Fifteen of Galway’s finest producers have made the cut for this year’s Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, after the shortlist was announced ahead of the awards weekend in Dingle next month.

The Galway finalists include All About Kombucha, Birdhouse, Builin Blasta, Crust Gluten Free, Divilly Brothers, Galmere Fresh Foods, Grá Chocolates, Ivy House Chocolates, Joyce Country Bakery, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Loughnane’s of Galway, Solaris Botanicals, the Foods of Athenry, the Lán Kitchen and Williams Gate Meats.

They will be competing for the top prizes when the three-day event takes place from Thursday to Saturday, October 3 to 5.

Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another record-breaking year across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year.

During the judging, which took place in June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged, testament to the number of brilliant producers across the country.

“We are committed to supporting local food producers and this is another step in our active efforts working with the food industry in Galway city and county and are delighted to sponsor the Best In County Award for Galway,” said Caroline McDonagh, Acting Head of Galway LEO.

“Blas na hEireann – The Irish Food Awards, were founded to create a benchmark for quality Irish produce, and they reward and recognise the driven, passionate, talented producers. We wish all of the finalists from Galway and nationally the very best in the Awards”.

Blas na hÉireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford, said he started the awards ‘to celebrate the amazing food and drink being produced on the island of Ireland’.

“Seventeen years later, it continues to delight me to see the number of new producers entering each year along with so many familiar faces returning year on year,” he said.

This year’s Blas na hÉireann awards in Dingle will see the return of Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village where the 2024 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers.

This year’s focus will be on sustainability with a commitment to encourage zero-waste throughout the three days of the awards in line with the Dingle Food Festival ethos.

One new element at Blas will be the removal of any single use cups and the introduction of the first electric van delivering food and drink to the awards from across the country.

For finalist producers it is not just their exceptional food and drink which will be celebrated in Dingle but the people themselves, the passionate producers who make the very best of Irish will be recognised and rewarded making Blas na hÉireann 2024 a food event not to be missed!

Pictured: Finalist…. Kylemore Abbey & Gardens.