Waterford Named Regional Destination of the Year at the Georgina Campbell Awards 2026

Waterford has been named Regional Destination of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards, celebrating the city and county’s outstanding food, drink, hospitality and tourism offering.

The coveted award was presented by renowned food writer and broadcaster Georgina Campbell at the annual awards ceremony at the event in Dublin on Tuesday, 22nd of September, where leading figures from across Ireland’s food, tourism, and hospitality sectors gathered to celebrate the very best the county has to offer.

The recognition places Waterford firmly on the national stage as a destination where exceptional local food and drink, warm hospitality, rich culture, and unforgettable visitor experiences come together.

Celebrating Waterford’s Food, Drink, and Tourism Offering

The award follows the launch of a new collaboration between Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford in January 2026, bringing together tourism, hospitality, and food businesses from across the city and county with a shared ambition: to showcase everything that makes Waterford such a distinctive place to visit.

Throughout 2026, the two organisations have worked closely to develop new events and experiences, support promotional activity, and bring the story of Waterford to audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.

That collaboration has helped create stronger connections across Waterford’s tourism, hospitality, and food sectors, with businesses and attractions working together to offer visitors even more reasons to explore the city and county.

From award-winning restaurants and artisan producers to local food tours, cafés, craft drinks, immersive visitor experiences and a thriving hospitality scene, food and drink have become an increasingly important part of the Waterford story.

A Collective Achievement for Waterford

Accepting the award on behalf of Waterford in Dublin were Maria Kyte of Visit Waterford Paul and Marie Flynn of The Tannery in Dungarvan.

Speaking following the announcement, Maria said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Waterford recognised as Regional Destination of the Year by the Georgina Campbell Awards. This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the people, businesses, and organisations across the city and county who work so hard to create exceptional experiences for visitors.

It is also a real testament to what can be achieved when we work together. The collaboration between Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford has brought a renewed focus to Waterford’s food, drink, hospitality, and tourism offering, and this award recognises the strength of that collective effort.

Waterford has an extraordinary story to tell, from its rich history and heritage to its coastline, landscapes, food, drink, culture, and the warmth of its people. We are delighted to see that story gaining such strong recognition on the national stage.”

Discover a Destination With Something for Everyone

As Ireland’s oldest city and a county shaped by mountains, rivers, coastline, and countryside, Waterford offers an incredible variety of experiences within one destination.

Visitors can step back more than 1,000 years through Waterford’s Viking and medieval history, discover world-class gardens and historic houses, explore the spectacular Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark or take to the Waterford Greenway for one of Ireland’s most scenic cycling and walking routes.

Along the way, there is plenty to taste too.

Waterford’s food and drink scene draws on exceptional local produce, fresh seafood, passionate producers and a growing community of chefs, cafés, restaurants, food experiences, and artisan businesses. From Waterford City to Tramore, Dungarvan, Lismore, Ardmore and beyond, visitors can discover a destination where local flavour is closely connected to the landscape, culture, and people who call Waterford home.

Growing Recognition for Waterford

The Georgina Campbell Awards are among Ireland’s best-known food and hospitality awards, recognising excellence across the county’s restaurant, hospitality and tourism sectors.

Waterford’s Regional Destination of the Year title adds to a growing list of national and international recognition for the city and county.

Earlier in 2026, Waterford was once again highlighted by Condé Nast Traveller, which named the city and county among its 7 Wonders of Ireland for 2026, marking a second consecutive year of recognition.

The latest award comes at an exciting time for Waterford’s tourism sector, as the destination continues to build its reputation around its distinctive combination of heritage, landscape, outdoor adventure, culture, food, drink, and hospitality.

Whether you’re planning a city break packed with history and great food, a coastal escape, an outdoor adventure or a relaxed weekend exploring some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, there has never been a better time to discover Waterford.