Galway, West of Ireland 2018 European Region of Gastronomy (ERoG) was crowned one of Ireland’s top 10 Foodie Destinations for 2018 for its Galway Gastronomy entry – which received third place at an awards event in Lisnavagh House, Co Carlow last week.
Elaine Donohue, programme co-ordinator for Galway ERoG, said that Galway is a dynamic Foodie Destination and the people of Galway are proud of our unique offer.
“We are delighted to have been part of this learning journey with our fellow Irish Foodie Destinations, all of whom are working extremely hard to promote and give a true, authentic experience of Irish food,” she said.
In awarding Galway Gastronomy third place among the top 10 finalists this year, the Foodie Destinations’ judges identified the region as being a food hot spot that actively promotes itself through food festivals, gourmet trails and farmers markets, as well as great dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Liam Edwards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland which runs the Foodie Destinations competition, said: “The high standard of applications this year was incredible — it is clear that our small island already has so much to offer in terms of foodie experiences, from land to sea, which is growing every year.
“You are the people driving this and spreading the message. You are here today to represent your region after all the hard work you have done in the last couple of months, and long before that too.”
The judging process involved whittling down entries to ten finalists, with Galway Gastronomy being shortlisted, followed by a site visit by the Foodie Destinations jury on the 7th of August showcasing highlights of Galway food completed in Currarevagh House, a tour of Oughterard village and a showcase in Brigit’s Garden, together with a public vote that accounted for 25% of each finalist’s overall score.
For more information about Galway, West of Ireland 2018 ERoG, see the official website www.galwaygastronomy.ie and follow @gastronomy2018 on social media.
