A Donegal restaurant and chef have picked up coveted awards at this year’s Irish Restaurant Awards.
The Olde Glen Bar and Restaurant earned the title of Best Casual Dining in Ulster. Located in the village of Glen, the bar and restaurant is a popular destination for top quality food and great Irish pub atmosphere.
Cormac Walsh, Olde Glen Bar and Restaurant. Photo: Irish Restaurant Awards
The Olde Glen Bar
Donegal man Ciarán Sweeney, who is Head Chef Forest & Marcy in Dublin, took the regional title of Best Emerging Irish Cuisine.
Originally from Downings, Ciarán’s culinary career began at the Rosapenna Hotel when he was 16. He has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Ireland and the UK before the opening of Forest & Marcy.
Ciaran Sweeney – Forest & Marcy. Photo: Irish Restaurant Awards
Last night’s black-tie gala event saw over 1,100 guests gathering to celebrate and honour the hard work and achievements of those working in the Irish restaurant industry over the last 12 months.
Loam Restaurant in Galway was named All-Ireland Best Restaurant 2019, while Graham Neville of Dax Restaurant, Dublin, was named All Ireland Best Chef and Everett’s Restaurant in Waterford was named All Ireland Best Newcomer. The All Ireland Pub of the Year is Doheny and Nesbitt from Dublin.
Speaking at the awards, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins commented, “This is the 11th year of the Irish Restaurant Awards, and it has been the biggest year for the awards to date.
“Over 90,000 nominations were received from the public in January, and over 2,000 restaurateurs attended the Regional Awards, which were held in Kildare, Monaghan, Limerick and Sligo. The standard for judging this year has been very high.
“Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world through exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer. We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry”.