Finalists revealed for 69th Cork Business of the Year Awards
It’s the 69th annual Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork Business of the Year Awards and it’s a special one. This year there’s been a record-breaking number of entries!
The finalists have now been announced after judges described deliberations as among the most difficult in the awards’ history, citing both the volume and calibre of applications from across Cork city’s business community.
Due to the exceptional standard, four finalists have been shortlisted in each category in the awards sponsored by PTSB. In the Tourism, Culture & Arts category, five finalists were selected after judges were unable to narrow the field further.
A new category, Best Cork Content Creator, has been introduced this year, recognising the fast-growing digital sector and the creators who play an increasingly important role in promoting Cork.
Public voting is open, with winners in each category determined by a 50/50 split between public vote and the independent judging panel. The Overall Cork Business of the Year will be selected by the judges.
The winners will be revealed at the CBA President’s Dinner & Awards on Saturday 28 March at Vienna Woods, a highlight of the city’s business and social calendar. The evening will be hosted by Marty Morrissey and KC of RedFM, with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin delivering the keynote address. Tickets are on sale at corkbusiness.ie.
CBA President Dave O’Brien said the strength of entries reflects the ambition and resilience of Cork businesses. “We had a record number of entries this year, as Cork businesses continue to excel across innovation, customer service, employee commitment, community engagement, sustainability and business growth,” he said. “It was a difficult judging session, which is a good complaint to have. The quality was exceptional across every category.”
The 2026 finalists are:
Best VFI Pub
This award honours Cork City VFI members — licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and may also offer food, entertainment and live events.
The Welcome Inn
Dwyers of Cork
Franciscan Well Brewpub
Fitzgerald's Bar at The Imperial
Best Cork Hotel
Recognising hotels in the wider Cork city area delivering excellence in accommodation, hospitality and guest experience.
Castlemartyr Resort
The Metropole Hotel
Vienna Woods Hotel
Hotel Isaacs Cork
Best Services Business
Celebrating outstanding service-based businesses operating in Cork (excluding retail, hospitality and tourism), demonstrating strong performance, client impact, innovation and growth.
Yellow Harbour
Ability Wise
Career Training Internships
BASE Fitness & Health
Best Festival or Event
Honouring Cork’s most outstanding festivals or events, recognising creativity, organisation and impact.
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Marina Market – Comic Con
Cork City Council – Open Streets
Alliance Française de Cork (French Film Festival)
Best in Tourism, Culture & Arts
Recognising organisations making outstanding contributions to Cork’s tourism, heritage, arts and visitor engagement.
Blarney Woollen Mills
MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory
Nano Nagle Place
Hysterical Histories
The Everyman
Best Cork Retail Business
Highlighting excellence in retail across Cork City.
Here's Health
James Whelan Butchers, Patrick’s Street
Cork Craft & Design
Pinocchio’s
Best Café
Recognising cafés delivering exceptional casual dining experiences.
Bakestone Café Pantry & Bakery, Perry St
Lafayette Café at The Imperial
DUKES Coffee Company, Carey’s Lane
Greenwich, Caroline St
Best Restaurant
Celebrating excellence in formal dining in Cork City.
Don Gregorio
Moody Café Vin
Cornstore Cork
Ichigo Ichie Bistro
Best Family Business
Honouring family-owned and managed businesses demonstrating strength, continuity and innovation.
St Luke’s Wine Tavern
CEC Cork English College
LEE Press Limited
Sheila’s Hostel
Best New Business
Recognising businesses established since 1 January 2022 that have shown ambition, resilience and early success.
BMG Audio Visual & Events
Paynt Payments
Halpin Wealth Management
Seventy Seven
Sustainable Business Innovation
Celebrating businesses driving sustainable transformation and environmental responsibility in Cork city.
Water Technology Ltd
Orla McAndrew Food Ltd
Maryborough Hotel & Spa
FZin Compostable Coffee
Best Cork Content Creator
Recognising standout Cork content creators consistently producing high-quality, original and engaging digital content that champions Cork and its businesses.
Bitsandbites / @bitsandbites.ie
Sunshine Primo / @sunshine_primo
Cork Volunteer Centre / @volunteercork
Marina Market / @marinamarketcork