Fáilte Ireland has chosen a 16-course menu of emerging food firms from around Ireland to champion all things gastronomic to tourists and visitors in Ireland.

The ‘food champions’ will join six other culinary businesses as part of the Food Tourism Network Development Programme. The group will work together with their local community to help build Ireland’s food tourism reputation by encouraging visitors to stop more, spend more and stay longer.

The 16 new food champions were chosen from over 400 nominations. The focus for the initiative in 2016 is on food champions from Fáilte Ireland’s two newest brands, ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ and ‘Dublin – A Breath of Fresh Air’, with an addition of four new food champions to those already located along The Wild Atlantic Way.

John Mulcahy, Fáilte Ireland’s head of hospitality, food and standards, said that nominations were received from a diverse group who members of wider food tourism communities.

He added: “The ‘emerging’ food champions have already been working hard in their regions and can now become a part of our network, which we will support and guide as they continue to develop food tourism experiences.”

In Association with

The food champions lists includes: