Each Local Enterprise Office (LEO) across the country sponsor the Best in County award for producers in their local authority area, including the Local Enterprise Office in Clare, based in Clare County Council.
This award recognises outstanding food and drink businesses at county level and highlights local enterprise success on a national stage. Winning or being shortlisted brings significant visibility and credibility to producers within Clare.
Now entering its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has grown into the definitive benchmark for excellence in Irish food and drink, celebrating the producers. Each year, the awards culminate in an exciting celebration in Dingle, where the Blas Village transforms the town into a national meeting point for Ireland’s food community.
In 2025, more than 3,000 products were entered, including a significant number of first-time producers, with entries coming from every county in Ireland. The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year.
Business Advisor, LEO Clare, Deirdre Keating, said, “Blas na hÉireann continues to be an invaluable platform for showcasing the quality, innovation, and commitment of Clare food producers. It not only celebrates excellence but also provides producers with meaningful exposure and validation, which can be transformative for their businesses.”
Entries are now open at www.irishfoodawards.com. Final deadline for submissions on Thursday, May 14.
Finalists will be notified in mid-August, with the Blas na hÉireann awards presented on October 2 as part of the Blas Village celebrations in Dingle, running from October 1 to October 4 and featuring networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival.