The Irish Food Writing Award Winners 2025

The Irish Food Writing Awards 2025 have celebrated a standout year for both Cork and Belfast, with writers from the Irish Examiner and the Belfast Telegraph achieving remarkable success across multiple categories, announced at the RDS tonight, 13th November 2025.

And an Outstanding Achievement in Food Writing Award for Ernie Whalley!

Ernie Whalley was nominated by several journalists and food writers, many of whom credit him with giving them their start in food writing. Ernie began writing about wine in 1978 for a northern English newspaper, and after moving to Ireland in 1987 he wrote for the Sunday Independent and the Evening Herald among other titles. He continued to be a leading voice in Irish food and wine journalism until finishing his long running column for The Sunday Times in 2019. His influence on writers and readers alike has been significant, and the Award recognises his lasting contribution to the field.

Cork was strongly represented, with three Irish Examiner contributors honoured. Michelle Darmody won the Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food Award for her book Seed to Supper. Caroline Hennessy was recognised for her work with both the Irish Examiner and the Irish Farmers Journal in the Writing on Irish Food Producers category. Aishling Moore received the Writing on Seafood Award for her contributions to the Irish Examiner. The Irish Examiner Weekend magazine was also named Irish Food Magazine or Supplement of the Year, securing a fourth major win for the publication.

Belfast also enjoyed a significant night, with the Belfast Telegraph claiming three awards. Drinks columnist Gary Law won both the Wine Writing Award and the Spirits Writing Award, while food columnist John Mulgrew received the Cookery Writing Award. The achievements highlight the growing strength of Northern Irish food and drink writing on the island’s media landscape.

Founded by food writer and broadcaster Suzanne Campbell, the Irish Food Writing Awards recognise excellence, insight and creativity across food writing, broadcasting, podcasting, social media and photography. The Awards acknowledge both established voices and rising talent across Ireland’s vibrant food media community.

Speaking after the event, founder Suzanne said: “From Cork to Belfast and everywhere in between, the standard of Irish food writing this year has been exceptional. Our winners and shortlisted entrants are telling important stories about how we grow, cook and enjoy food in Ireland. It is encouraging to see such strong work in newspapers, books, radio, online and on social platforms, and we are delighted to celebrate both established names and exciting new voices.”

2025 Award Winners

Irish Food or Drink Podcast

Judged by Nigel Barden, sponsored by Sharon Noonan

Winner: Food Matters by Mick Kelly, Grow It Yourself

Food Writing Award

Judged by Robb Walsh, sponsored by Bord Bia

Winner: Alex Meehan, Irish Independent

Food History and Heritage Award

Judged by Dr Neil Buttery, sponsored by Ballymaloe Foods

Winner: Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire and Dorothy Cashman for Irish Food History; a compendium

Writing on Irish Food Producers

Judged by Charlotte Pike, sponsored by Certified Irish Angus

Winner: Caroline Hennessy, Irish Examiner and Irish Farmers Journal

Writing on Seafood Award

Judged by Robb Walsh, sponsored by Glenmar Shellfish

Winner: Aishling Moore, Irish Examiner

Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food Award

Judged by Tom Hunt, sponsored by &Smyth Creative Communications

Winner: Michelle Darmody for Seed to Supper

Irish Food Magazine or Supplement

Judged by Felicity Cloake, sponsored by Butlers Chocolates

Winner: Irish Examiner Weekend

Cookbook of the Year

Judged by Colman Andrews, sponsored by Gather and Gather

Winner: The Old Spot Cook Book by Aoife Carrigy

Cookery Writing Award

Judged by Ed Smith, sponsored by Begleys Fresh

Winner: John Mulgrew, Belfast Telegraph

Wine Writing Award

Judged by Oz Clarke, sponsored by Whelehans Wines

Winner: Gary Law, Belfast Telegraph

Beer Writing Award

Judged by Richard Croasdale, sponsored by Rascals Brewing

Winner: Christina Wade for Filthy Queens

Spirits Writing Award

Judged by Tim Hayward, sponsored by Powerscourt Distillery

Winner: Gary Law, Belfast Telegraph

Culinary Student Award

Judged by Jess Murphy and Ed Cooney, sponsored by Kerrygold

Winner: Vitalii Vakarchuk, Colaiste Ide, Finglas

Food Photography Award, Professional Category

Judged by Cris Barnett, sponsored by Odaois Foods

Winner: Ruth Calder-Potts

Food Photography Award, Amateur Category

Judged by Chris Barnett, sponsored by Odaois Foods

Winner: Rosie Horgan

Writing on International Cuisines

Judged by Romy Gill, sponsored by Green Saffron

Winner: Alex O’Neill, Image Magazine

Restaurant Critic Award

Judged by Mark Diacomo

Winner: Corinna Hardgrave, Irish Times Food

Irish Food Blog AwardJ

udged by Rebecca May Johnson, sponsored by Pestle and Mortar

Winner: Sian Conway

Investigative Writing Award

Judged by Dan Saladino

Winner: Patricia Devlin, The Journal Investigates

Emerging Voice in Irish Food Writing

Judged by Deborah Reid

Winner: Alex O’Neill, Image Magazine

Irish Food on Instagram or TikTok Award

Judged by Andy Clarke, sponsored by Coole Swan

Winner: Marcus O’Laoire

Outstanding Achievement in Food Writing Award

Sponsored by James Whelan Butchers

Winner: Ernie Whalley

For more on the Irish Food Writing Awards, visit www.irishfoodwritingawards.ie