The wait is over — we’re proud to reveal the Northern Ireland finalists for the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards. Each business named here stood out for the quality of their nomination and the impact they make in their local area, earning them a place on this year’s shortlist.

Those selected will soon receive information on what happens next, including how the public vote will run and ways to rally your customers and supporters to get involved.

More regional shortlists will follow later this month and into February before voting opens. In the spring, regional winners will be announced and invited to a reception in Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland, before all champions are brought together for a prestigious Westminster reception in July, where the UK winners in each category will be crowned and presented with the coveted ‘Rural Oscar’.

FINALISTS

Butcher

• Cleaver and Steel Butchery, Co. Antrim
• Corries Meats Ltd, Co. Down
• Graham Family Butchers, Co. Fermanagh
• Millar Meats, Co. Fermanagh
• Millikens Farm Butchers, Co. Down
  

Local Food / Drink

• Ballylagan Organic Farm, Co. Antrim
• Heaney Brewery, Co. Londonderry
• Irvines Steakhouse and Bar, Co. Fermanagh
• Millbank Farm Shop, Co. Down
  
• Sally McNally's, Co. Armagh
  

Pub

• Highway Inn, Co. Antrim
• The Dufferin Arms, Co. Down
• The Halfway House Country Pub, Co. Antrim
• The Happy Landing, Co. Londonderry
• The Poachers Pocket, Co. Down

Rural Enterprise

• Ballydougherty Ice Cream, Co. Down
• Hillstown Farm Shop, Co. Antrim
• Long Meadow Cider, Co. Armagh
• Macha’s Orchard, Co. Armagh
• Maydown Farm Shop, Co. Londonderry

Village Shop / Post Office

• Caldwell's Spar Islandmagee, Co. Antrim
• Sam's Nearby Laurelvale, Co. Armagh
• Spar Parkgate, Co. Antrim
• The Village Shop Ederney, Co. Fermanagh
• The Village Store Seskinore, Co. Tyrone