- Overall: Chez Hans, Cashel A long-established fine dining restaurant (since 1968) housed in a striking converted 19th-century church building near the Rock of Cashel. It is renowned for its atmospheric setting, family-run warmth, classical cooking techniques, and emphasis on seasonal local Irish ingredients.
- Café: No Filter, Clonmel A cool, casual speciality coffee spot in central Clonmel with a laid-back, community-focused vibe. It stands out for its high-quality smooth brews (often using premium roasts), friendly service, relaxed atmosphere, and offerings such as vegan pastries and plant-based milks.
- Casual Dining: O’Neills Bistro, Clonmel A welcoming bistro in Clonmel offering approachable, enjoyable dining in a relaxed environment. It focuses on hearty, flavourful dishes suited to everyday occasions, with an emphasis on good value and consistent quality.
- Chef: Stefan McEnteer, The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel The talented head chef at the elegant Bishop’s Buttery restaurant within the historic Cashel Palace Hotel. He is celebrated for his skilful preparation of refined dishes that highlight premium ingredients, blending sophistication with Irish culinary traditions.
- Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Chez Hans, Cashel This award recognises the same establishment as the overall winner, noted specifically for its masterful fusion of classic techniques with modern Irish elements. It showcases seasonal, locally sourced produce in creative yet approachable ways.
- Customer Service: Cahir House Hotel, Cahir A traditional hotel in Cahir praised for its outstanding hospitality and attentive, genuine service. The team delivers warm, personalised care that enhances guests’ experiences across dining and accommodation.
- Employee Excellence Award: Geraldine O’Donnell, Lava Rock, Tipperary town Geraldine O’Donnell is honoured for her exceptional dedication and performance at Lava Rock restaurant in Tipperary town. Her commitment, skill, and positive contribution exemplify outstanding individual excellence in the hospitality sector.
- Gastro Pub: Goosers Bar & Eating House, Terryglass A classic gastro pub in the village of Terryglass, combining a traditional bar atmosphere with elevated eating house fare. It is appreciated for its hearty, high-quality pub meals made with care, alongside a friendly, welcoming local feel.
- Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant: The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel The elegant, Michelin-starred fine-dining venue within the historic Georgian Cashel Palace Hotel. It is acclaimed for its luxurious contemporary Irish cuisine, impeccable presentation, refined techniques, and emphasis on showcasing artisan local produce in a sophisticated, historic setting.
- Innovator of the Year: Rivesci, Clonmel A creative and forward-thinking food business that began as a food truck and has evolved into a multi-award-winning producer of unique condiments (such as Fiery Fung and Smokey Tang). Now based in Clonmel with a spot serving single-origin coffee, locally made treats, and innovative food concepts.
- Local Food Hero: Peter Ward, Country Choice Nenagh, Nenagh Peter Ward is recognised for his longstanding commitment to promoting local, seasonal, and high-quality produce. Through his beloved deli-café-restaurant Country Choice in Nenagh, he has become a cornerstone of Tipperary’s food community, championing Irish artisans and fresh ingredients.
- Newcomer: The Mill Pantry, Roscrea A recent and promising addition to the local scene (near Roscrea, in areas like Carrigahorig), operating as a charming small village shop and takeaway spot. It focuses on delicious hot drinks, home-baked gluten-free treats, and quality local seasonal ingredients, earning praise for its fresh approach and community appeal.
- Pub of the Year: Jim O’ The Mills, Birdhill A characterful, traditional pub (often listed near Birdhill/Upperchurch area) housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill. It is celebrated for its authentic Irish pub experience, featuring lively music sessions, song, stories, dance, and craic, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere on its regular opening nights.
- Restaurant Manager: James Lyons, Matt The Thresher Inn, Birdhill James Lyons is honoured for his outstanding management at the well-regarded Matt The Thresher Inn in Birdhill. His leadership contributes to the venue’s reputation for excellent hospitality, smooth operations, and a consistently positive dining experience in this popular spot.
- Sustainable Practices: Cloughjordan House, Cloughjordan A notable establishment in Cloughjordan commended for its strong commitment to sustainability. It excels in eco-friendly practices, likely including local sourcing, waste reduction, ethical operations, and environmentally conscious approaches to food and hospitality.
- Use of Social Media: Rivesci, Clonmel This award goes to the same innovative business as above, specifically recognising Rivesci’s effective and engaging use of social media. It highlights their skill in building community, showcasing products, sharing stories, and promoting their condiments, coffee, and treats online.
- Wine Experience: The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel Again honouring the same venue, this category praises its exceptional wine programme and overall wine experience. It features a carefully curated selection, knowledgeable service, and pairings that complement the refined cuisine in an upscale, historic environment.
- World Cuisine: Ranna Ghor Indian Restaurant, Clonmel A welcoming Indian restaurant (with presence in Clonmel/Thurles area) offering authentic and flavourful world cuisine. It is appreciated for its mouthwatering dishes such as curries, tikkas, and bhunas, alongside sides like naan and rice, delivered with friendly service in a pleasant setting.
Michelin Guide
- Recommended (with praise for quality and service): The Bishop’s Buttery, Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, A warm, relaxed, elegant basement restaurant offering engaging service, an interesting wine list, and standout dishes like Atlantic scallop with butternut squash and wild Sika deer with Jerusalem artichoke.
Georgina Campbell Awards
- Wine List of the Year: Cashel Palace Hotel (The Bishop’s Buttery), Cashel, Recognised for an outstanding, diverse wine programme complementing its fine-dining experiences.
- Casual Dining Award (prior/relevant recognition): Sadler’s, Fethard, A stylish venture offering high-quality casual fare overseen by a strong culinary team in a welcoming setting.
Good Food Ireland Awards
- Wine List of the Year: Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Honoured for exceptional wine selection and pairings in this luxurious historic venue.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Veronica Molloy of Crossogue Preserves, Tipperary, Celebrated for decades of dedication to artisanal Irish preserves (producer-focused, supporting local restaurant scenes).
Other Notable Awards
- Gastro Pub of the Year (Food Awards Ireland): The Junction Gastro Bar and Guesthouse, Limerick Junction, Recognised for superb pub dining, hearty dishes, and welcoming atmosphere in a combined bar and accommodation setting.
Restaurant awards
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
2025 Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2024 Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Tipperary:
Introduction – Adventure] – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Tipperary offers a mix of historic landmarks and lush countryside, with the Rock of Cashel’s medieval fortress and cathedral providing a stunning hilltop vista. Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, offers historical insights, while the Glen of Aherlow’s walking trails showcase scenic valleys. Other attractions include the historic town of Clonmel and its markets. Tipperary is Ireland’s sixth largest county by size (4,254 square km) and 12th largest by population (167,895). Population peaked at 435,553 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 122,812 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Tipperary is Ireland’s 14th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 international visitors per year.
