2022 Award Winners IRISH BREAKFAST AWARDS 2022

Irish Breakfast Awards 2022

HOTEL: Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny Co Kilkenny

Conveniently located in the heart of Kilkenny, this pleasing four-star boutique hotel is named after the Earl of Pembroke, for whom Kilkenny Castle was built, and is just a stone’s throw from the Castle and other landmarks including Butler House and Gardens and the National Design & Craft Gallery. An ideal base for business or pleasure, it has long been known for showcasing local produce - notably Kilkenny beef and Kilmore Quay seafood - and, with highly regarded chef Ken Harker leading the kitchen team, the well-earned reputation of Statham’s Bar and Restaurant is assured across all meals including breakfast, for both residents and non-residents. A supplier list featuring manly local foods is prominently displayed on menus and the website, and there are plenty of homemade items including granola, their own ‘beans on toast’ and a range of breads and pastries – also some less usual dishes, such as smoked trout kedgeree.

GUESTHOUSE: Ballymaloe House Shanagarry Co Cork

Myrtle and Ivan Allen opened The Yeats Room restaurant at Ballymaloe in 1964, beginning the story of Ireland’s most famous country house – and today its intensely restorative atmosphere and simplicity remain remarkable. There are few greater pleasures than a wholesome Ballymaloe dinner of home-produced and local foods, followed by a good night’s sleep in one of their thoughtfully furnished country bedrooms – and, thanks to the success of pastry chef J.R. Ryall’s cookbook, Ballymaloe Desserts, there has recently been renewed appreciation of the wonderful dessert trolley that has provided a grand finale to dinner here for so many years. But waking up to one of their wonderful breakfasts is equally special. Everything is simple and, being presented at the peak of perfection, utterly delicious. With a few honourable exceptions, such as fresh orange juice, virtually everything – including the eggs, bacon and sausages, butter and other organic products from their Jersey cows, the breads and preserves and even the freshly roasted Golden Bean coffee – is home produced, while fish comes from Ballycotton Harbour or Frank Hederman’s smokehouse, both nearby. It all adds up to a perfect Irish country breakfast.

B&B: Muxnaw Lodge Kenmare Co Kerry

Set on three acres of gardens and lawns overlooking Kenmare Bay,
Hannah Boland’s lovely house was built in 1801 as a hunting lodge and is within easy walking distance of the town. The relaxing reception rooms and the spacious bedrooms are all elegantly furnished with antiques and, although dinner is not offered, delicious breakfasts provide a gentle start to days of exploring this beautiful area. Freshly baked breads are always a highlight and hot dishes cooked to order by Hannah on her trusty Aga are served in a cheerful bright blue dining room classically set up with white tablecloths and napkins in sliver napkin rings – it never fails to impress and the views across the bay from the are really lovely. It’s all part of the warm and tranquil character that makes this pleasant house so much a home where you can relax - and, while it has all the advantages of a quiet location, Kenmare town’s bars and restaurants are just across the bridge.

CAFÉ: Kelly’s Kitchen Newport Co Mayo

Next door to Kelly’s Butchers, this homely café on the Great Western Greenway is run by Sean Kelly’s daughter, Shauna - whose appealing cooking includes many ingredients from her dad’s shop, as well as lovely desserts and cakes to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s just the place to find a traditional mixed grill or a Full Irish - and the house speciality, Kelly’s Black Goat: a hot open baguette sandwich with black pudding and St Tola goats cheese from County Clare, which does very nicely for breakfast. Less predictably, a Veggie Brekkie features the enterprising butcher’s vegetarian versions of the classic breakfast meat products.) The motto at this warm and friendly place - as in the shop next door - is ‘Food made up to a standard, not down to a price’. No wonder it’s such a popular spot.

DELI: Firecastle Co Kildare

A relative newcomer to this historic town, Firecastle is an artisan grocer, bakery, café, delicatessen and gift shop - and it has ten cleverly designed guest bedrooms too, offering a unique stay with classy décor, comfy beds, gorgeous bathrooms and views over St Brigid’s Cathedral. Better still, as they’re above Firecastle’s magnificent emporium with its Irish artisan foods, a brilliant bakery and café, a delicious breakfast is available downstairs, to take away or enjoy at a table in the covered outside eating area. From freshly baked croissants to a full cooked breakfast and great coffee, it’s the business. Firecastle is a reason in itself to visit Kildare town and terrific main meals are available in their sister properties - the esteemed Hartes of Kildare, just a couple of doors away, and also The Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse at Kill, and, a recent addition to their portfolio, that magnificent West Wicklow gem The Ballymore Inn at Ballymore Eustace, which joined the group in 2022.