2026 Award Winners RURAL & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2026

RURAL & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2026

RURAL DESTINATION OF THE YEAR: Gougane Barra Hotel Co Cork
In one of the most peaceful and beautiful locations in Ireland, this delightful fifth generation family-run hotel is set in the National Forest Park overlooking Gougane Barra Lake, famous for St Finbarr’s little island oratory. The Lucey family has run the hotel since 1937, offering simple, comfortable accommodation as a restful base for rural holidays, especially walking breaks. There’s been very little real change over the years, and that's just the way people like it, but since Neil Lucey and his wife Katy took over from Neil's parents in 2005, their energy has brought a fresh approach. Walking breaks remain important, and there is an interesting mix of tourists, hikers, local guests and returning guests who are welcomed like old friends, which really adds to the atmosphere. Although the spirit of the place remains unchanged, the many recent improvements include a stronger emphasis on food, and visitors are encouraged to drop in for informal meals - the hotel bar is cosy and full of quirky antiques (a great place to hide with a book at quiet times) and Katy’s cooking has long been a reason to visit in its own right, known for her carefully sourced ingredients, generous breakfasts, home baking. Bedrooms look towards lake or mountain; fireside sitting rooms invite guests to slow down; walking, cycling, fishing and rowing make the surrounding countryside part of the stay. Gougane Barra proves that a great rural destination does not need to manufacture attractions. It needs to value what is already there and share it with warmth and confidence. For doing exactly that, year after year, Gougane Barra Hotel is our Rural Destination of the Year.

TASTE OF THE WATERWAYS 2026: Clashganny House Restaurant Borris Co Carlow
Carlow is one of Ireland’s loveliest counties yet - surprisingly, considering its convenience to the capital - perhaps also one of the most under the radar. But that may be a plus for visitors, who will find an idyllically lush and unspoilt place with pretty villages (none more so than Borris) and lovely river scenes, including Clashganny Lock on the River Barrow with its stunningly beautiful rural setting, which is best seen from a roadside vantage point nearby. Once seen never forgotten and, since 2014, just a short scenic stroll from the lock, Robert and Karen White’s impressive restaurant, has provided yet another reason to visit this beauty spot as soon as possible. It’s down a narrow road (signed from the ‘main’ road) and, although it may look a little bare at first off season, the fine old mid-19th century granite mill house is set in woodland that was planted when the house was built. Robert’s cooking is polished but approachable, drawing on the seasons and on excellent Irish ingredients rather than unnecessary complication. To match, Karen’s warm professional presence in the dining room completes an experience that has made Clashganny a favourite with local diners and visitors alike. A meal here can be part of a day along the towpath, a weekend in the Blackstairs region, or a destination in itself. For combining accomplished food and genuine hospitality with one of the loveliest waterside settings in the country, Clashganny House Restaurant is a natural recipient of the 2026 Taste of the Waterways Award.