Businesses from across Donegal were among the winners at the finals of Blas na hÉireann – The Irish Food Awards, held in Dingle on Friday, 3rd October. Now in its 18th year, the competition is recognised as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland.
This year, 14 producers from Donegal were shortlisted across a broad range of categories, with eight securing awards, including multiple gold, silver and bronze medals.
The Donegal winners are: Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Donegal Sea Salt Ltd., Filligans Handmade Preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, Kinnegar Brewing, Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Little Mammas Gelato, and Natural Dairies.
Donegal Town’s Little Mamma’s Gelato was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Donegal.
Speaking on the awards, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see Little Mamma’s Gelato awarded Best in County Donegal at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. This achievement is a reflection of their dedication to craft, commitment to quality, and the authenticity that defines Donegal’s food producers.”
“Blas na hÉireann is a mark of excellence in Irish food and drink, and for Little Mamma’s Gelato, and all of our finalists, to be recognised among the best in the country is something the entire county can be proud of. Through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, we continue to champion the stories behind our food – stories of passion, perseverance, and place. This award highlights just how far Donegal has come as a food-producing region, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for our local producers.”
2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.
This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.
Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said:
“Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Donegal represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink brands continue to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”
The Blas na hÉireann weekend in Dingle provided a packed programme of events shining a spotlight on the very best of Irish food and drink. Sustainability once again remained a key focus, with the event continuing to build on its waste-free commitments and support a more conscious future for Irish food.
