Two Irish restaurants earn first Michelin stars at Dublin ceremony
Housed within two original carriages from the Orient Express, the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey offers an exciting dining experience.
Dublin restaurant Forest Avenue and Galway dining destination The Pullman have both been awarded their first Michelin stars, as the unveiled its 2026 selection in Dublin.
The awards were announced during the annual Ceremony, held at the Convention Centre Dublin on Monday night, marking the first time since the guide began in 1974 that the event has taken place in Ireland.
In Dublin, Forest Avenue was promoted to Michelin star level in recognition of chef John Wyer’s cooking, which the guide praises for its pared-back approach that allows high-quality ingredients to shine.
The Dublin 4 restaurant has steadily built a strong reputation and now joins the list of Ireland’s starred establishments.
In Galway, The Pullman also received its first Michelin star. Owned by John Lally and family and overseen by chef Angelo Vagiotis — former chef de cuisine in Terre in Castlemartyr in Cork — the restaurant is located in two original Orient Express train carriages on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel.
Michelin inspectors highlighted the cooking for showcasing “excellent Irish produce” in a distinctive and luxurious setting.
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The awards formed part of the selection, which features 1,210 restaurants in total, including 192 with one Michelin star.
While the guide spans Britain and Ireland, the Dublin ceremony placed a particular spotlight on Irish hospitality, with the capital also recording several new Bib Gourmand awards earlier this month.
Another notable Irish success on the night came from Kinsale, Co Cork, where Barbara Nealon of Saint Francis Provisions received the Michelin Service Award.
The award recognises front-of-house professionals who demonstrate exceptional service and professionalism.
Ms Nealon was praised by Michelin for her relaxed and personal approach, which has helped make Saint Francis Provisions a standout on the Cork dining scene.
When asked previously about the secret to great service, she joked that it came down to “liking your customers”.
International director of the Michelin Guides, Gwendal Poullennec, said the 2026 selection reflected the resilience of the restaurant industry during a challenging year.
“I am delighted that this has been yet another excellent year for our Great Britain & Ireland Guide,” he said. “In a year filled with challenges and turbulence in the industry, chefs and restaurateurs have once again shown their admirable resilience and innovation.”
He added that the number of new additions to the guide this year was a reflection of that commitment, with Irish restaurants continuing to play a growing role on the international culinary stage.
The is available via the Michelin Guide website and app.
