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.

Voting is now OPEN! Rally your community and share this link to show your support and vote for your chosen Northern Ireland champions.

Voting will run for the next six weeks and will close at midnight on Sunday 15 March. Alongside public voting, our judging panel will also weigh in, based on finalist responses.

The Northern Ireland winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in April, and will then go on to represent Northern Ireland at the national Champions’ Reception at the House of Lords 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 Store Seskinore, Co. Tyrone