Five Galway businesses have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2023 Good Food Ireland Awards, returning for the first time in several years.
The cross-sector awards are committed to local Irish produce, and aim to enhance linkages between agriculture and tourism.
The Kings Head, a well known landmark in Galway City Centre has been shortlisted for Pub of the Year, and award that will go to whoever “represents the very best of Irish food and culture” and brings out the craic.
Owned and run by the Grealish Family since the late 80s, this 800 year old Pub is located in the heart of Galway City’s Latin Quarter and comprises a Pub, Bistro, and LIve Venue over 3 floors.
The food at Kings Head is a celebration of the amazing ingredients that are on their doorstep. No surprise then that the menu by Head Chef of 20 years Brendan Keane features local seafood, lamb, beef and organic vegetables.
But it is in their dedication to the sea that the food at The Kings Head really comes to life, Crab Claws, Mussels, King Scallops, Oysters, award-winning Chowder, the catch of the day, Galway Hooker beer battered served with their signature chips, and of course the now seasonal signature Lobster and Chips.
Cashel House Hotel in Connemara is a finalist for Culinary Haven of the Year, an award the recognises the “exceptional experience” to be had at a destination that “epitomises culinary excellence” and features the best of local produce.
Built in the 19th century as a country home, this stunning Atlantic destination was converted to a 4-star hotel in 1968, surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and woodland walks.
Their food makes use of the best fresh lobsters, mussels, clams, scallops, salmon, mackerel, brill, turbot and trout and more from Connemara’s lakes, rivers, and Cashel Bay.
The Michelin Starred and multi-award winning Aniar in Galway City has been shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year, with the category placing an emphasis on the use of “seasonal produce” and “bringing out the integrity” of their ingredients.
Owned by restauranteur JP McMahon, Aniar places a strong focus on working with local produce, with all ingredients bar two (white flour and sugar) in the kitchen from Ireland, and most of them sourced from the west of the country.
Up for the Sustainability award is Connemara Smokehouse, for businesses which have “developed and implemented clean production initiatives and sustainable practices”.
Located in Ballyconnelly and looking out over the Atlantic from Bunowen Pier, here the Roberts family have been filleting and smoking Atlantic Salmon for more than 40 years.
And lastly for Galway, Leahy Beekeeping has been nominated for Jams and Savoury Producer of the Year for their Irish Wildflower Honey.
This family run business on the slopes of the Slieve Aughty Mountains keeps native Irish bees in traditional hives on the mountain, where they take nectar and pollen from the wild heather.
All five of these are also nominated for the Food Lovers Choice Award – Wild Atlantic Way, public online voting for which remains open until March 20.
The winners of the of the 2023 Good Food Ireland Awards will be announced on April 17.
