REVEALED: Mayo category winners at the Irish Restaurants Awards

The Irish Restaurant Awards Connaught Regional Final took place last night, celebrating the outstanding contributions of the food and hospitality industry across the province. The awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 8, at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Rosses Point, Sligo where county winners were announced, including all the winners from Mayo.
With over 500 people in attendance, the event honoured the dedication and excellence of the hospitality sector throughout Connaught. Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received nearly 165,000 public nominations, submitted through The Irish Times, the official media partner of the awards.

The following was the list of Mayo winners:

Best Restaurant - Sponsored by San Miguel
Mayo: An Port Mór, Westport

Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service
Mayo: Yvonne Kathrein, Poacher Restaurant, Ballina

Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Elavon
Mayo: Shirley Stirzaker, Dining Room, Castlebar

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant - Sponsored by Frylite
Mayo: George V at Ashford Castle

Best Use of Social Media
Mayo: Mam's, Ballina

Employee Excellence Award - Sponsored by Peninsula
Mayo: Jason Moyles, The Cot and Cobble, Ballina

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace
Mayo: Friends Bistro, Westport

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Paynt
Mayo: The Cot and Cobble, Ballina

Best Café
Mayo: This Must Be The Place, Westport

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance
Mayo: Amethyst Bar, Keel, Achill

Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square
Mayo: La Casa, Claremorris

Pub of the Year - Sponsored by istil.38
Mayo: Matt Molloy's

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum
Mayo: The Kitchen Restaurant at Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina

Arno's Restaurant in Westport won the Best Customer Service in Mayo award. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Best Customer Service - Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen
Mayo: Arno's Bistrot, Westport

Best World Cuisine
Mayo: Olde Bridge Restaurant, Westport

Best Sustainable Practices - Sponsored by Familia Torres
Mayo: Cloona Health Retreat, Westport

Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo
Mayo: Jimmys, Ballina

Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap
Mayo: The Calvey Family, Calveys Achill Mountain Lamb

READ MORE: Historic family connections celebrated as famous trophy visits Mayo golf club

As the regional finals come to an end, anticipation builds for the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, where both regional and overall national winners will be revealed. The grand event is set to take place on Monday, May 19, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. County winners from Connaught can now secure their tickets for what promises to be a great evening.
Speaking at the ceremony, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable dedication, creativity and resilience of those working in Connaught’s hospitality sector. Over the past year, this industry has faced significant challenges, but it is the passion and perseverance of its people that continue to drive it forward. From chefs and café owners to front-of-house teams and food innovators, their commitment brings Ireland’s food culture to life every day.
“The Connaught Regional Awards shine a spotlight on the talent and innovation that make this region such a vital part of our culinary landscape. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, your hard work keeps this industry thriving.”

For a full list of all the winners from Connaught click here and for more pictures from the night click here.