Spotlight on Leitrim as Blas na hÉireann entries open nationwide
Entries are now open for Blas na hÉireann 2026 until May 14, inviting Leitrim producers to showcase the best of Irish food, with Best in County sponsored by Leitrim LEO.
Entries to Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are now open, calling on producers from across Leitrim to take part in the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.
Now entering its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has grown into the definitive benchmark for excellence in Irish food and drink, celebrating the producers who define the country’s dynamic food landscape.
Each year, the awards culminate in a famously buzzy and exciting celebration in Dingle, where the Blas Village transforms the town into a national meeting point for Ireland’s food community.
Producers travel from every corner of the country to gather in the heart of Dingle, showcasing their products, meeting customers, connecting with key industry buyers, and celebrating the very best of Irish produce.
For finalists and winners, it is an unparalleled opportunity to place their products on a national stage. “Blas na hÉireann plays a vital role in shining a spotlight on the talent, innovation and quality of Ireland’s food and drink producers,” said Joe Lowe, Head of Enterprise at Leitrim LEO.
“It provides a powerful platform for businesses to grow, connect with new markets and gain well deserved recognition. We are proud to support an event that champions enterprise and excellence, and that continues to deliver real value for producers in Leitrim and beyond.”
For producers in Leitrim, participation offers more than the chance to win an award; it is an opportunity to join a national network of like-minded food makers, gain industry recognition and build new connections that can support long-term growth.
Many past finalists credit Blas na hÉireann with opening doors to new markets, retail partnerships and export opportunities
The scale of the awards continues to grow year on year. In 2025, more than 3,000 products were entered, including a significant number of first-time producers, with entries coming from every county in Ireland. The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year.
Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.
The judging process, carried out in partnership with UCC, represents the largest blind tasting on the island of Ireland, taking place throughout June and July and ensuring a rigorous, independent assessment of every entry.
“Making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of,” said Artie Clifford, Chairperson and founder of Blas na hÉireann.
“The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short-listed as finalists really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.”
Entries are now open here. Final deadline for submissions on Thursday, May 14.
Finalists will be notified in mid-August, with the Blas na hÉireann awards presented on October 2 as part of the Blas Village celebrations in Dingle, running from October 1 to 4 and featuring networking events, producer showcases, the awards ceremony and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day festival.
Blas na hÉireann remains a vital platform for recognising the quality and creativity of Irish food producers and makers are invited to put their products forward and be part of Ireland’s largest celebration of food and drink.