Eight Clare food and drink producers were among those recognised at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards, Ireland’s premier food awards, with Leo at Home taking the prestigious Best in County award, proudly sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office.

The awards weekend took place in Dingle from October 1st to 4th, bringing together the very best of Irish food and drink. Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann is recognised as the largest and most influential food awards programme on the island of Ireland, celebrating excellence, innovation and craftsmanship across the sector.

Among the Clare businesses shortlisted across a range of categories were Burren Smokehouse Ltd, East Clare Apiaries, Hurst Botanicals, Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Ltd trading as St. Tola’s Goats Cheese, Leo at Home, Lunasa Farm, Óir Lifestyle Ltd trading as Óir Tonics, and Summerville Wagyu.

A particular highlight for Clare was the success of Leo at Home, which was named Best in County, an accolade that recognises outstanding achievement and quality within the local food sector.