Local Blas na hÉireann 2026 finalists announced
The finalists will gather in Dingle from October 1-4, with the awards ceremony taking place on Friday, October 2.
Cavan and Monaghan producers are celebrating after 22 businesses from the two counties were named finalists in Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026, with a further eight finalists shortlisted across neighbouring counties.
A total of 13 Cavan producers have reached the final stage: Aine's Handmade Chocolate, Bréifne Gael Brewing Company, Crust & Crumb Ireland Ltd, Cullys Craft Bakery, Drummully Boxty, Ice Cream Treats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, Mary-Ellen's Meadow, Moran's Megajam Ltd, Mushrooms & Love, Rolling in the Dough and Terra.
The nine Monaghan finalists are Carleton Cakes, Connolly Meats, Connolly Organic Eggs, Foraged & Infused, Grove Farms, IGWT Poultry, Lakeland Dairies, Silver Hill and Tara Gartlan Chocolate.
The strong regional showing extends into neighbouring counties, with McNiffe's Boxty representing Leitrim, while Panelto Foods and The Farmhouse Bees and Trees Ltd have been shortlisted from Longford.
Five Westmeath producers have also reached the final stage. Among them Quality Irish Food T/A Mr Crumb in Finea.
The finalists will gather in Dingle from October 1-4, with the awards ceremony taking place on Friday, October 2. The weekend will also feature the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market.
Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann attracted more than 3,000 entries this year, with the number of food and drink categories increasing from 170 to more than 200.
Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Cavan, said the county's 13 finalists were a reflection of the strength and diversity of its food and drink sector.
“Local Enterprise Office Cavan is delighted to see County Cavan once again strongly represented at the Blas na hÉireann Awards, with 13 outstanding producers reaching the finals in 2026. This remarkable achievement reflects the passion, innovation and commitment to excellence across Cavan’s thriving food and drink sector.”
Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford said the standard of entries had been exceptional.
“The quality and creativity of this year's entries have been outstanding, showcasing the talent, innovation and dedication of food and drink producers across Ireland. Blas is all about celebrating these producers and giving them the recognition they deserve.”
The 2026 weekend will also see the return of The Backyard at Blas, supported by Bank of Ireland, providing opportunities for producer education, networking and collaboration.