Donegal winners express delight as county’s Irish Restaurant Awards announced

Food and hospitality businesses and restaurants across Donegal expressed their delight after award winners within Donegal were announced as part of the 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards.

Winners from all nine individual counties in Ulster were announced in various award categories at the Armagh City Hotel.

The Lemon Tree Restaurant in Letterkenny won the Overall Award in Donegal. An online post said the restaurant team were “delighted to be voted best restaurant in Donegal.”

In the south of Donegal, Harvey’s Point celebrated a double success, with chef Colin Bradley winning Best Chef, and the popular luxury hotel also landing the Best Wine Experience. 

Susan Miah won the Best Manager Award for her role at Donegal Town’s Chandpur Restaurant. 

“Dublin here we come,” stated an online post from Chandpur Restaurant. “Another amazing award from the Irish Restaurant Awards. Best Restaurant Manager for our amazing Susan Miah, whose dedication and love for Chandpur Indian Restaurant Donegal is undisputed.

“What an amazing night. So, so proud.”

Mo Chlann Coffee and Bar in Donegal Town, which opened in July 2025 by sibling pair Bronagh and Callum Leonard, won the Best Newcomer Award.

Bronagh told Donegal Live: “We are very grateful for this award. It is so nice to be recognised with just eight months of business, and we are really grateful for all the votes.

“It is scary opening a new business, and this reflects all the hard work we have put in.”

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In Killybegs, Mrs B’s Coffee House thanked their “great team now and in the past who have helped us” achieve the Best Cafe Award, and in Bundoran, Dip’n’Sip coffee shop stated: “We are absolutely over the moon to share that we have been named Donegal Innovator of the Year at the Irish Restaurant Awards.”

West of Donegal, The Bridge Inn in Dungloe won Best Pub. An online post said: This means so much to our entire team. From our amazing staff and owners, to our loyal customers and community, to the fabulous musicians who grace our stage week in, week out. This wouldn’t be possible without your continued support. 

“The gang have already mentioned another celebratory holiday away, and they deserve it.

“We’re proud to represent Donegal and will keep doing what we love, and that’s great food, great drinks, and even better craic.

“Thank you all for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more great nights together.”

In Letterkenny, No. 9 Market Square were “absolutely delighted” to win Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine, and Cafe Sonder offered their congratulations to their barista, Lina Krolenko, for the Employee Excellence Award. Sonder won a second award, and Martin Anderson won the Local Food Hero Award.

Castle Grove Country House Hotel secured a double award, winning Best Hotel and Guesthouse, and a Sustainable Practices Award, and The Yellow Pepper won the Customer Service Award. 

Creeslough’s Braai Restaurant won the World Cuisine Award. The South African-themed restaurant posted an online statement which said: “We want to give recognition to the whole Braai team for their hard work and dedication. You guys are the best, and big love to the Rose’s Bar team working hand in hand with us.

“We are very grateful for the support we’ve received in the past two years and have more exciting things to come. Thank you.”

Elsewhere, Fisk Seafood Bar in Downings won the Best Casual Dining Award, and the Shandon Hotel and Spa in Portnablagh won the Use of Social Media Award.