A standout year for both Cork and Belfast as winners of Irish Food Writing Awards 2025 announced
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 on 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 and Belfast win big
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 Campbell 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.”ate with the latest news.
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 Award
Judged 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
