Mayo has two finalists in national search for Ireland’s Best Chowder

Two Mayo establishments are flying the county flag in the national search for Ireland’s Best Chowder, with McLoughlin’s Bar in Mulranny and Pat Cohan’s Bar in Cong named among the five finalists in the 2026 Cully & Sully SOUPerb Awards.

The announcement means Mayo has two representatives in the final of the nationwide competition, which celebrates Ireland’s finest seafood chowder and the hospitality businesses and communities behind them.

For McLoughlin’s Bar in Mulranny, the nomination recognises a popular west Mayo destination situated overlooking Clew Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Meanwhile, Pat Cohan’s Bar in Cong has reached the national final for the second consecutive year, securing its place after receiving more than 2,000 public votes during the competition’s public voting phase - the highest number recorded this year.

Both Mayo finalists will welcome renowned food writers John and Sally McKenna, along with broadcaster and food influencer Cassie Stokes, as part of the SOUPerb Awards judging tour taking place from September 9 to 11.

The judges are travelling around the country to taste the finalists’ chowders before selecting the overall winner of Ireland’s Best Chowder 2026.

Created by Cork-based food brand Cully & Sully, the SOUPerb Awards aim to champion Irish seafood, support local hospitality businesses and celebrate the communities that contribute to Ireland’s food culture.

Speaking about the finalists, Cully & Sully Co-Founder Colum O’Sullivan, known as “Sully”, highlighted the special qualities of both Mayo establishments.

“Few places capture the magic of Ireland’s west coast quite like McLoughlin’s Bar,” he said.

“Sitting overlooking Clew Bay, it’s the kind of place where great seafood, incredible scenery and genuine Irish hospitality come together perfectly. Their chowder celebrates everything we love about coastal food in Ireland, and we’re thrilled to have them representing Mayo in this year’s SOUPerb Awards final.”

He also praised the achievement of Pat Cohan’s Bar in returning to the final for a second year.

“To reach the final once is a fantastic achievement, but to return for a second consecutive year and receive more than 2,000 public votes is a real testament to the team at Pat Cohan’s Bar and the loyalty of their customers,” he said.

“The support they’ve received shows just how much this business means to the Cong community and why it deserves to be recognised on a national stage. We’re delighted to welcome them back as finalists in this year’s SOUPerb Awards.”

The two Mayo businesses are among a final five that includes O’Sullivan’s in Crookhaven, Co. Cork, The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, and Stoop Your Head in Skerries, Co. Dublin.

The winner of Ireland’s Best Chowder 2026 will be announced following the judging tour.