Could your Irish hometown be Ireland's Top Foodie Town for 2014? The Restaurants Association of Ireland in conjunction with Admailer.ie (part of An Post, the Irish Postal service) is seeking Ireland’s premier foodie destination! Towns and communities from all over Ireland are being invited to battle it out to be named Ireland’s Top Town for a Foodie Experience. The judges are looking for the towns that actively promote themselves through food festivals, gourmet trails, farmers’ markets and great dining experiences.
 
Communities across the country are being urged to get together with local businesses, foodie groups, town councils, the Chambers of Commerce and other working groups, to submit their applications and promote their area to both local people and visitors.
 
The Prize!

The winning town will be crowned ‘Ireland's Foodie Town 2014’ and will receive a prize package worth €5,000 ($7000) combining an Admailer.ie postcard marketing package and mentorship from senior An Post marketing executives to help raise the profile of the town.

Nine runners up will each receive an Admailer.ie prize package to value of €500 each.
 
Deadline for Applications is Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

Ten chosen finalist towns will then receive a visit by the judges, who are comprised of Independent Assessors, a representative from the Restaurants' Association of Ireland & a representative from An Post.
 
A national public voting campaign will also be held with each of the ten finalists canvassing the country to vote for them.
 
The Judging Process will be in two stages:

Stage One

Complete & submit an application form online or download and email your application form
There are seven areas of criteria to be judged on, each carrying a weighing percentage to total 100%.

The application must be submitted by a minimum 3 businesses/working groups together.

Deadline for Applications is Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

All applications will be reviewed and a shortlist of 10 finalist destinations will be announced.
 
Stage Two

The 10 finalists will be subject to a pre-arranged visit to the town by the judges comprising of Independent Assessors, a representative from the Restaurants Association of Ireland & a representative from An Post.

A national public voting campaign will also be held with each of the ten finalists canvassing the country to vote for them.

The final decision will be made by combining the judges’ votes with the public vote that carry equal weight – both components account for 50% of the overall mark a town receives.
 
To enter your Irish town go to www.Foodietowns.ie. The winner of ‘Ireland's Foodie Town 2014’ will be announced on June 9 at the finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards.
 
For more from Zack see www.IrishFoodGuide.ie.