Mayo business triumphs at Good Food Ireland Awards 2025

Ashford Castle has been recognised as a winner at the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, held at The K Club, Kildare, on Monday, November 10.

The prestigious castle was awarded 5-Star Hotel of the Year, a title decided by an independent panel of Irish and international experts following mystery inspections and comprehensive assessments. Judging criteria included a strong commitment to local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability.

Minister Noel Grealish was the guest of honour at the event, acknowledging everyone’s contribution to Irish food, drink, and hospitality.

READ MORE: Mayo man to the fore at President of Ireland's inauguration in Dublin Castle

Commenting on the event, Minister Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, said: “I was delighted to attend the Good Food Ireland Awards, which brings together two of Ireland’s most successful indigenous sectors – food and tourism. 

“At their heart, the Good Food Ireland Awards honour excellence, and reflect the values and vision embedded in Food Vision 2030, our national strategy for sustainable agri-food development, that have made Irish food a global benchmark for quality and sustainability.”

Reflecting on the event and congratulating the winners, Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland, adds: “Good Food Ireland was born from a desire to celebrate Ireland’s world-class food and drink. Our awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that play a vital role in our entire food ecosystem, from farm to fork.”

Awards Official Sponsor, FBD Insurance, has been supporting Farming, Food and Hospitality businesses across Ireland for over 50 years. 

In its third year of sponsorship, John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, adds: “The theme of the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025 was ‘Rooted in Taste, Backed by Trust’, which resonates with us as a business.  Trust is earned, and the winners from this year’s Good Food Ireland awards have earned their place as trusted businesses who deliver exceptional products and service day in, day out.

“From field to fork, there are so many exceptional businesses across the Island as demonstrated by our extensive list of finalists, but on this occasion, I’m delighted to congratulate Ashford Castle for its award win. Each winner should feel enormously proud to be recognised as one of the best in Ireland.”

Pictured above the Good Food Ireland Awards: Ashford Castle, winners of 5 Star Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Waterford Crystal, from left: Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Liam Finnegan, Lisa Twomey and Robert Bowe, Ashford Castle; and Chris Bend, Waterford Crystal.