Few events capture the ambition, creativity, and resilience of Ireland’s hospitality industry quite like Hospitality Expo 2026, held on 10–11 February at the RDS, Dublin. With over 200 exhibitors and more than 6,000 attendees, the expo firmly established itself as a landmark gathering for chefs, operators, suppliers, and hospitality professionals from across Ireland.
Ireland on the Global Hospitality Stage
The expo showcased Ireland’s unique identity as a hospitality hub, with discussions, demos, and panels highlighting the country’s global reputation for quality, innovation, and warmth.
Anna Haugh, executive head chef and owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London, speaking on the Irish Food Trend panel, captured the excitement of Ireland’s culinary rise:
“Ireland is definitely having a moment. We’ve reached a stage where Irish people are proud of what we produce, which is the secret to spreading it through the world. It’s not just Irish food; it’s happening across almost every form of business, where Irish people are really proud of our heritage. I really believe the future of Ireland is going to be transformational. We don’t have gold or diamonds in the soil, we don’t have oil, but we have something in our blood that is extremely unique. There’s an artisan flair within us.”
Other panelists highlighted the importance of the Irish welcome, from tourism and hotels to local pubs and community venues.
Nicky Logue, General Manager at the Intercontinental Hotel, remarked, “People expect a unique experience; it’s about the people, the characters, that make their visit. We have a very good offering of hotels at all levels and a wide variety of attractions, but people are expecting to get that unique Irish welcome, good food, and the facilities to support that.”
Jason Kidd, founder of Outcast Brands and Two Shores Rum, added, “You see headlines about the cost of a pint, but that sense of hospitality and genuine interaction with people stays, and that’s still a draw.”
The Future of Irish Pubs
Panel discussions also explored how traditional Irish pubs can evolve while keeping the heart of hospitality alive.
Tom Cleary, incoming chair of the Licensed Vintners Association, explained, “The Irish pub, and the pub the way it is, is cherished and loved by most people but it can’t stay the same. It has to evolve and move on. Fine dining, fine wine – it’s not all about pints of that famous drink.”
Garry Anderson, head chef and owner at Anderson’s Boathouse Restaurant in Killybegs, highlighted the challenges for rural hospitality, saying, “All those social events, such as Communions, weddings, etc – where do they go? And the everyday trade – it’s not just about events. No one wants to walk down a dark town. We need to support these businesses. As chefs, we want to feed people when they’re hungry too. We need to encourage all types of hospitality, not just tourism.”
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability was a central theme, with exhibitors presenting innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints. Aaron Morris from Gas Networks Ireland showcased decarbonisation projects with The Hole in the Wall pub, BuJo Burgers, and Rochestown Park Hotel, helping businesses save energy costs and reduce emissions by hundreds of tonnes annually.
Highlights from the Expo
The food and beverage suppliers hall and the Avonmore Chef Demo Kitchen drew large crowds. Highlights included:
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Shauna Murphy, senior sous chef at Terre Restaurant in Cork, named Young Chef of the Year by Food & Wine(2025)
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Anna Haugh, Myrtle restaurant, London
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Jeeny Maltese, Venezuelan TV chef and ambassador for Irish food and sustainability
Networking was also a key feature, with The Hex Social Zone buzzing with conversations, reunions, and business meetings.
A Bright Future for Irish Hospitality
Hospitality Expo 2026 demonstrated that Ireland has a lot to offer the world – combining innovation, quality, and a friendly “céad míle fáilte”.
Having proudly served Ireland’s hospitality industry for over 44 years, the event will return to the RDS in February 2028.
For more information, visit Hospitality Expo.