We are so delighted to announce that we triumphed at this years Good Food Ireland® Awards, where we took home two of the most prestigious accolades of the evening. We received the Supreme Award of the Year and were also named Culinary Haven of the Year, cementing our reputation as one of Ireland’s premier destinations for exceptional cuisine and hospitality.

The Awards celebrate businesses at every layer of Ireland’s food and drink industry. From primary producers, manufacturers, and chefs, to shops, hotels, tourism experiences, and restaurants, those businesses who made the shortlist and went onto become winners are regarded by the judges as embodying all that makes Ireland’s food and drink offering so standout.

The Supreme Award of the Year is the highest honour given at the Good Food Ireland® Awards, recognising a business that epitomises the very best of Irish food, hospitality, and excellence in customer experience. The Culinary Haven of the Year award further underscores Castle Leslie Estate’s dedication to providing guests with a truly unique dining experience that celebrates Irish ingredients, heritage, and sustainable practices.

Mr. Brian Baldwin, CEO of Castle Leslie Estate, expressed his pride and gratitude for the awards, saying: “Winning these awards is a tremendous honour, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team. At Castle Leslie Estate, we believe in crafting unforgettable experiences that honour Ireland’s culinary heritage and showcase our passion for sustainability and local produce. These awards are a testament to the dedication of our staff and our commitment to excellence.”

Winners were selected through mystery inspections and assessments of those businesses approved by Good Food Ireland® and shortlisted by an independent panel of Irish and international leaders including Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland® Margaret Jeffares, former Good Food Ireland® Operations Director Susan Kerr, journalist John Wilson, hospitality consultant Tom O’Connell, lecturer in the School of Hospitality Management & Tourism at TU Dublin Dr Detta Melia, Executive Chairman and Owner of Odyssey International Kevin Shannon, and previous chef and hotelier Maurice Keller.

Margaret Jeffares, Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland® said: “To say that deciding on the winners from our magnificent shortlist of businesses from across the island of Ireland has been tough this year would be a huge understatement. We’ve seen a notable rise in confidence in the tourism and hospitality industry to prioritise Irish ingredients due to customers being far more vocal about wanting to see Irish produce on the menu. Awareness around sustainability has increased across the board and utilising local food and drink is a fundamental way to assist sustainable goals as well as helping hotels and restaurants provide their clientele with true taste of their region. All these factors combined have given Irish farmers, fishermen and food and drink producers a renewed sense of purpose and desire to innovate.

“So many of our winners this year are second or third generation family-run businesses who make up the very foundation of what’s so special about Ireland’s food and drink.  It is important to utilise our island’s own businesses and resources wherever possible, as well as keeping every layer of our food and drink industry exciting and dynamic in order to bring the next generation to the table. We’d like to congratulate every single one of this year’s worthy winners and thank them for their incredible service in promoting Ireland’s wonderful food and drink scene.”

Castle Leslie Estate was celebrated for our blend of luxurious accommodations, stunning surroundings, and renowned commitment to culinary excellence. With our farm-to-fork philosophy, the Estate uses locally sourced and estate grown ingredients to create seasonal, innovative menus that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Ireland.

This double accolade is a milestone for Castle Leslie Estate and a reflection of our dedication to promoting and celebrating Irish food culture. As one of the most anticipated events in Ireland’s culinary calendar, the Good Food Ireland Awards® highlight establishments that prioritise quality ingredients, exceptional service, and sustainable practices. Winning the Supreme Award of the Year and Culinary Haven of the Year establishes Castle Leslie Estate as a leading light in Irish hospitality and cuisine.