The All-Ireland Final of the 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, where over 1,000 of the country’s top hospitality professionals, which included owners, chefs, managers and staff, gathered to celebrate the finest establishments in Irish food and drink. It was a strong performance by the Midlands region, taking home a total of 6 awards on the night.
Taking home honours for the Midlands on the night was Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest bar, on the banks of the Shannon in Athlone, winning the overall Irish Pub of the Year Award, and the Leinster Pub of the Year Award. A consistent performer when it comes to awards, Thyme Restaurant, the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Athlone, was named as Best Restaurant in Leinster. Ballyfin Demesne, the luxurious country house hotel in the Slieve Bloom Mountains won the Best Wine Experience in Leinster. Fiona Egan of the Cloughan Farm and Cookery School in Abbeyshrule took home the Innovator of the Year Award for Leinster, while Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery in Stradbally won the Best Sustainable Practices in Leinster award.
Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received a record breaking 165,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafés and venues across the country – the highest in the Awards’ history. Entries were submitted by the public via The Irish Times website, media partner of the Awards.
Midlands Winners at the All-Ireland Restaurant Awards
- Best Restaurant in Leinster – Thyme, Athlone
- Best Wine Experience in Leinster – Ballyfin Demesne
- Irish Pub of the Year – Sean’s Bar, Athlone
- Leinster Pub of the Year – Sean’s Bar, Athlone
- Best Sustainable Practices in Leinster – Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery, Stradbally
- Innovator of the Year – Leinster – Fiona Egan, Cloughan Farm and Cookery School, Abbeyshrule
Celebrating the strength of Irish Food and Hospitality sector
In the lead-up to the national final, regional awards ceremonies were hosted across each of the provinces, where county-level winners from each province were revealed across a range of categories. The national winners were selected from these regional champions. For an overview of the County winners from Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath at this years’ Leinster Restaurant Awards held earlier this year, click here
Speaking on the night, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said:
“At a time when our industry continues to face significant challenges, it’s more important than ever to come together and celebrate the strength of Ireland’s food and hospitality sector. These Awards are about acknowledging the incredible talent and tireless work of those in our restaurants, cafés and kitchens across the country.”
“They shine a light on the resilience and creativity that define our industry. Behind every meal served is a team of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences.”
“This year’s Awards have once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of culinary talent across every region. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners and nominees, your commitment and passion inspire us all.”
