Seven Donegal businesses named as finalists in Good Food Ireland awards

SEVEN businesses in Donegal have been named as finalists in the prestigious Good Food Ireland Awards.

The Donegal businesses that are up for awards include: 

• Crolly Distillery – Food Tourism Experience of the Year and Drinks Producer of the Year
• Rathmullan House – Culinary Haven of the Year
• The Bakery Shack – Bakery & Chocolate Producer
• Breac House – Food Lovers Choice Award – Wild Atlantic Way
• The Lemon Tree Restaurant – Restaurant of the Year
• The Blue Goat Ramelton – Shop of the Year
• The Yellow Pepper Restaurant – Wine List of the Year

The awards will take place on Monday, November 10 at The K Club in Kildare. 

Celebrating agri-food, drink and tourism hospitality businesses across Ireland, the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, in association with FBD Insurance, received a record number of nominations ahead of the Organisation’s 20th year, which is coming up in 2026.   

The awards are judged by an independent panel of Irish and international experts through onsite mystery inspections and detailed assessments. These experts shortlist nominees and select winners based on strict criteria, which includes local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability.  

Commenting on the awards, Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland, said: “Good Food Ireland was born from a desire to celebrate Ireland’s world-class food, drink and farming champions. 

“Many years later, our awards are now recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in food, drink and tourism experience, recognising those businesses who play a vital role in the entire Irish food ecosystem, one that fosters local pride and drives international tourism. 

“From food and drink producers and regenerative farmers to chefs and tourism destinations, we were delighted to have received an incredibly high calibre of entries from Co. Donegal. 

“This year’s awards’ theme is ‘Rooted in Taste. Backed by Trust’ and each of our finalists truly embodies this sentiment. I would like to congratulate them on already being amongst the best culinary experiences in Ireland, and wish each of our finalists well for the awards event.”  

In addition to the main categories, the awards feature the Food Lovers’ Choice Award, which is open to all agri-food, drink and tourism hospitality businesses, and voted for by the public.  

Five Food Lovers’ Choice award winners will be presented on the night, featuring winners from the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartland, Dublin and Northern Ireland.