Galgorm Resort leads County Antrim charge as finalists unveiled for 2025 Good Food Ireland® Awards

Dining at Galgorm

Building on its recent triumph at the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards—where it secured AA 5-star status and its Gillies restaurant earned an AA Rosette—Galgorm Resort is once again in the spotlight, named as a finalist in the prestigious Good Food Ireland® Awards.

The Ballymena-based luxury haven, part of the expansive Galgorm Collection, joins three fellow County Antrim businesses in the shortlist for this year’s ceremony, highlighting the region’s burgeoning reputation for culinary innovation, local provenance, and sustainable practices.

The Good Food Ireland® Awards, in association with FBD Insurance, are the island of Ireland’s only cross-sector celebration of agri-food, drink, and tourism hospitality.

Set to take place on Monday, 10th November 2025, at the host partner venue, The K Club in Co. Kildare, the awards received a record number of nominations ahead of the organisation’s 20th anniversary in 2026.

Judged by an independent panel of Irish and international experts through rigorous onsite mystery inspections and detailed assessments, the honours emphasise strict criteria including local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability—values that resonate deeply with Northern Ireland’s vibrant food ecosystem.

Galgorm Resort, Ballymena

The County Antrim finalists are:

•  Dunluce Lodge, shortlisted in both 5 Star Hotel of the Year and Wine List of the Year;

•  Galgorm Resort, a contender for 5 Star Hotel of the Year;

•  The Bushmills Inn, nominated for Culinary Haven of the Year; and

•  Irish Black Butter, in the running for Sweet & Savoury Producer of the Year.

These accolades come at a pivotal time for Galgorm Resort, which has undergone significant transformation as part of the Galgorm Collection’s £40 million expansion strategy through 2027.

Since 2010, over £60 million has been invested in the flagship property, including a recent £5 million overhaul featuring a £2 million redevelopment of its award-winning spa and wellness facilities.

This commitment to excellence, as echoed by CEO Colin Johnston in the wake of the AA wins, underscores a broader mission:

“Our ongoing investment in product quality, guest experience, employee wellbeing, and sustainability continues to deliver tangible results. Our mission is to provide more than a stay – offering guests exceptional hospitality while minimising environmental impact.”

Galgorm’s nomination in the 5 Star Hotel of the Year category aligns seamlessly with its portfolio of culinary offerings, from the Rosette-awarded Gillies to Fratelli Galgorm, all of which prioritise seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The resort’s integration into the Galgorm Rewards programme further enhances its appeal, allowing guests to earn points across sister properties like The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and The Old Inn, fostering loyalty amid a drive to bolster Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.

Spotlight on County Antrim’s finalists: A tapestry of taste and tradition

Dunluce Lodge, emerges as a dual nominee, recognised for its luxurious suites overlooking the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and the dramatic North Atlantic.

Nestled on the Causeway Coast near the Giant’s Causeway, the lodge’s restaurant—Bailiú—draws on seasonal Northern Irish produce for à la carte dining and tasting menus, complemented by an expertly curated wine and whiskey selection that has evidently impressed the judges.

Its spa, inspired by the rugged coastline, offers a serene counterpoint to the region’s natural wonders, making it a haven for those seeking restorative luxury.

The Bushmills Inn, a historic 4-star boutique hotel dating back to the 1600s, brings a rich narrative to its Culinary Haven of the Year nomination.

Originally a coaching inn en route to the Giant’s Causeway, this Bushmills gem—steps from the Old Bushmills Distillery—blends period charm with modern comforts across 41 bedrooms, many affording views of the River Bush.

Its AA Rosette restaurant celebrates the locale with fine dining that pairs local seafood and meats with Bushmills malts, while cosy nooks like the wood-burning snug invite guests to unwind amid Game of Thrones filming sites and coastal trails.

As a cornerstone of the Causeway Coast, the inn exemplifies how heritage hospitality can drive sustainable tourism.

Rounding out the shortlist is Irish Black Butter, an innovative producer from Portrush that revives a medieval preserve using EU PGI-status Armagh Bramley apples, cider, brandy, and spices.

Launched in 2017 by Alastair Bell—a farmer with a passion for local produce—this non-dairy, sweet-savoury spread has garnered acclaim from celebrity chefs like Anna Hough and James Martin.

Versatile enough for cheese boards, baking, or even curing meats, it embodies the awards’ ethos of rooted authenticity, supporting Ireland’s orchard heritage while appealing to global palates through its curated online Food Hall presence.

(L-R): John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer FBD Insurance, Ed Cooney, Executive Chef at the Merrion Hotel, Birgitta Hedin Curtin, Burren Smokehouse, and Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland, pictured before the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025. Photo: Damien Eagers / Paul Sherwood Photography

Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland®, commented on the strength of this year’s entries:

“Good Food Ireland® was born from a desire to celebrate Ireland’s world-class food, drink and farming champions. Many years later, our awards are now recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in food, drink and tourism experience, recognising those businesses who play a vital role in the entire Irish food ecosystem, one that fosters local pride and drives international tourism.”

She added:

“From food and drink producers and regenerative farmers to chefs and tourism destinations, we were delighted to have received an incredibly high calibre of entries from County Antrim.

“This year’s awards theme is ‘Rooted in Taste. Backed by Trust’ - and each of our finalists truly embodies this sentiment. I would like to congratulate them on already being amongst the best culinary experiences in Ireland, and wish each of our finalists well for the awards event.”

Beyond the shortlist: Public choice and broader impact

In addition to the expert-judged categories, the awards include the Food Lovers’ Choice Award, open to public vote across regions like Northern Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Ireland’s Hidden Heartland.

Five winners will be announced on the night, amplifying the voice of discerning diners and travellers.

Sponsored for the second year by FBD Insurance—a trusted partner to Ireland’s food and agri industry—the event also counts AIB, Wine Consultants Ireland, Waterford, and Tourism Ireland among its backers. These partnerships underscore the awards’ role in nurturing sustainable rural development, from preserving culinary heritage to bolstering local economies through seasonal, responsibly sourced produce.

Good Food Ireland®, established in 2006, serves as a trustmark for authentic experiences, curating everything from farm visits and cookery classes to artisan gifts. Its emphasis on Irish ingredients not only supports producers and fishermen but also enhances biodiversity and community engagement, making it a vital force in the island’s food narrative.

As County Antrim’s finalists prepare for the ceremony, their recognition signals a bright future for Northern Ireland’s hospitality and agri-food sectors. For Galgorm Resort, this nod reinforces its position as a trailblazer, inviting guests to savour the ‘Rooted in Taste’ ethos through packages like the upcoming A Winter Wonderland festive retreat.

For more on the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025, visit www.goodfoodireland.ie. Book your taste of excellence at Galgorm Resort, Dunluce Lodge, The Bushmills Inn, or explore Irish Black Butter at www.irishblackbutter.com.