HERE are the 2026 Restaurant Association Awards winners for county CLARE

Overall: Homestead Cottage, Doolin: A 200-year-old rural cottage restaurant beside the Atlantic Ocean, awarded one Michelin star for high-quality cooking using local Irish produce such as wild John Dory and Burren Shorthorn beef in clean, modern dishes.
Café: Sweet ‘n’ Green, Ennis: A family-run café in the heart of Ennis focusing on healthy, wholesome food made with local ingredients, offering vibrant salads, homemade treats, vegan and gluten-free options, and fresh flavours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Casual Dining: The Ivy Cottage, Doolin: A charming cottage restaurant on Fisher Street serving fresh locally sourced seafood including chowder and fish of the day with homemade chips, plus burgers, pasta, and home-made cakes in a relaxed indoor or outdoor setting.
Chef: Cezary Sodel, Oar Restaurant & Rooms, Doolin: Head chef at Oar Restaurant, known for crafting dishes with local produce that offer a range of options to suit all tastes in a welcoming venue in the centre of Doolin.
Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Aileens Restaurant at Armada Hotel, Spanish Point: A modern restaurant at the beachfront Armada Hotel focusing on premium and local seafood cooked simply over charcoal or pan-seared, complemented by Armada Farm produce and a curated wine selection.
Customer Service: Noel’s at The Manor at Bunratty Manor, Bunratty: A leading restaurant at Bunratty Manor Hotel recognised for professional service and attention to detail, offering casual fine dining with fresh produce and a welcoming atmosphere.
Employee Excellence Award: Margaret Morgan, Gate 96 at Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis: An employee at Gate 96 Restaurant within Temple Gate Hotel, honoured for outstanding performance and contribution to the team’s success in a central Ennis venue.
Gastro Pub: Linnane’s Lobster Bar, New Quay: A historic 300-year-old thatched pub overlooking Galway Bay specialising in fresh local seafood such as oysters and lobster, with views of the pier and fishing boats.
Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant: The Corkscrew Bar and Drawing Rooms at Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan: A cosy bar in the 18th-century Gregans Castle Hotel serving light food, homemade cakes, scones, and afternoon tea beside an open fire in luxurious surroundings with Burren views.
Innovator of the Year: The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point: A beachfront hotel recognised for innovative approaches, including modern dining at Aileens Restaurant and sustainable elements across its operations on the West Clare coast.
Local Food Hero: John Gavin, the Old Lodge Gastro Pub at Shannon Springs Hotel, Shannon: Co-owner and key figure at the award-winning Old Lodge Gastro Pub, celebrated for championing local produce and creating a traditional Irish bar atmosphere near Shannon Airport.
Newcomer: Box & Bean, Ennistymon: A recently opened speciality coffee café offering homemade treats, bagel melts, soup, fresh bread, vegan and gluten-free options, along with local art and gifts in a cosy coastal setting.
Pub of the Year: Taylor’s Bar, Ennis: A family-run traditional pub in the heart of Ennis with a modern twist, featuring a warm atmosphere, beer garden, open fire, speciality gins, and a welcoming community vibe.
Restaurant Manager: Linda Casey, The Old Lodge Gastro Pub at Shannon Springs, Shannon: Restaurant manager at the award-winning Old Lodge Gastro Pub, recognised for leadership in delivering high standards in a traditional Irish bar setting near Shannon Airport.
Sustainable Practices: Hotel Doolin, Doolin: Ireland’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel, committed to reducing water and energy usage, minimising waste, sourcing local food, and planting trees to achieve carbon-negative status.
Use of Social Media: Russell’s Seafood Bar at Fiddle + Bow Hotel, Doolin: A premium seafood bar blending West Coast tradition with modern food, championing local and sustainable ingredients, promoted actively through engaging social media content.
Wine Experience: Henry’s Bistro & Wine Bar, Ennis: A classic bistro and wine bar in the heart of Ennis offering modern Irish cuisine paired with a carefully chosen wine list and craft beers in a welcoming market-area setting.
World Cuisine: Tulsi, Ennis: A family-run Indian restaurant on Carmody Street since 2007, specialising in authentic award-winning Indian dishes with excellent flavours and generous portions.