The latest Irish food stories at home and abroad …
Irish Food Writing Awards
The RDS played host to the fifth year of these prestigious awards, where the country’s most passionate foodies gathered for their annual celebration of talent. Corinna Hardgrave from The Irish Times was named Restaurant Critic of the Year and Aishling Moore won for Writing On Seafood, while Mick Kelly’s Food Matters podcast and Grow It Yourself topped the audio category. One of the most hotly contested categories is The Food and Drink Magazine Award, which was sponsored by Butlers Chocolates and judged by Felicity Cloake, food writer and award-winning columnist. Aisling Walsh from Butlers said, “Food and drink magazine writers play such an important role in supporting Ireland’s producers. There was an incredible shortlist of great writers and it was an honour to present the award to this year’s recipient, Jillian Bolger of The Irish Examiner.” The night ended with the inimitable Ernie Whalley being honoured for his Outstanding Achievement and contribution to the industry.
Lillie’s In Letterkenny
Donegal’s restaurant scene gets a glow-up with the arrival of Lillie’s at the Mount Errigal Hotel: a relaxed, modern room serving the kind of comforting, well-made dishes that justify ordering dessert after a day spent wrestling the elements along the Wild Atlantic Way. Head chef Manus McBride, who has been cooking here for almost 30 years, steers a menu full of polished classics: dry-aged Irish sirloin, spice-rubbed salmon, duck croquettes and the sort of pie that repairs whatever the weather did to you earlier. Warm, unfussy and exactly what you want after a windswept day outdoors.
MICHELIN Guide
For the first time in its history, the MICHELIN Guide is bringing its annual ceremony to Dublin in February 2026. The Convention Centre will welcome chefs, critics, industry insiders and the usual constellation of impeccably ironed jackets as new stars are announced on home soil. Ireland already boasts five two-star restaurants and 18 with one star, so expect a buzzing room, a few surprises and at least one dramatic pause.
World Steak Challenge
Ireland dominated at this year’s World Steak Challenge in Amsterdam, taking home 68 medals – including 24 gold – and proving, once again, that we remain dangerously competent in the beef department. Dawn Meats claimed the top global title with a 32-day aged Irish Angus striploin sold in Lidl, which also won Europe’s Best Steak and the World’s Best Grass-Fed Sirloin. They went on to win World’s Best Grass-Fed Ribeye for good measure, presented by culinary director at SOLE Seafood & Grill and FIRE Steakhouse & Bar, Richie Wilson. I judged on the day and can confirm that, yes, steak fatigue exists, but the standard was outrageously high.
World Cheese Awards Winners
Over 5,000 cheeses from more than 40 countries faced the annual gauntlet of poking, sniffing and tasting at these fragrant awards, and Ireland rose to the occasion. St Tola’s Karst not only won a coveted Super Gold, but was also named Best Irish Cheese. With only 110 Super Golds awarded, that places Karst comfortably in the top 2 per cent of cheeses worldwide. Boyne Valley Cheese also impressed, taking bronze medals for both Rathkenny and Boyne Valley Bán, proof that Irish farmhouse cheesemaking is in exceptional health.