Ireland's best breakfasts (and brunch) revealed
When it comes to breakfast, everyone has their own go to - a full fry, porridge, toast, granola.
It can make choosing where to eat an absolute nightmare. No one wants to get into a big debate at that hour of the morning. Honestly, we haven't even had our coffee yet.
Enter the Irish Breakfast Awards to help you to choose where to enjoy the most important meal of the day.
The Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards celebrate the Irish businesses and producers that offer the best breakfasts in the country.
From the best bread to the best dairy, these awards have the cream of the crop.
For those of you who prefer a lazy brunch of a weekend, there's an award for that as well.
The Brunch Award was shortlisted to 30 venues and then the winner was chosen following a public vote.
“Brunch is now part of the fabric of Ireland’s food culture," said awards founder, Georgina Campbell.
"People truly enjoy the quality and variety of dishes on brunch menus across Ireland. So much, in fact, that brunch is now considered one of the most popular meals for people to enjoy “out”.
"It’s for this reason that we opened the Brunch Award to a public vote, and we were delighted by the hugely enthusiastic response from food lovers across the country."
Arán Bakery and Bistro in Co Kilkenny picked up the coveted award this year.
This year saw a new award introduced recognising ethical and sustainable practices.
Ashford Castle was selected as the inaugural winner of the Sustainability Award, recognised for its environmental credentials in relation to impressive sustainable practices including its food sourcing policy and commitment to sourcing the best seasonal ingredients from the west of Ireland.
It was the first five-star hotel in Ireland to be awarded GREENmark Plastic Smart recognition by GreenTravel.ie for its efforts in responsible tourism and commitment to removing all single-use plastics by 2022.
Campbell, who is one of Ireland’s foremost food and hospitality writers, said that serving up a good quality breakfast is important and can have a lasting impression on customers.
"Doing the simplest of things well is enough to encourage a return visit and build a strong reputation for your establishment, regardless of how many people you can seat."
The awards, in association with Fáilte Ireland, showed the importance of locally sourced food to tourists looking to enjoy a proper Irish experience.
"The Irish breakfast is a key part of the visitor experience and offers a unique opportunity to showcase Irish food and great visitor experiences we can be proud of," said Jenny De Saulles, Fáilte Ireland’s Sector Development Director.
Full list of winners
McCarthys of Kanturk, Kanturk, Co Cork
Belview Eggs, Drogheda, Co Louth
The Little Milk Company, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
The Apple Farm, Cahir, Co Tipperary
Filligans, Glenties, Co Donegal
Rua Deli & Café, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick
The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galway
Lough Bishop House, Collinstown, Co Westmeath
Archways B&B, Rosslare, Co Wexford
Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Co Clare
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow
Avalon House Hotel, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Cliff at Lyons, Celbridge, Co Kildare
Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch, Co Clare
Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, Co Cork
The Killeen House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry
Stauntons on the Green, Dublin
Huntington Castle & Gardens, Clonegal, Co Carlow
Ashley Park House, Nenagh, Co Tipperary
Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, Co Derry
The Quay House, Clifden, Co Galway
Heatons House, Dingle, Co Kerry
Lancaster Lodge, Cork
Sheedy’s Doolin Boutique B&B, Doolin, Co Clare
Danny Minnies, Annagry, Co. Donegal
The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin
Hillsborough Castle Café, Hillsborough, Co Down
The Commons Café at MoLI, Dublin
Good Day Deli, Nano Nagle Place, Cork
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo
Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro, Kilkenny
Seasalt Café & Deli, Cobh, Co Cork
Kelly’s Kitchen, Newport, Co Mayo
Sweet Geranium Café, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim
Osta Café & Wine Bar, Sligo
