Quick Read
- Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud named Best Restaurant.
- Ahmet Dede awarded Best Chef.
- 150,000 public nominations processed.
- Theresa Donlon wins Employee Excellence Award.
National Recognition for Culinary Excellence
The 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards, held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on Monday, May 18, 2026, underscored the evolving landscape of Ireland’s hospitality sector. With 150,000 public nominations submitted, the awards serve as a significant barometer for industry standards and consumer preference. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, a stalwart of the Dublin fine-dining scene established in 1981, secured the title of Best Restaurant in Ireland, maintaining a legacy of excellence that has defined its operations for decades.
Individual Achievement and Regional Impact
Beyond the major metropolitan winners, the ceremony highlighted the depth of talent across the provinces. Ahmet Dede, of Dede at The Customs House in Baltimore, was named Best Chef, marking a continued rise in the international profile of Irish regional cuisine. His success, following two years of winning the Best Restaurant category, reflects the “sleeping giant” potential described by industry figures like Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
A notable highlight of this year’s awards was the recognition of regional excellence through the All-Ireland Employee Excellence Award, won by Theresa Donlon of Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar and Restaurant in County Roscommon. This victory serves as a testament to the essential role of individual staff members in sustaining local hospitality ecosystems. The diversity of winners—ranging from Dublin’s traditional music venue, The Cobblestone, to the Connemara-based Coyne’s Gastropub & Pantry—demonstrates a broad-based growth in quality across both rural and urban settings.
The Future of Irish Hospitality
The ceremony also provided a moment for reflection on the industry’s trajectory. The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Paul and Máire Flynn of The Tannery, acknowledging their long-standing contribution as they prepare to conclude their nearly 30-year tenure. As the sector grapples with economic shifts and changing consumer habits, the 2026 awards indicate a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the professionalization of staff. The involvement of public nominations suggests that the sector remains deeply integrated with local communities, providing a vital economic and cultural anchor for Irish towns and cities.
The 2026 awards reflect an industry that is increasingly balancing historical prestige with modern, decentralized excellence. By celebrating both high-end establishments and essential regional contributors, the Restaurants Association of Ireland has signaled a strategic shift toward rewarding resilience and grassroots talent, which is critical for the sector’s long-term sustainability amidst post-pandemic economic adjustments.