Why The Irish Restaurant Awards Actually Matter
Restaurants are the engine room of Ireland’s food culture. They’re where craft meets community, where local produce becomes something unforgettable, and where hospitality is practiced as an art form.
It’s no secret that this industry has been through a tough few years — and in many ways, it still is. That’s why moments of recognition matter. That’s why the Irish Restaurant Awards matter.
And that’s why we’re proud to be a main sponsor of this year’s awards.
A Snapshot of the Industry Today
Running a restaurant in 2025 takes more than talent. It takes resilience.
With rising costs across the board — from ingredients to energy to rent — margins are tighter than ever. That pressure is especially sharp in Northern Ireland, where VAT is set at 20%, soon to be more than double that of our restaurant counter-parts in ROI. For many, these aren’t just percentages — they’re make-or-break figures.
Despite all that, the standard in Irish hospitality continues to rise. The level of creativity, quality, and innovation we see across the island is remarkable — and deserves recognition.
Ireland’s Biggest Food Awards
Each year, the Irish Restaurant Awards receive over 160,000 nominations from across the country, covering every corner of the Republic and Northern Ireland. It’s a true reflection of the scale and diversity of Ireland’s hospitality scene.
The awards begin with four provincial events — the Regional Awards — in Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht. These have now taken place, with all county winners announced. The next step is the All Ireland Final next month in Dublin: a black-tie celebration of the best of the best.
Shining a Light on Local Heroes
As part of our sponsorship, I had the opportunity to attend each of the four regional events and present the awards for a particularly meaningful category: Local Food Hero.
This category recognises individuals who make a real difference in their communities through food — whether it’s supporting local suppliers, championing sustainability, or creating opportunities for others. Their work often happens quietly, but its impact is felt far and wide.
Why We’re Involved
At Sugar Snap, we work exclusively with food businesses — it’s the world we know and love. We see the challenges up close, but we also see the passion, the creativity, and the commitment that drives the industry forward.
Sponsoring the Irish Restaurant Awards isn’t about profile — it’s about showing our support for an industry that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
We’re looking forward to the All Ireland Final next month — not just for the celebration, but for the stories behind it. For us, this partnership is about more than one night. It’s about standing alongside the people shaping the future of food in Ireland.
Until then, congratulations to all the county winners — and to everyone working hard to keep this industry moving. We’re proud to be in your corner.