Six Cork wins at prestigious hospitality awards

Six of the top awards at the 2026 Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards were won by Cork finalists, at a gala ceremony lunch held at the InterContinental Dublin Hotel.

The village of Baltimore came out on top with the food village of the year award. 

Gougane Barra Hotel, located near Ballingeary, won the rural destination of the year accolade, while the Georgina Campbell 3-star hotel of the year prize went to Casey’s Hotel in Glengarriff.

Among the other Cork award winners was Ballymaloe House Hotel, which won the Georgina Campbell country house 2026 award.

Elsewhere, the Georgina Campbell wine experience award went to Prim’s Bookshop & Wine Bar in Kinsale, with the Georgina Campbell long haul hero award going to Ruth Healy of Urru culinary store in Bandon.

Now in their fourth decade, the awards are the longest running of their kind in Ireland.

Established by food and hospitality writer Georgina Campbell, they recognise excellence across the country, with winners selected through independent and year-round assessments, by a team of experts who book anonymously and pay their bills like any other guest. 

Businesses cannot enter themselves, which ensures that the awards remain focused on genuine quality and hospitality.

Speaking at the awards, Georgina Campbell warned that the personal connection traditionally associated with Irish hospitality is under pressure as businesses increasingly turn to technology, automation and digital transactions.

The awards ceremony also featured an engaging panel discussion with special guest Francis Brennan.

One of Ireland’s best-known hoteliers, Brennan echoed the sentiments shared by Ms Campbell.

“Exceptional customer service and generosity are not, and should not be, a nice-to-have. They are a necessity, building loyalty, creating unforgettable experiences, and serving as powerful differentiators in today’s competitive landscape,” he said.