Four Clare businesses have scooped accolades at this year’s finals of Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, now in their 18th year and firmly established as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland.
This year, 5 producers from Co. Clare were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 4 of them taking home coveted Blas awards.
The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include:
Leo At Home, Lúnasa Farm, Sweet N Green and Burren Smokehouse Ltd., who was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office.
“Following the success achieved by five Clare food businesses, Leo At Home, Lúnasa Farm, Óir Lifestyle T/A Óir Tonics, Sweet N Green and The Burren Smokehouse who were selected as finalists at Blás na hÉireann 2025, we congratulate the well deserved accolade of ‘Best In County’ achieved by The Burren Smokehouse.”
Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Clare said: “This reflects Birgitta & Peter Curtin’s dedication to excellence in Irish food production and their continued contribution to the strength and vibrancy of Clare’s local economy. Their success is a source of pride for the county and a shining example of the innovation and quality that defines Ireland’s agri-food sector. All five businesses are excellent ambassadors for our County, showcasing the variety and high standards of the many excellent food businesses we have in Clare. Great to see all the finalists achieve the recognition they deserve.”
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 supported by Bank of Ireland. 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. Clare 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 continues 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 awards weekend ran from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October in Dingle, with 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.