2026 Award Winners ‘HOSPITALITY HERO’ AWARD 2026

Paul & Máire Flynn The Tannery, Dungarvan

In the vibrant restaurant scene that we now enjoy throughout the country, it’s hard to recall how different things were three decades ago when Paul and Máire Flynn took the very courageous decision to open a restaurant in their native Dungarvan - a decision that turned out to be momentous not only for themselves but also for the town, which soon (ish) became a culinary hotspot. Always ambitious, Paul hit the high notes in London as a young chef, working with some of the greats, including Nico Ladenis – at just 23 he was head chef at Chez Nico - and then, after being tempted back to take over the kitchen at Dublin’s beautiful La Stampa, it was all change when the call of home took hold, and they headed down to open The Tannery in 1997. Transformed by architect Denis Looby, the former warehouse made for a highly unusual restaurant at the time and its freshness and special sense of place remains. But the Flynns have never stood still and their contribution to their hometown, and to the Irish food scene, would be hard to overstate. The recession and the pandemic brought major challenges, but they continued to develop the business, acquiring nearby property for the cookery school and townhouse that will become their main business when The Tannery closes in January 2027, and – a stroke of genius - reworking The Tannery itself to include a casual dining wine bar. And, of course, Paul became a household name thanks to his TV work and writing - most especially the long-running Irish Times column, which was transformed to create his best-known book, Butter Boy: Collected Stories and Recipes. But the most notable thing about the Flynns’ personal and business achievement is the transformative effect it has had in helping to create a sense of confidence in the region. Genuine hospitality has been a large part of that, along with local leadership - not least through their involvement in Waterford Festival of Food - and Paul’s enduring food message of support for local producers and unfussy flavour-filled cooking. And, best of all, this is sure to continue in the next stage of their journey at The Tannery Townhouse & Cookery School – where we wish our Hospitality Heroes many years of continued success.