Croithlí Distillery has been named a finalist in two major categories at the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025, recognising the distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship, provenance, and the revival of Donegal’s whiskey-making heritage.
The Crolly-based distillery has been shortlisted for both Food Tourism Experience of the Year and Drinks Producer of the Year — a proud double honour for the team and community who have brought whiskey-making back to Donegal for the first time in almost 180 years.
The Good Food Ireland® Awards, in association with FBD Insurance, are Ireland’s only cross-sector food and drink awards celebrating those who uphold the highest standards of Irish provenance, culinary excellence, and sustainability. This year’s ceremony takes place on Monday, 10th November 2025 at The K Club, Co. Kildare.
Croithlí Distillery joins an impressive group of Donegal businesses recognised for their excellence, including:
Rathmullan House – Culinary Haven of the Year
The Yellow Pepper Restaurant, Letterkenny – Wine List of the Year (owned by Croithlí Distillery co-founder Kieran Davis)
The Bakery Shack Rossnowlagh – Bakery & Chocolate Producer
Breac House – Food Lovers Choice Award – Wild Atlantic Way
The Lemon Tree Restaurant – Restaurant of the Year
The Blue Goat Ramelton – Shop of the Year
“To be named a finalist in two national categories is an incredible honour for our team and our community,” said Conor McMenamin, Co-Founder and Director of Croithlí Distillery.
“Our goal from day one was to create something truly authentic — a distillery that celebrates Donegal’s heritage and produces whiskey of world-class quality. This recognition means a lot to everyone involved.”
Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland®, added:
“Each of our finalists truly embodies this year’s theme — ‘Rooted in Taste. Backed by Trust.’ They represent the very best of Irish food, drink, and tourism.”
The team at Croithlí Distillery now looks forward to celebrating alongside Ireland’s finest chefs, producers, and tourism destinations at the upcoming ceremony.
