Leitrim celebrates food and drink excellence at Blas na hÉireann with three award-winning producers

Three Leitrim producers took home awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann in Dingle, with McNiffe’s Boxty winning Best in County, proudly supported by Leitrim Local Enterprise Office, and Best in Connaught.

Three producers from Leitrim were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with all of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver, and gold winners from the county are Ireland West Distillery, Dromod Boxty, and McNiffe’s Boxty.

McNiffe’s Boxty won Gold for their Traditional Irish Boxty, as well as Best in County and Best in Connaught. Dromod Boxty won Gold for their brand-new protein pancakes, while Ireland West Distillery took Silver for their Zero Percent Gin and Tonic Berry Pink and Bronze for their Zero Percent Gin and Tonic Lemon.

“Leitrim Local Enterprise Office extends its sincere congratulations to all finalists recognised at Blas na hÉireann 2025, especially to ‘McNiffe’s Boxty’, awarded Best in County Leitrim and Best in Connaught,” said Joe Lowe, Head of Enterprise.

“This achievement reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence in Irish food production and their valued contribution to the local economy. Blas na hÉireann continues to highlight the strength and innovation of Ireland’s agri-food sector. Local Enterprise Offices across the country are proud to support these awards, which celebrate the dedication and quality of our food producers.”

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2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions, supported by Bank of Ireland.

The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people and talents that make Irish food so special.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said, “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Leitrim represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity, and resilience of Ireland’s food producers.

“Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle,” he concluded.

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The Blas na hÉireann Awards Weekend ran from Thursday, October 2, to Sunday, October 5, in Dingle, with a packed programme of events shining a spotlight on the very best of Irish food and drink.

Sustainability once again remained a key focus, with the event continuing to build on its waste-free commitments and support a more conscious future for Irish food.