What a night!
We wanted to say many congratulations to all the Co. Waterford winners in the Irish Restaurant Awards All-Ireland final last night (18 May 2026), held at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin.
The awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of the food and hospitality industry across the province.
Now in its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards begin with an online public vote via the Irish Times, then a judging process of national experts, followed by regional events in the four provinces at which county winners are announced.
Then there’s a shortlist for the final, at which regional and national winners are announced.
The black-tie gala awards ceremony revealed six winners from the county, including:
National Category
Outstanding Achievement Award: Paul and Máire Flynn – The Tannery Restaurant, Townhouse and Cookery School
Local Food Hero – Munster and All-Ireland:
Eunice Power – Waterford Festival of Food
Munster Innovator of the Year:
Slow and Steady
Munster Best Gastro Pub:
Merrys Gastro Pub
Munster Pub of the Year:
J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer
Best Casual Dining – Munster and All-Ireland:
Farmgate