province to celebrate Ireland’s food-led hospitality industry.

The celebration of food and hospitality in Connaught drew a significant crowd, with almost 650 attendees joining in the celebrations on the night.

From gastropubs, to cafés, all types of eateries across the county were recognised at the regional final.

Poacher restaurant in Ballina was crowned Mayo’s best restaurant, while the new and funky Postbox Coffee, in Kiltimagh, was named the county’s best café. 

Warde’s in Claremorris took home pub of the year, while Ashford Castle’s Michelin recommended George V was awarded Mayo’s best hotel and guest house restaurant.

Speaking about the significance of the Irish Restaurant Awards during last night’s event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, emphasised the resilience and innovation evident within Connaught’s food industry.

“Amidst the challenges faced by our industry, celebrating Connaught’s vibrant food and hospitality sector is more important than ever,” he said.

The Irish Restaurant Awards, now in its 15th year, garnered over 160,000 nominations from the public for restaurants, cafés, and other food service establishments across the country this year, setting a new record for participation.

Mr Lenehan continued to say that the Irish Restaurant Awards provide a ‘vital platform’ which acknowledges the ‘dedication of Connaught’s and the country’s talented restaurant, café and food-led hospitality staff’.

“Once again, this year’s Connaught Regional Final showcased the unparalleled culinary talent within the province. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their dedication and passion really paying off” he concluded.

Now, the attention turns to unveiling of regional and All Ireland Winners at the prestigious All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, set to take place in May.

See the full list of Mayo winners below: 

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Flo Gas

Eddie O’Malley, Jack & Eddie’s, Westport.

Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Diageo

Ryan’s Food Emporium, Cong.

Best Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Familia Torres

Foxford Cafe, Foxford.

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by San Pellegrino

Jalan Jalan, Ballina.

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie Provided by Dolmen

La Fougère Restaurant at the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.

Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Bibendum

The Gallery Cafe, Wine & Tapas Bar, Westport.

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Square

The Moy Hotel, Foxford.

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by FBD Insurance

Cronin’s Sheebeen, Rossbeg.

Best Gastropub – Sponsored by Molson Coors

Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Newport.

Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace

The Cot and Cobble, Ballina.

Employee Excellence Award – Sponsored by Peninsula

Niamh Walsh, The Creel, Castlebar.

Best Restaurant Manager – Sponsored by Elavon

Fatima Santos, Flannerys Bar & Restaurant, Ballinrobe.

Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Kevin Stirzaker, Dining Room, Castlebar.