There is something quietly extraordinary about the way Ireland feeds people. Not just the food itself — the soda bread still warm from the oven, the farmhouse cheese wrapped in wax paper at a Saturday market, the smoked salmon that carries the cold taste of an Atlantic river — but the passion behind it. The producers who rise before dawn, the small-batch makers who stake everything on a single recipe, the artisans who refuse to cut corners when cutting corners would be so much easier. Blas na hEireann exists because that passion deserves to be celebrated. ☘️
What Is Blas na hEireann?
Now entering its 19th remarkable year, Blas na hEireann — Ireland’s national food and drink awards — is the most trusted and most comprehensive celebration of Irish artisan produce anywhere in the world. Run by the team at irishfoodawards.com, it exists to shine a light on the producers who make Ireland’s food culture genuinely world-class. With over 200 categories spanning everything from craft spirits and farmhouse cheeses to smoked fish and handmade confectionery, there is a place for almost every corner of Irish food and drink.
When you wander through the English Market in Cork, or browse a farmers’ market in Westport on a bright Saturday morning, the producers you meet are exactly the kind of people Blas na hEireann was built for. These are not factory lines. These are families, communities, and craftspeople putting their names — quite literally — on every jar, bottle, and package they sell.
The 2026 entry window has now closed — entries were accepted through 14th May 2026. All attention now turns to the ceremony: results will be announced in Dingle, County Kerry on 2nd October 2026. Visit irishfoodawards.com for the latest updates.
Graham Herterich: A Champion Who Understands the Real Ireland
Every year, Blas na hEireann names a Producers’ Champion — someone whose voice carries weight, whose belief in Irish artisan food is genuine rather than performative. For 2026, that honour belongs to Graham Herterich, a Kildare-born baker whose passion for Irish producers goes far beyond his own ovens.
Graham has spent years building bridges between small-scale Irish producers and the wider food community — championing the kind of slow, honest food that supermarket shelves rarely have patience for. His own story, rooted in the quiet fields of Kildare and shaped by years of craft baking, is a reminder that the best food in Ireland often comes from people who simply refused to do it any other way. Having him as the face of Blas na hEireann 2026 feels exactly right. ☘️
Dingle in October: Mark the Calendar
When autumn arrives and the Dingle Peninsula turns to gold and rust, something magical happens in that small Kerry town on the edge of the Atlantic. The Blas na hEireann awards ceremony returns to Dingle, County Kerry on 2nd October 2026 — and if you have never experienced the energy of that weekend, it belongs firmly on your Ireland bucket list.
Dingle is already one of the most beloved towns in the country — a place where the fishing boats come in just steps from restaurants that have been feeding visitors for generations. Add the warmth of an awards ceremony celebrating the very best of Irish food and drink, and you have something genuinely special. Producers who have travelled from every county, gathered under one roof, proud of what they have made.
We will be watching the results closely here at Love Ireland, and we would love to know: if you could nominate one Irish food or drink producer — a favourite shop, a market stall, a local brand you cannot imagine living without — who would it be? Tell us in the comments below. ☘️
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blas na hEireann?
Blas na hEireann is Ireland’s national food and drink awards — the largest and most respected celebration of Irish artisan produce in the country. Now in its 19th year, it covers over 200 categories and is run by the team at irishfoodawards.com. The name means “Taste of Ireland” in Irish, and it reflects the awards’ core mission: to honour the producers who make Irish food culture genuinely extraordinary.
When are the Blas na hEireann 2026 awards?
The Blas na hEireann 2026 awards ceremony takes place in Dingle, County Kerry on 2nd October 2026, as part of the Blas Village celebrations running 1–4 October. The town has long been the spiritual home of the awards, and the annual gathering draws producers, food lovers, and industry figures from across the island of Ireland.
How do I enter Blas na hEireann 2026?
The 2026 entry window has now closed — entries were submitted through the official website at irishfoodawards.com, with a final deadline of 14th May 2026. Results will be announced in Dingle on 2nd October 2026. Keep an eye on irishfoodawards.com for 2027 entry dates.
☘️ Love stories like this?
Join 64,000 people who get our weekly Love Ireland newsletter — the best of Irish culture, food, and travel, straight to your inbox.
Thinking about it seriously?
If you’ve started actually planning a move, our complete the full Move to Ireland guide walks through every step, every cost, and the paperwork that catches most people out.
Tours & experiences you might love
Powered by Viator. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!