A special award, given in recognition of the special contribution made by exceptional individuals in Irish hospitality
A true marriage of cultures. That sounds simple, but it’s a complex ... more...
Irish hotels have taken a terrible hammering over the last few years, but as long as we have great independent hoteliers an important aspect of this country’s unique appeal will be in safe h ... more...
Smart-casual dining may be very on-trend, but fine dining is far from dead. This year’s awards shortlist proves yet again that many of the country’s most creative chefs are continuing ... more...
Ian Orr, Browns Restaurant & Champagne Lounge Derry City
Great ingredients have always been the essential foundation for great meals – the celebrated French chef Paul Bocuse called them ‘the building blocks of good cooking’- and our be ... more...
“Just Ask!” is a public awareness campaign that aims to encourage consumers when eating out to look for information on where the food (particularly meat) on their plate comes from, and ... more...
Although we eat less fish at home than might be expected for an island nation, everybody – whether living in Ireland or just visiting - seems to love seafood when eating out, so it’s a ... more...
Billy Whitty, Aldridge Lodge, Duncannon, Co Wexford
Great seafood cookery takes a special expertise - and a growing number of talented Irish chefs are happy to take up the challenge.
Aldridge Lodge was our Newcomer of the Year in 2006 and we cle ... more...
Paddy & Julia Foyle, The Quay House, Clifden, Co Galway
Every time a visitor satisfaction survey is published the results are the same, with Ireland’s wonderful scenery (still impressive, despite everything) and the warmth and friendliness of the ... more...
Food tourism and agriculture may be the hot white hopes for recessionary Ireland, but many of our best establishments are identifying other equally attractive niche markets and, along with several ... more...
This is the only category of our awards for which we invite applications – interested establishments are asked to submit their wine lists for consideration, and they are then judged together ... more...
Banning the term ’gastropub’ generated acres of publicity for a UK food guide last year – and they were quite right; it’s unpleasant and over-used – and, like the ubi ... more...
This is always one of our most hotly-contested wards – by which I mean that the ‘short list’ is anything but - and how could it be otherwise when the establishments under conside ... more...
Our Family-Friendly award is more highly valued each year, as times change and more people opt to holiday at home. We look for the places that cater especially well for families by providing the r ... more...
We hear a lot about the difficulty of winning over the UK market but, as a country, we’re missing a trick when it comes to pet friendliness. We know that the English love to travel with thei ... more...
Everyone loves the idea of a hideaway, and this is one of our most popular awards. Whether it’s the establishments itself which offers that sense of privacy and seclusion, or its location, t ... more...
The leading restaurants in major cities, and their chefs, tend to hog the spotlight at awards and, while the size of the population means more top rank establishments to choose from, excellence is ... more...
Irish diners place a high premium on atmosphere – often rating it even above the quality of food when choosing where to eat out – but West End House, although certainly atmospheric, ha ... more...
There has been an ‘Ethnic Restaurant’ category in our awards since their inception in the early ‘90s and this year’s winner is an excellent example of the authenticity we a ... more...
One of the questions I am most often asked is whether I would like to have my own restaurant, and the answer is unequivocal: while I admire a well run restaurant more than most, I’ve never f ... more...
Glenilen Farm Dairy Products, Drimoleague, Co Cork
The Guide has always championed the best of Irish produce. It’s the philosophy behind our food recommendations and the Natural Food Award has emphasised this for many years, by specifically ... more...
Many city folk harbour a dream of moving to the country and living in a lovely old house set in its own grounds. Only a pipe dream for most, so a weekend away in one is a treat to be treasured &nd ... more...
Competing with hotels is no joke for the owners of guesthouses and B&Bs these days, but they often have the edge when it comes to providing a memorable visitor experience.
Armin and Bernade ... more...
What makes a great B&B? The best are lovely, friendly places to stay, with comfort, good food and interested hosts who anticipate their guests’ needs yet give them space – and who ... more...
For many people – especially families who live in cities – an Irish farm stay is just about the most idyllic holiday imaginable. And you won’t do better than this one.
There i ... more...
Although there are plenty of other reasons people love staying here, they’ve always done a great breakfast at The Quay House. The conservatory setting is charming, with a buffet laid out to ... more...
The Dunraven Arms has earned an unrivalled reputation for the quality and value of short breaks offered. Yet, despite the keen prices, there is an ongoing determination to combine personal service ... more...
The Dunraven Arms has earned an unrivalled reputation for the quality and value of short breaks offered. Yet, despite the keen prices, there is an ongoing determination to combine personal servi ... more...
Breakfast at The Archways shows off unusual culinary skills – even the delicious sausages and black and white pudding are home made and, as they’re all wheat-free, they’re suitab ... more...
A selective companion guide to our famous broad-based online collection, the ‘glovebox bible’ includes a uniquely diverse range of Ireland's greatest places to ...