5 stunning Irish Restaurant Award-winning eateries to visit before the end of the year

On Monday 19 September, the All Ireland Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards took place in the Convention Centre Dublin. An event which saw almost 900 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrate their hard work and receive some well-earned recognition.

Many eateries around Ireland were nominated to receive a prestigious award, which were given out across a range of categories including Local Food Hero, Best Free From, Best Emerging Irish Cuisine, Best Restaurant and Best Sustainable Practices.

So, if you’re planning on trying out some new places before the end of the year, here are just some of the sensational spots that took home an award on the night — you’re guaranteed an impeccable dining experience!

Lignum

Winner of Best Restaurant in Connacht

Slatefort House, Bullaun, Co. Galway

A dining experience that must be felt to be believed, Lignum strives to showcase the quality and diversity of ingredients from the wonderful people who raise, grow and produce them. The restaurant is centred around a wood burning oven, which allows them to give a nod to the historic food culture of our area while growing and creating something new. The menu is ever-evolving to keep pace with the seasons and their suppliers, and the minimalist design and refined service will leave you feeling utterly pampered.

The Rusty Mackerel

Winner of Best Gastro Pub in both Ulster and All of Ireland

Teelin Road, Lergadaghtan, Carrick, Co. Donegal

Offering a warm welcome at the foot of Sliabh Liag, The Rusty Mackerel is a renowned traditional Irish bar, restaurant, and accommodation made famous for its traditional music and warm, friendly atmosphere. No matter when you visit, you’ll always find a vibrant mix of both locals and visitors who come together to enjoy craic, ceol and the warmest welcome in Donegal — and you would be hard pushed to find a better trad music session!

The Enniskerry Inn

Winner of Best Casual Dining in Leinster

Church Hill, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

A gastro bar that exudes a timeless charm, The Enniskerry Inn was the incredibly worthy winner of the title of ‘Best Casual Dining’. Their foodie offering is always tasty — and it goes without saying that it’s always best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness to wash it all down. They also operate a B&B, so there’s always the option of making a weekend of it and staying upstairs!

Goldie Cork City

Winner of Best Casual Dining in Munster and All of Ireland

128 Oliver Plunkett Street, Centre, Co. Cork

A brief scroll through Goldie’s Instagram account will leave you with no question as to why this eatery won big. A little restaurant with big heart that specialises in fish and ale, Goldie serves up artfully plated dishes that will make your tastebuds truly sing. The menu is constantly changing to keep in line with the highest quality and more fresh fish, but whatever day you wander through the doors, you’re guaranteed to leave with a very satisfied belly.

Orwell Road Restaurant

Winner of Best Newcomer in both Dublin and All of Ireland

8 Orwell Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 6

A casual neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Rathgar, Orwell Road pour love, effort and attention into every detail of the dining experience they provide. Focussed on creating beautiful food in a unique atmosphere, the kitchen uses as many local, irish ingredients as possible with sustainable sourcing in mind.