Cork Hotel Celebrated as Culinary Haven at Renowned Good Food Awards
At the recent Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, Ballymaloe House Hotel in East Cork was honored as the Culinary Haven of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights the establishment’s dedication to food excellence, local sourcing, and sustainable cooking practices. The awards ceremony took place at The K Club in Kildare, where food enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the best in Irish cuisine.
Ballymaloe House Hotel: A Culinary Landmark
Ballymaloe House Hotel, located in Shanagarry, has a rich history dating back to 1948 when Myrtle and Ivan Allen acquired the estate. Over the years, they developed a strong reputation for quality food, emphasizing farm-to-table practices. In 1964, Myrtle opened the restaurant, baking with traditional methods and supporting local agriculture.
Today, Ballymaloe House is recognized throughout Ireland for its culinary offerings. The award for Culinary Haven of the Year was sponsored by Waterford Crystal, acknowledging the hotel’s commitment to excellence in the food sector.
Joint Restaurant of the Year: The Church Restaurant
An additional highlight from the awards was the joint presentation of the Restaurant of the Year title. The Church Restaurant in Skibbereen shared this honor with The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny. The Church, transformed from a former Methodist church to a fine dining venue, has cemented its reputation as one of Skibbereen’s premier dining spots.
Originally converted into a restaurant in 2003, The Church sustained a significant setback in 2006 due to an arson attack. However, it successfully recovered, further establishing its status as a culinary beacon in West Cork.
Recognizing Excellence in Irish Cuisine
The Good Food Ireland Awards are significant, showcasing the best culinary practices across the nation. Judged by an independent panel of experts, the awards focus on local Irish food and sustainability.
- Supreme Award: Fish City (Belfast)
- 5 Star Hotel of the Year: Ashford Castle (Mayo)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Veronica Molloy (Crossogue Preserves, Tipperary)
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the awards, reflecting a long-standing commitment to promoting Ireland’s culinary landscape. Awards founder, Margaret Jeffares, emphasized Cork’s crucial role in shaping the country’s food scene, stating, “Cork has been at the forefront of Ireland’s food and tourism landscape for decades.”
The recognition of Ballymaloe House Hotel and The Church Restaurant underscores Cork’s prominence as a leader in food tourism, celebrating its vibrant culinary heritage.
