Two Co Kilkenny restaurants, Lady Helen at the Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, and Campagne in Kilkenny city have been awarded coveted stars for the first time by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Campagne, described as "a contemporary restaurant", is located at Gashouse Lane in the heart of Kilkenny. Opened in 2008, it is run by Garrett Byrne and Brid Hannon and serves modern French food using local and Irish produce.
The Lady Helen, which already boasts three AA rosettes, won the 'Best Hotel Restaurant' in the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards earlier this year. The restaurant enjoys panoramic views over the Mount Juliet Estate and the River Nore and is under the guidance of executive chef Cormac Rowe.
Chairman of Kilkenny Tourism, Colin Ahern, said the Michelin awards confirmed Kilkenny's reputation for " top class artisan food producers" and as "one of the top food destinations not just in Ireland, but in the world."
For an area with a population of 100,000 to get two Michelin stars must be unique, said Mr Ahern.
The two are among nine Irish restaurants included in the 2014 edition of the guide. Just one - Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud - merited a two star designation.
In addition to the two premises in Kilkenny, the restaurants awarded one star are Thornton's at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Chapter One in Parnell Square, L'Ecrivain in Dublin 2 and bon appétit in Malahide. The Aniar House restaurant in Galway and the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford also retained their Michelin stars.
However, Locks Brasserie in Portobello, Dublin was stripped of its single star. The restaurant on the banks of the Grand Canal was awarded a star for the first time last year.
Michelin also awards ‘Bib Gourmands’ to restaurants offering good cuisine at a reasonable price.
A total of 11 restaurants in Ireland appear in its Bib Gourmands section. Four are in the capital: The Pig’s Ear, Pichet, Downstairs and Brasserie at Bon Appétit.
The remainder are Deasy's in Co Cork; Sha Roe Bistro, Co Carlow; Chart House, Co Kerry; Courthouse, Co Monaghan; Aldridge Lodge, Co Wexford; Fishy Fishy Cafe, Co Cork and the Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare.
