McDonnell’s Bar Takes Top Honors at 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards Connaught Final
The hospitality scene in the West of Ireland recently took center stage at the Irish Restaurant Awards Connaught Regional Final. Held at the Knockranny House Hotel & Spa in Westport, the event celebrated the finest in food, drink, and service across the province, bringing together more than 600 guests to honor the region’s leading culinary professionals.
The ceremony highlighted the strength of the hospitality sector in Mayo, Galway, Sligo, and Roscommon, showcasing how both urban centers and rural businesses are driving excellence in the Irish dining experience.
McDonnell’s Bar Named Pub of the Year for Mayo
In a significant win for the Erris region, McDonnell’s Bar and Undertakers in Belmullet claimed the top prize for Pub of the Year for Mayo. Padraig Conroy and his staff were recognized for their contribution to the local hospitality landscape, marking a major achievement for businesses operating in the more rural parts of the county.
Broad Success for Mayo Hospitality
Beyond the Pub of the Year title, Mayo businesses secured several other prestigious accolades during the regional finals:
- Best Gastro Pub: A Mayo-based pub was honored with the Best Gastro Pub award, further cementing the county’s reputation for high-quality dining and atmosphere.
- Mayo Café of the Year: A business from Ballina took home the top prize in the café category.
The Road to the All-Ireland Finals
The Connaught Regional Final served as the final regional ceremony in this year’s prestigious awards program. This stage of the competition determines which local leaders will represent their provinces on the national stage.
The journey culminates at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, scheduled for Monday, May 18. At this event, both the Regional and All-Ireland winners will be officially revealed, crowning the best hospitality professionals in the country.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Connaught Regional Awards
- Venue: Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Westport.
- Mayo Pub of the Year: McDonnell’s Bar, Belmullet (Padraig Conroy).
- Regional Scope: Nominees included businesses from Mayo, Galway, Sligo, and Roscommon.
- National Final Date: May 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the Connaught regional finals held?
The awards ceremony took place at the Knockranny House Hotel & Spa in Westport.
Who won Pub of the Year for Mayo?
Padraig Conroy and the staff of McDonnell’s Bar in Belmullet won the Pub of the Year award for Mayo.
When will the national winners be announced?
The All-Ireland winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Monday, May 18.