Louth celebrates culinary excellence as YesChef Awards 2026 light up Dundalk
Top chefs, restaurants and hospitality teams honoured at Fairways Hotel ceremony
The YesChef Awards 2026 brought together the very best of Ireland’s culinary talent in Dundalk this week as chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals gathered at the Fairways Hotel, on Tuesday for an unforgettable evening honouring creativity, skill and dedication across the food industry.
Now in its latest edition, the YesChef Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams who elevate Ireland’s dining landscape including those who innovate, inspire and consistently deliver exceptional experiences to their guests.
Hosted in the elegant surroundings of the Fairways Hotel, this year’s ceremony welcomed finalists from every corner of the island. Guests enjoyed a night of celebration, connection and recognition as category winners were announced across a wide range of disciplines, including Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Front of House Team and many more. This year the YesChef Team unveiled two new categories – Small Plates Dining and Destination Restaurant.
Speaking after the event, Shane Smith, NI Media praised the calibre of entries and the passion evident throughout the industry.
“The YesChef Awards exist to honour the people who pour their hearts into Irish food culture,” said Shane. “Tonight’s winners represent the very best of what our industry stands for - excellence, resilience and a commitment to unforgettable hospitality. We continue to see the standard bearers of the industry evolve and that’s why we launched the Destination Restaurant category, to recognise venues that food lovers will travel to.
“The 2026 awards also highlighted the continued evolution of Ireland’s food scene, with judges noting a continued development in the landscape with Small Plates dining delivering creative food, packed with flavour that offers outstanding value for the customer.
“As ever we would like to thank Head Chef Jack Duffy and the students with their chef mentors who created an outstanding dining experience for the evening.
- Students and Chef Mentor Derek Flynn, Coláiste Íde with Executive Chef Paul Devoy, Clontarf Castle. Darragh Birrane Murray, our young chef winner from 2025.
- Students and Chef Mentor Alan McCabe from Dundalk Institute of Technology.
- Students and Chef Mentor George Smith from TU Dublin with Executive Chef Tommy Butler, Johnstown Estate.
“A massive thank you to our event sponsors without whom this evening would not be possible – Manor Farm Irish Chicken, Taste of Gourmet, Bunzl, Bluebell Falls Goats Cheese, Lindt Chocolate, Durnin’s Quality Fresh Fruit and Vegetables and O’Donnell’s Crisps.”
Winners can be viewed at: yeschef.ie/