Blas na hÉireann Events 2026
Blas na hÉireann
The 19th annual Blas na hÉireann – The Irish Food Awards take place 1st - 4th of October, with networking events, showcase, masterclasses, industry panel discussions and awards.
The awards recognise and reward the very best tasting Irish food and drink products, and the passionate, driven producers who make it. Over 3000 entries from producers in every county in Ireland have been judged in the initial round, a month long judging in UCC, and are now down to the very best of the best in what is the largest blind tasting of food in Ireland.
Judges for the awards come from a range of food backgrounds; they are chefs, restaurateurs, academics, journalists, authors, food champions, caterers and enthusiastic home cooks. The judging system, which was developed with UCC and the University of Copenhagen, is now recognised as an industry 'gold' standard worldwide. Products entered are blind tasted and competition is extremely tough, and regardless of the number of entries there are only five finalists in each category.
Food producers from all over Ireland have proudly reached the finalist round and have travelled to Dingle to attend the awards, networking events as well as enjoy the festival. Many of the finalists will also be taking part in the food market and taste trail, be sure to look out for the Blas na hÉireann symbol and take a chance to taste what has made it to the finals and wish them the best of luck!
More information can be found on irishfoodawards.com
Eat Ireland in a Day!
A market for all Blas na hÉireann & Dingle Food Festival attendees (visitors and locals) to discover the very best of Irish food & drinks from the Blas na hÉireann finalists and winners. It's a vibrant market style area which highlights the quality food & drinks which have reached the finalist stage of this all island competition.
Where: Blas Village, Green St (beside the church)
When: Friday 2nd 10am – 5pm / Sat 3rd 11am – 5pm / Sun 4th 11am – 5pm
Friday 3rd October
Sing Along Social
Friday 2nd @ 9pm - The Sing Along Social is back! This year to celebrate the very best of Irish food & drinks and the producers who join us in Dingle for the awards and festivities Blas na hÉireann & Dick Mack's have invited Aoife McElwain's feel good, fun filled, zero commitment choir back for a party! Cheesy tunes, dancing and sheer craic are guaranteed.
The Sing Along is being hosted by Blas na hÉireann & Dick Macks to celebrate the amazing food producers from all over Ireland who have made it to the finals of this year's awards. All festival attendees are invited to come along and join in the fun.